Taapuna Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a long look at what’s shaping up. We’ve only got one spot on the menu this time, and that’s Taapuna. It’s an advanced reef break, very consistent, and it’s exposed to that SSW swell. The water temp is about what you’d expect for this time of year, no big surprises there.

We’ve got a bit of a flat patch to kick things off, but the first real action shows up on Sunday the 26th. The swell is solid at 8ft out of the SSW, and there’s a lot of energy behind it – you’re looking at a combined energy of 1937 (strong). Problem is, the wind is blowing cross-on from the south at 9 mph, so it’s going to be a bit choppy and messy. Not the best start, but it’s surfable for the experienced crew.

Monday the 27th looks a whole lot cleaner. The swell drops a touch to 5ft to 6ft, still from the SSW, but the wind swings offshore from the northeast. By Monday afternoon we’ve got a moderate offshore breeze at 16 mph, and the forecast is calling for very good conditions. That’s the one to aim for early in the week – clean, lined-up waves with some punch.

Tuesday the 28th sees the swell drop right down to under 3ft, which is pretty weak (combined energy around 517-626). The period gets long on Tuesday afternoon at 16 seconds, but the size just isn’t there to make it worthwhile.

Now, Wednesday the 29th is a proper standout. Morning brings clear skies, light offshore wind from the NNW at 6 mph, and a nice 6ft SW groundswell with a 12-second period. The combined energy is 1090 (moderate to strong), and conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. That’s the pick of the first week.

Thursday the 30th is the absolute jewel, though. Thursday morning is glassy. Glassy. Wind is SSW at just 3 mph, the swell is 6ft from the SW, period 12 seconds, combined energy 1013. That is as clean as it gets. If you’re free, that Thursday morning session is going to be magic.

The end of the week and into the weekend (Friday 31st through Sunday August 2nd) gets blown out. Strong cross-shore winds from the SSE over 19 mph and lumpy, messy conditions. The swell is still there, but it’s not worth paddling out in that. The combined energy looks high (1175 to 1318) but it’s all wind-chop.

Then we hit another quiet stretch. From Monday August 3rd through Wednesday August 5th, the swell is small (2ft to 5ft) and the wind is howling from the east at 22-25 mph. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing.

Things start to look interesting again on Thursday August 6th. The swell picks up to 4ft out of the SW with a 12-second period, and the wind eases off. Thursday afternoon looks very good, with light cross-offshore breeze and clean conditions.

Here’s the long-range standout: Friday August 7th. The swell jumps to 5ft from the SSW with a very long 15-second period. Combined energy is 1695 (strong), wind is a slight offshore breeze from the east at only 3 mph. The forecast says excellent conditions for experienced surfers. That Friday morning is going to be pumping, with long, powerful lines. Just keep in mind this is over a week away, so while it looks promising, it’s not locked in.

Saturday and Sunday the 8th and 9th also have good, clean swell in the 5ft to 7ft range with moderate energy, but the wind is more cross or cross-off, so not as perfect as Friday.

Monday the 10th looks like a write-off with strong rain showers and 25 mph winds again.

So, bottom line: your best bets are Monday afternoon the 27th for a clean session, Wednesday morning the 29th for quality, and the absolute standout is Thursday morning the 30th – glassy, solid swell, perfect. For the second week, pencil in Friday August 7th as the one to watch.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

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