Papa Tangaroa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again, switching over for those who think in feet and miles.

We’ve got a serious run of swell energy coming through over the next couple of weeks at Papa Tangaroa, but it’s going to be a game of patience waiting for the wind to play ball. The sheer volume of water moving in is huge most days, but the early part of the period is a write-off thanks to fresh, lumpy cross-shore breezes. The standout window kicks off later, and it’s worth the wait.

Right now, Tuesday the 21st is a no-go. You’ve got a solid 3ft SW groundswell with a very long period of 24 seconds – that means proper energy, but a 19 mph cross-shore wind is just chopping it up. Wednesday the 22nd brings a jump in size to 10ft from the WSW but that tricky cross-shore wind is still messing with the surface. Thursday and Friday see the swell pumping over 13ft, but the wind is a mess – fresh and lumpy, with combined energy reading over 10,000 on Friday the 24th. That’s an absolute mountain of water, but it’s all blown out. Too big for most anyway.

Look, the real highlight is the tail end of the first week and into the second. Saturday morning the 26th at 12ft from the SW, with light southerly winds shifting offshore by Sunday the 27th. That Monday morning the 27th is the first real standout: 7ft SSW swell, period still a juicy 12 seconds, and we’ve got a gentle offshore breeze from the north. Clean lines, solid grunt, and this reef set-up loves a south swell. It’s a premium window for experienced chargers.

But if we’re picking the absolute best on offer, circle Thursday morning the 30th. Glassy conditions, zero wind, and a clean 6ft WSW groundswell with a 13-second period. Combined energy is moderate but with that period and glass, the waves will be groomed and powerful. For a reef break like this, that’s heaven. It’s not huge, which keeps it manageable, but it’s going to be a beautiful session. Remember, this is an advanced spot and it’s a reef, so give it respect.

Further out, into the first week of August, we see more large swells and clean windows of offshore wind. The 4th of August Tuesday afternoon looks promising with a 13ft WSW swell and a strong offshore breeze from the NW, giving clean conditions despite the size. That’s expert territory only. The 1st of August also gets a nod with a smaller 5ft SW swell and a fresh offshore from the north-northwest.

Water temp is sitting around 70°F, which is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

Overall, the first few days are a frustrating mix of big swell and nasty wind. But from the 27th onward, the windows open up, and Thursday the 30th is your golden ticket. Keep your eyes peeled for the 4th of August too, if you’ve got the skill for it.

Rusty.

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