Surf Forecasts:
Sponge bay surf forecast from 6 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 13 Sep, 12PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SSE swell with cross-onshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 13 Sep, 12PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SSE swell with 5,451 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 7 Sep, 3AM (local time) - 1ft (0.3m), 17s 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 (Sep 07) at 3AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.3m and 17s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 11s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Sponge bay in the next 16 days are 3.0m 17s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Sep 13) at 12PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.4m 3s period and expected on Thursday (Sep 10) at 6AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 3AM (Mon 7th Sep) | 1ft (0.3m) 17s |
| Best Surf | 12PM (Sun 13th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
| Most Powerful | 12PM (Sun 13th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Sponge bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Right then, folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards for Sponge Bay over the next couple of weeks.
First thing you need to know: the next ten days or so are a real write-off. We're looking at a long, flat spell with basically nothing worth paddling out for. The swell that does show is tiny, weak, and often messy. The water temp is sitting at 56°, which is about average for this time of year, so at least you won't get a surprise chill.
The only real standout in this whole forecast window lands on the morning of Sunday, the 13th of September. Now, this is a big one. The swell is predicted to be a solid 8ft from the SSE, with a very long period of 15 seconds, giving it a massive energy reading of 2734. This is a deep, powerful groundswell. The wind is a moderate cross-shore, so it won't be glassy, but it's manageable. The caveat here is that period is so long, it might make the waves break a bit too straight for a beach setup, but for a beach and reef like Sponge Bay, it could still offer some proper, chunky walls. However, this is for experienced surfers only; it's pushing into the too-big-for-beginners territory.
The next day, Monday the 14th of September, offers a chance for the crew with a bit of experience. The afternoon sees a 7ft SSE swell, again with a long period of 13 seconds and a whopping 1657 energy. The wind goes glassy, which is a massive positive. The comment says it's excellent for experienced surfers, so if you're confident and have the right board, this could be the cleanest session of the run. The swell might still be a bit much for the average punter.
After that, the energy drops right off. The rest of the second week is a mix of small, weak swells and poor conditions. The wind is often strong or cross-onshore, creating lumpy, messy surf. There's a brief moment of glassy conditions on the morning of Wednesday the 9th, but with a tiny 4ft swell and a short period of 7 seconds, it's not going to offer much.
So, to sum it up: the best bet is the afternoon of Monday the 14th of September for the experienced crew, with that glassy, powerful swell. The morning of Sunday the 13th is also a big call, but the wind is a bit more tricky. The rest of the time, save your energy and wait for the next proper swell.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 3mm), mostly falling on Mon afternoon. Very mild (max 17°C on Sun morning, min 7°C on Tue night). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Thu afternoon. Very mild (max 15°C on Thu afternoon, min 8°C on Thu night). Winds increasing (calm on Wed morning, fresh winds from the SW by Thu night). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 6 | Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | Thursday 10 | Friday 11 | Saturday 12 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 11 | SSE 18 | SSE 17 | SSE 16 | SSE 11 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SE 8 | SSE 8 | SE 7 | SE 8 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SSE 16 | SSW 6 | SSE 18 | SSE 18 | SSE 17 | SSW 8 | SSW 8 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 57 | 62 | 96 | 26 | 23 | 222 | 237 | 145 | 257 | 156 | 125 | 77 | 48 | 31 | 47 | 235 | 113 | 107 | 97 | 250 | 679 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | glassy | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross |
High Tide | 12:49PM1.88m | 1:09AM1.78m | 1:45PM1.84m | 2:13AM1.74m | 2:51PM1.83m | 3:33AM1.75m | 4:11PM1.86m | 4:48AM1.81m | 5:18PM1.94m | 5:44AM1.88m | 6:09PM2.01m | 6:33AM1.95m | 6:53PM2.05m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 7:03PM0.63m | 7:32AM0.54m | 8:06PM0.66m | 8:34AM0.56m | 9:17PM0.66m | 9:47AM0.55m | 10:31PM0.62m | 10:55AM0.51m | 11:34PM0.55m | 11:50AM0.46m | 00:26AM0.48m | 12:37PM0.42m | 1:10AM0.44m | ||||||||
 |  |  | |  |  | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | |  | | |
 | 6:22 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:15 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — |
 | — | 5:49 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:51 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:54 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 |
Feels °C | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 1 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 11 | SSE 9 | SSE 17 | SSE 12 | NE 5 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SE 8 | SSE 8 | SE 7 | SE 8 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | S 6 | SSE 6 | SSE 7 | SSE 8 | S 8 | SSE 8 |
| kJ | 57 | 16 | 96 | 14 | 4 | 222 | 237 | 145 | 257 | 156 | 125 | 77 | 48 | 31 | 12 | 95 | 88 | 61 | 94 | 98 | 232 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 18 | SSE 18 | E 10 | SSE 16 | SSE 11 | ENE 5 | NE 6 | S 14 | E 17 | E 15 | NE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | SSE 16 | SSE 15 | SSE 18 | SSE 18 | SSE 17 | SSE 15 | SSE 16 |
| kJ | 7 | 62 | 2 | 26 | 23 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 47 | 43 | 113 | 107 | 97 | 74 | 283 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | S 11 | NE 10 | NE 5 | S 16 | S 15 | S 14 | E 16 | E 15 | S 21 | E 15 | E 14 | E 14 | E 14 | ENE 8 | SSE 20 | SSE 14 | E 8 | E 13 | E 13 | E 13 |
| kJ | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 20 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 37 | 40 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | NNE 4 | — | WSW 4 | SW 7 | S 7 | SSW 7 | — | — | — | — | — | S 3 | SSW 6 | — | — | — | SSW 8 | SSW 8 |
| kJ | — | — | — | 1 | — | 25 | 105 | 89 | 240 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 235 | — | — | — | 250 | 679 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 42 | 10 | 68 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 68 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 378 | 110 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Gisborne and Mahia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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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