Taapuna Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into it. The ocean’s got some life in it, but this forecast is a bit of a mixed bag, a tale of two halves really. We’ve got a solid stretch of surf coming up, but you gotta be smart about when you paddle out.

We’re starting off at Taapuna. The run from Saturday the 29th through to Monday the 31st has the most size. Saturday morning is looking at a solid 10ft of SSW swell, and it’s clean. Strong breeze mind you, but cross-offshore so it should have some shape to it. That afternoon it pushes up a touch to 12ft, still clean, but the energy is big – we’re talking 7272 on the combined scale, which is strong, very strong. That’s powerful water pushing through the reef. This is expert territory for sure; anything much over 8ft is only for the skilled crew. If you're a beginner, sit this one out.

The window from Thursday the 3rd through Saturday the 5th is the real standout, though. This is where the magic happens. The wind drops right out, going light and offshore. On Thursday the 3rd, we’ve got 7ft to 8ft of SSW swell, with light winds keeping the face glassy. It’s a "clean" forecast and the energy is still solid. Then Friday the 4th is the pick of the lot. The swell holds at a solid 10ft, but the wind turns true offshore, blowing from the NE. This is what Taapuna is all about. Lower period, around 15 seconds, so it will still have some punch. It’s going to be lined up and proper. This is the day to make a plan for.

Saturday the 5th still looks fun, with 7ft of swell and light offshore winds. It’s a bit smaller, but still clean and should offer some great waves for the advanced surfer. The energy drops off a bit after that.

Now, about the water – it’s pretty much where you'd expect it for this time of year. Nothing weird going on with the temperature, so just your usual rashie or spring suit.

There is a bit of a slump mid-week. Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th turn messy. The wind swings onshore, kicking up a stormy chop, even though there’s some size. It’s going to be one of those periods where it’s big, but ugly. Not worth the paddle. The energy gets all jumbled up and it’s just a battle. That setup, with strong cross-onshore winds and a solid reef break, honestly looks more interesting for a kite surfer than for a paddler.

After that, it fades out. The swell drops for the end of the period, going into the second week. There’s some small, cleaner stuff around the 11th and 12th, but it’s not going to be setting the world on fire. More of a longboard or a fun-grovel board kind of weekend.

So, to sum it up: The best surf on offer is without a doubt Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 4th of September. Get on it. The early window over the 29th-31st of August has the size, but it’s a raw, powerful beast. Pick your moments, pick your ability, and enjoy the clean ones.

Rusty.

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