Papa Tangaroa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty, your local surf reporter, and I’m looking at the 16-day window for a little spot called Papa Tangaroa.

First up, let’s talk about the water. For this time of year, the water temperature is about average, so nothing to worry about there.

The next week and a half is a bit of a mixed bag. We’ve got some real windows of opportunity, but also some stretches where the wind just wants to mess things up.

The real standout, the one you want to circle on your calendar, is Monday the 13th of July. It’s not the biggest swell, but the conditions are going to be pure magic. We’ve got a clean 6ft of swell from the SSE, with a nice 11-second period, giving it some proper push. But the best part? The wind goes glassy in the morning – dead calm – and then switches to a clean offshore in the afternoon. That’s the kind of day where the reef works perfectly, and the waves will be holding up beautifully. The combined energy is moderate (1273), but it’s the quality that makes it the pick of the first week.

The next little gem is Friday the 17th of July in the morning. Another glassy session, this time with 5ft of swell from the W with a 12-second period. This is a groundswell, and on a reef setup like this, that longer period can mean some really nice, lined-up waves. The energy is moderate (1147), but it’ll feel punchy.

Now, looking further out, we’ve got a big, powerful pulse coming in around Tuesday the 21st of July in the afternoon. This is a beast of a groundswell – 5ft from the SW with a very long 22-second period. The combined energy is strong (2796), and the wind is a gentle offshore cross-off, keeping it clean. This is a serious, powerful swell, and for a reef break, that long period can create some super consistent, long walls. Worth keeping an eye on.

Then, if you’re an expert and you can handle some serious size, Monday the 27th of July is on the radar. We’re looking at a massive 13ft of swell from the SW, with a 16-second period. The energy is exceptional (8264), and the wind is a gentle offshore. This is for experts only – it’s going to be huge, powerful, and not for the faint of heart. The combined energy is off the charts.

There are some gaps in between where the wind is just too strong and cross-shore, especially from the 14th to the 16th, and then again from the 18th to the 20th, where the wind is ripping and making the surf lumpy or choppy. Don’t bother with those days.

So, to boil it down: Monday the 13th for the best all-round conditions and clean, fun waves. Friday the 17th morning for another glassy session. And if you’re looking for a big, powerful groundswell, Tuesday the 21st afternoon is your window. That long-range stuff on the 27th is for the true chargers.

Stay stoked, and pick your windows wisely.

Rusty.

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