Sponge bay Surf Break

Lat Long: 38.70° S 178.06° E

Sponge bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 5 pm 22 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Sponge bay sea temperature is
12.3°C
1.7° 

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


Sponge bay surf forecast from 22 Aug 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 6PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period, SSE swell with offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Monday 24 Aug, 9PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 14s period, SSE swell with 874 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 24 Aug, 9AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.7m), 9s period with SSE swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Sponge bay this week:

The surf forecast for Sponge bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 9AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.7m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 13s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Sponge bay in the next 16 days are 1.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 9PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.2m 7s period and expected on Saturday (Aug 29) at 6PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 9AM (Mon 24th Aug)2.5ft (0.7m) 9s
Best Surf 6PM (Mon 24th Aug)4.5ft (1.4m) 14s
Most Powerful 9PM (Mon 24th Aug)5ft (1.5m) 14s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Sponge bay over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what Sponge Bay has lined up for us. It’s a beach and reef setup, fairly exposed to the SSE swell, and the water is sitting at 54°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – you’ll feel that difference for sure.

The first real chance for a paddle comes Saturday afternoon, the 22nd of August. We’ve got a tiny 3ft SSE groundswell rolling in with a long 12-second period, and the wind is glassy – dead calm. The energy is moderate (188), but honestly, it’s pretty ordinary. The waves are surfable but nothing to write home about. It’s a start.

Sunday and Monday are a write-off. The 23rd is a mess with strong cross-off winds and tiny waves, and the 24th is only slightly better but still very ordinary. You’re better off waiting.

Tuesday morning, the 25th of August, is where things start to look up. We get a 3ft SSE swell, a solid 13-second period, and a gentle cross-off breeze. The energy is building nicely (347), and the conditions are clean. This is a proper good session for a beginner-friendly spot – clean waves, easy paddling, and no crowds to worry about. Afternoon gets a little cross-shore, so stick to the morning.

Wednesday the 26th has a beautiful 2ft SSE groundswell with a long 16-second period in the afternoon, light cross-off wind, and a good energy reading (290). It’s clean and the waves will have some shape. Thursday the 27th is even better – 3ft SSE swell, 17-second period, light wind, and the energy jumps to 407. That’s a standout morning for sure. Glassy conditions on the Thursday afternoon too.

Friday the 28th has the biggest swell of the first week – 4ft SSE with a 16-second period – but the wind is a bit stronger and the conditions are marginal. Still worth a look if you’re keen, but Thursday is the better bet.

After that, we hit a rough patch. From Saturday the 29th through Monday the 31st, it’s mostly poor surf with cross-off and cross-on winds, and the energy drops right off. There’s a brief window on Saturday afternoon with a 2ft SE swell and offshore wind, but it’s still very ordinary.

Now, looking into the first week of September. Tuesday the 1st is a real highlight. Morning has a 2ft S swell with an incredible 18-second period – that’s very long period groundswell, best for the reef section – and the energy is solid (326). Clean conditions. The afternoon is even better: 2ft SSE, same 18-second period, energy at 428, and light cross-off wind. That’s a quality day, but remember, it’s over a week away, so keep an eye on the forecasts.

Wednesday the 2nd is blown out by strong cross-off winds. Thursday the 3rd is back on – 3ft SSE, 15-second period, glassy conditions in the afternoon. That’s a beauty.

Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th are rough with rain and strong onshore winds. But then Sunday morning, the 6th of September, brings the biggest swell of the whole outlook: 5ft SSE at 11 seconds. The energy is strong (598), and it’s glassy. That’s a proper session, though at 5ft it might be pushing it for beginners – the reef could make it a bit much. The afternoon is clean but a little smaller.

So, if you’re picking your days: Thursday morning, 27th August is the standout of the first week – clean, long-period swell, and light wind. For the second week, Tuesday afternoon, 1st September and Thursday afternoon, 3rd September are the ones to circle. Sunday the 6th has the most size but is for more experienced crew.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Sat afternoon, min 9°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 5-7 Weather Summary

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Thu morning, min 11°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light.

Sat
22
Sunday
23
Monday
24
Tuesday
25
Wednesday
26
Thursday
27
Friday
28
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
3
2
0
0
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
0.8
SSE
12
0.7
SSE
11
0.6
SSE
11
0.4
SE
10
0.3
ESE
13
0.7
SSE
9
0.6
SSE
15
1.4
SSE
15
1
SSE
13
0.9
SSE
12
0.7
SSE
11
0.5
SSE
16
0.7
SSE
15
0.7
SSE
15
0.9
SSE
17
0.9
SSE
16
1
SSE
17
1.1
SSE
16
0.9
SSE
15
0.8
SSE
13
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
156
105
75
33
33
80
186
845
331
213
111
144
231
246
394
441
550
604
353
215
Wind (km/h)
0
N
25
NW
25
NW
20
NNW
15
WNW
10
NW
20
NE
15
NW
15
NW
5
ESE
15
NW
15
NW
10
ENE
10
WNW
10
NW
10
ENE
20
NW
20
NW
20
NNW
15
N
Wind State
glassy
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
off
High Tide
1:14AM1.71m
1:46PM1.73m
2:05AM1.65m
2:36PM1.70m
3:08AM1.63m
3:41PM1.69m
4:20AM1.65m
4:58PM1.73m
5:17AM1.71m
5:51PM1.81m
6:03AM1.79m
6:32PM1.89m
Low Tide
7:17PM0.77m
7:38AM0.75m
8:09PM0.81m
8:27AM0.80m
9:07PM0.83m
9:27AM0.82m
10:10PM0.83m
10:32AM0.78m
11:11PM0.79m
11:26AM0.72m
00:02AM0.73m
12:10PM0.65m
00:46AM0.66m
clear
clear
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
clear
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:43
6:41
6:41
6:39
6:37
6:35
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:36
5:37
5:37
5:38
5:39
5:40
5:40
 mm
Temp °C
16
12
14
15
13
13
14
12
15
16
13
16
16
15
17
17
14
17
18
13
Feels °C
15
7
8
11
8
10
10
8
13
13
10
12
12
12
15
15
11
13
13
10
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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 Sponge bay Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Sponge bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Sponge bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Sponge bay 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 (Sponge bay) 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 Sponge bay 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.

Are you planning a holiday in Gisborne and Mahia? If you are looking for accommodation near Sponge bay, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Gisborne and Mahia, consider staying in Gisborne which is 8 km (5 miles) away.

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