Rolling Stones Surf Break

Lat Long: 39.07° S 177.83° E

Rolling Stones Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 11 am 22 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Rolling Stones sea temperature is
12.1° C
1.6° 

Rolling Stones surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Rolling Stones surf forecast from 22 Aug 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 9AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 9s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Monday 24 Aug, 9PM (local time) - 8ft (2.4m), 15s period, S swell with 2,615 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 22 Aug, 6PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 11s period with S swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Rolling Stones this week:

The surf forecast for Rolling Stones over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 22) at 6PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.1m and 11s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 13s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Rolling Stones in the next 16 days are 2.4m 15s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 9PM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 4s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 23) at 6PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 6PM (Sat 22nd Aug)3.5ft (1.1m) 11s
Best Surf 9AM (Mon 24th Aug)8ft (2.5m) 9s
Most Powerful 9PM (Mon 24th Aug)8ft (2.4m) 15s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Rolling Stones over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of surf lined up over the next couple of weeks at Rolling Stones, a powerful reef break that demands respect. The water’s sitting at 54°, which is noticeably colder than usual for this time of year – a bit of a shock to the system, so don’t forget the extra rubber. The energy early on is moderate, but it really cranks up later.

It all kicks off this Saturday morning, 22 August. The swell is a clean 4ft from the south with a nice 12-second period, and the wind is light offshore from the northwest. Combined energy is a moderate 496 – feeling solid, with clean lines. Saturday arvo goes glassy, with the swell dropping slightly to 4ft, but those silky conditions will make for some memorable rides. This is good, fun surfing.

Sunday morning, 23 August, gets a bit messy. The swell drops to 2ft and while the wind is still offshore from the northwest at 16 mph, the energy is weak at 138. Arvo is even smaller and less exciting.

Now, here’s a standout: Monday morning, 24 August. The swell pulses up to 8ft from the south-southwest, period 9 seconds, and the energy jumps to a strong 1457. Wind is light cross-offshore from the west. This is powerful, ground-style swell – but at this size, it’s for experienced surfers only. The afternoon sees a 7ft south swell with a very long 14-second period and a huge energy of 2049. The wind shifts cross-shore, so there’ll be some texture, but the raw power is undeniable. This is the peak of the run.

Tuesday, 25 August, eases back nicely. Morning has 5ft south swell, 12 seconds, light cross-off wind, and clean conditions. Tuesday arvo goes glassy with 4ft – a perfect session for those wanting to step down from the morning’s energy.

Wednesday, 26 August, is smaller but still fun. A 2ft swell from the south with a very long 17-second period and cross-off wind in the morning. The period is so long that the sets will be far apart, but the shape at this reef will be excellent. Energy is moderate at 442. Arvo goes glassy with a 3ft, 16-second swell – clean and drawn-out.

Another big moment: Thursday morning, 27 August. A solid 6ft south swell, 16-second period, and a light offshore from the north-northwest. Energy hits a very strong 1684. This is a serious groundswell, and for advanced surfers it will be firing. The afternoon gets cross-onshore and a bit bumpy, so aim for the morning.

Friday, 28 August, holds a clean 4ft south swell in the morning with offshore wind, energy at 1017 – still plenty of power. Arvo sees 5ft with a 13-second period and cross-off wind, with a solid energy of 733. Both sessions are very good.

Saturday, 29 August, the swell drops to 4ft in the morning, but wind is strong offshore from the north at 12 mph. A bit choppy, but clean faces. Arvo is poor and smaller.

Sunday, 30 August, has minimal energy – 2ft or less and weak. The run goes quiet.

Monday, 31 August, brings onshore wind and rain. The swell climbs to 4ft with a very long 17-second period, but the cross-onshore wind and choppy conditions make it a write-off.

Now, look ahead: Tuesday morning, 1 September. A new pulse arrives with 5ft from the south, a very long 16-second period, and a strong offshore wind from the northwest at 12 mph. Energy is very strong at 1393. The discipline required is high, but it’s another serious session for those who know what they’re doing.

Wednesday, 2 September, fades with cross-shore winds and a lumpy surface. Thursday, 3 September, looks glassy in the morning with 3ft from the south, 13-second period, and calm wind – a quiet, clean opportunity. Friday, 4 September, has 5ft from the south but only a 9-second period, which is choppier and less appealing.

The final days, 5 and 6 September, taper off into small, weak surf or rain and onshore wind. There’s a solid 5-6 day stretch of quality waves from Saturday 22 August through Wednesday 27 August, with the absolute standout being Monday morning 24 August for power, and Thursday morning 27 August for groundswell perfection.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Sat afternoon, min 9°C on Sun night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the NW on Sun morning, calm by Mon morning).

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Wed afternoon, min 11°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light.

Saturday
22
Sunday
23
Monday
24
Tuesday
25
Wednesday
26
Thursday
27
Friday
28
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
2
2
0
1
0
0
4
3
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
2
4
3
3
2
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
1.3
S
12
1.1
S
12
0.9
S
11
0.7
S
10
0.4
SE
13
0.4
SE
13
2.5
SSW
9
2.2
S
14
2.1
S
14
1.4
S
12
1.2
S
12
1
S
11
0.7
S
17
0.8
S
16
1
S
17
1.8
S
16
1.7
S
15
1.7
S
17
1
S
16
1.5
S
13
1.3
S
12
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
472
319
189
104
50
43
975
2004
1809
603
403
231
293
330
579
1672
1314
1663
521
712
485
Wind (km/h)
10
NW
5
N
25
WNW
25
NW
25
NW
20
WNW
10
W
15
ENE
10
NW
10
NW
5
NE
15
WNW
10
WNW
5
SSW
5
NNW
5
NNW
10
ESE
10
N
10
NW
10
N
15
N
Wind State
off
glassy
cross-off
off
off
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross-off
cross-off
glassy
cross-off
cross-off
glassy
off
off
cross-on
off
off
cross-off
off
High Tide
1:06PM1.58m
1:22AM1.51m
1:56PM1.54m
2:10AM1.45m
2:43PM1.52m
2:58AM1.40m
3:28PM1.49m
3:46AM1.38m
4:13PM1.49m
4:33AM1.38m
4:59PM1.50m
5:22AM1.41m
5:47PM1.53m
Low Tide
7:20PM0.47m
7:35AM0.46m
8:10PM0.48m
8:23AM0.46m
8:57PM0.47m
9:11AM0.44m
9:43PM0.43m
10:00AM0.41m
10:29PM0.39m
10:48AM0.36m
11:15PM0.34m
11:32AM0.32m
00:03AM0.30m
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:46
6:45
6:43
6:41
6:41
6:39
6:37
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:37
5:37
5:37
5:38
5:39
5:40
5:42
 mm
Temp °C
14
16
12
15
15
12
13
14
12
16
17
13
17
19
15
18
18
15
19
21
13
Feels °C
12
14
8
9
10
7
11
10
9
14
15
10
14
17
13
17
15
12
16
18
10
  • Map Icons:
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  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Rolling Stones Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Rolling Stones provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Rolling Stones can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Rolling Stones surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Rolling Stones) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).

Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Rolling Stones may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.

Rolling Stones is 48 km (30 miles) from the city of Gisborne. If you plan a holiday in Gisborne and Mahia, look for hotels and other accommodation in Gisborne. Gisborne has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.

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