Papa Tangaroa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, this is Rusty. Let’s break down what’s on the cards for Papa Tangaroa (Tanga-Roa). This is a reef break, and it’s fairly consistent, so there’s always a chance. The water temp is about 70°, which is normal for this time of year, so nothing wild.

The first surfable session is Wednesday afternoon, 22 July, with a 10ft WSW swell riding a very long 18-second period. That’s a serious groundswell, and the combined energy is 5992 (moderate). The wind is cross-off from the NW at 12 mph, keeping things reasonably clean, but the tide might be a factor. This is for experienced surfers only—too big for beginners. Thursday morning, 23 July, has a 10ft swell but the wind is cross at 22 mph and it’s lumpy. Skip it.

The real standout, the one you need to pencil in, is Sunday morning, 26 July. Glassy conditions with a light N breeze at 3 mph, a clean 8ft SW swell at 12 seconds, and moderate wave energy at 2173. The report says excellent conditions for experienced surfers, and I’m buzzing. The glassy wind will make it like a mirror, and the swell has enough size to get you into some good ones. It’s a bit big for learners, but if you’re advanced, this is the session. Sunday afternoon is also clean with cross-off NW wind, but the swell is similar.

After that, Wednesday morning, 29 July, has a clean 5ft SW swell with a light cross-off NE breeze at 6 mph and excellent conditions. That’s a nice size, and crowds are rare, so you might get some solo waves. The period is 13 seconds, so good energy.

Looking ahead, Friday morning, 31 July, is promising with an 12ft SW swell at 13 seconds and clean cross-off WNW wind at 16 mph, but it’s over a week out, so take it easy. The wave energy is strong at 4891. This is a big swell, over 8ft, so experts only, and the reef will handle it well. The long period means powerful sets with long waits.

There are gaps: from 23 July afternoon to 25 July, it’s mostly poor with strong winds. And from 28 July, there’s some chop. The clean windows on 26 July and 29 July are your best bets. The second week has a few possibilities, but they’re less certain with some gusty winds.

The standouts are Sunday morning, 26 July, and Wednesday morning, 29 July. Sunday is the top pick—glassy, clean, and a proper swell. Don’t miss it.

Rusty.

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