Port Waikato-Sunset beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a bit of a slow start, but things pick up later today. The first real action is Saturday afternoon, August 8th, with a small 4ft swell from the WNW, period sitting at 8 seconds. Combined energy is weak (285), so it’s not exactly firing, but with a cross-off breeze and clean conditions, it’s a nice little session to get the stoke back. Water temp is 56°, which is just a touch cooler than usual for this time of year.

Then Sunday, August 9th, is where we see a real pulse. The morning brings a big 10ft NW swell (10 seconds) but cross winds and that size is way too much for Port Waikato-Sunset Beach – honestly, it’s going to be a mess. But Sunday afternoon, the wind drops to glassy, WSW at 3 mph, and the swell drops to 7ft from the NW, still 10 seconds. That’s excellent, clean surf for experienced surfers only. The combined energy is strong (1419), and with glassy conditions, this is a real standout. If you’re advanced, be there.

Monday, August 10th, the swell shifts to a long-period 16 second WSW groundswell, around 3ft to 5ft. The wind is cross-on, though, so it’s a bit bumpy. Combined energy is moderate (957 to 1082). Not the best, but the long period means there’s some shape if you sit deep.

Tuesday, August 11th, is a sweet little window. Morning has some ENE cross-off breeze at 3 mph, and the swell is 4ft from the WSW, 14 seconds. Clean, with combined energy at 767. Then Tuesday afternoon it goes glassy – zero wind – and the same 4ft, 13 second swell. That’s a dreamy session for a beach break, just pure glass. Not huge, but quality.

From Wednesday, August 12th through to Friday, August 14th, the swell drops to 3ft to 4ft, with periods bouncing between 10 and 17 seconds. The wind is mostly cross-off but gets a bit messy on the afternoons. Combined energy is moderate (349 to 1332). The 17 second period on Wednesday morning is interesting, but with only 3ft, it’s going to be slow and weak. Still, it’s clean.

Saturday, August 15th, and Sunday, August 16th, are no-go. Swell jumps to 10ft to 12ft from the WSW, strong wind, cross-on, and combined energy is huge (2585 to 5392). This is for big-wave specialists only, and even then, the wind is blowing it out. Honestly, that setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

The following week, from Monday, August 17th, through to Sunday, August 23rd, the swell stays in the 4ft to 8ft range, mostly from the WSW and SW, with periods hitting 14 to 16 seconds. The wind is mainly cross-off or clean, especially on the mornings. The standout here is Friday, August 21st, morning: 6ft from the WSW, 16 seconds, combined energy 1677, with a light cross-off breeze. That’s clean, long-period groundswell, and it’s going to peel nicely. Another one to pencil in is Saturday, August 22nd, morning: 5ft from the SW, 14 seconds, offshore E wind at 6 mph, clean. Combined energy 831. Not the biggest, but very rideable.

Overall, the best bets are Sunday afternoon, August 9th, for the experienced crew, and Tuesday, August 11th, for the glassy conditions. For the second week, Friday morning, August 21st, is the one to watch – but it’s a long way off, so keep an eye on the forecasts.

Rusty.

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