Raglan-Manu Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here.

Looks like Manu Bay (Raglan) is the only spot worth talking about for the next couple of weeks, but it’s not exactly pumping from the start. We’ve got a bit of a wait before the real quality shows up. The water temp is sitting about average for this time of year, so nothing too wild there.

Saturday the 22nd kicks off small and messy – 3ft swell from the WSW with a moderate cross-onshore breeze, so you’re better off sitting this one out. Sunday the 23rd picks up to 8ft but it’s onshore, choppy, and the period is short at 8 seconds – not worth the paddle. The real action starts Monday the 24th with a solid 12ft groundswell from the WSW, period around 15 seconds, and moderate cross-shore winds. The energy is massive (5752), but it’s still a bit lumpy and only for the experienced crew – that’s a lot of water moving around. Tuesday the 25th is similar size but cross-onshore, so it’s messy again.

There’s a real standout on Thursday the 27th morning – glassy conditions, 6ft swell from the WSW with a 13-second period, and the energy is moderate (998). It’s clean, lined up, and that’s your best bet of the first week. The point will be peeling nicely, but watch for crowds because it does get busy at times. Friday the 28th morning is also glassy but smaller at 3ft.

After a few days of average conditions, Sunday the 30th morning brings a proper pulse – 10ft from the WNW with a very long 17-second period, light cross-onshore winds, and energy through the roof (5996). That’s a big, deep groundswell – perfect for the point, but it’s going to be pumping and only for the experienced. The long period might make it a bit too lined up for some, but Manu Bay handles it well.

Then we’ve got a big week coming up. Monday the 31st and Tuesday the 1st of September both hold 10ft to 12ft swells from the WSW, but with cross-shore winds and moderate chop. Not the cleanest, but still plenty of power. Wednesday the 2nd of September gets messy with 12ft to 13ft onshore – that’s a kite-surfing day if you’re into that.

The real gem in the second week is Friday the 4th of September morning – glassy, 5ft swell from the WSW with a 14-second period, and the energy is still solid (1404). That’s clean, offshore breeze, and the point will be a dream. The crowds will be there, but it’s worth it. Saturday the 5th of September morning is also decent with 7ft and light winds, but it’s a bit more onshore.

The standout of the whole outlook is Thursday the 27th August morning – glassy, clean, moderate swell, and that’s the one to circle. The second-best is Friday the 4th of September morning – also glassy and clean, but a bit further out so keep an eye on the forecast.

Rusty.

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