Raneika Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking at Raneika Beach.

The first week is a bit of a slow burn, but don’t write it off. We’ve got a solid run of swell building through the second week, and if you’re patient, there’s a real standout window that’ll make the wait worthwhile.

The water is sitting at 55°, which is a touch colder than usual for this time of year – a bit over a degree below average, so you’ll want a decent steamer.

We start off with a little pulse on Sunday the 12th. Morning looks clean with a light offshore breeze, waist-high swell at 4ft from the ESE. The energy is moderate (483), but it’s nothing to get too worked up about. The afternoon turns glassy as the wind goes light onshore, but the tide and conditions get a bit iffy.

Monday the 13th is small and ordinary, with knee-high waves and a light cross-offshore wind in the morning. Not much to shout about there.

Tuesday the 14th is a write-off – strong onshore winds and a messy cross-chop chops things up. The 15th and 16th are small and weak, with the Thursday afternoon storm risk making it a no-go.

Friday the 17th is when things start to wake up. The morning brings a solid 6ft ESE swell with a nice long 15-second period, and light cross-offshore winds. The energy is strong (1308), and the waves will have some real punch. This is the first proper session of the outlook, but it’s still not the main event.

Saturday the 18th sees a bit of a drop-off, with stronger winds in the afternoon ruining the fun.

Now, the standout. Sunday the 19th of July is the one to circle. The morning delivers a chunky 8ft S swell with a very long 20-second period – that’s serious groundswell energy (5850). The wind is light and offshore, making for some clean, powerful lines. This is big, so it’s only for experienced surfers, but if you’ve got the skill, it’s going to be excellent. The afternoon gets even better – glassy conditions, same strong swell, 8ft at 18 seconds. This is the best on offer.

Monday the 20th still has good size (6ft) from the south, but the wind turns cross-shore in the afternoon, so catch it early.

Tuesday the 21st and Wednesday the 22nd keep the swell running, but the wind gets tricky. Wednesday morning, though, look out – a massive 15ft E swell comes through with a 10-second period, and light cross-offshore winds. The energy is huge (4135), but that’s only for the brave and the experts.

Thursday the 23rd has even more size – 16ft from the east, period stretching to 12 seconds, and some of the highest energy of the run (7087). The morning looks clean, with light cross-offshore wind. This is solid, heavy, expert-only territory.

Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th still have plenty of size (13ft and 8ft respectively), but the winds are variable, and the quality drops off a bit. By Sunday the 26th, the swell is fading back to 4ft, and the run is over.

So, to wrap it up: Sunday the 19th is the pick of the bunch. The 20th and 22nd are also strong if you’re an experienced surfer. The first week is mostly small and marginal, so save your energy for that second week window.

Rusty.

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