Tauranga Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but once it kicks in, there are some proper sessions on the cards. The standout is going to be Wednesday afternoon the 8th, followed closely by Friday morning the 10th. The water temp is sitting about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

Tuesday morning (7th) is a bit of a write-off – 7ft of WSW swell at 15 seconds (that’s a long period groundswell) but that stiff southerly cross-off wind at 16 mph is going to chop things up. Combined energy is 1772 (moderate), but the quality just isn’t there. Tuesday afternoon drops to 4ft but the wind is even stronger at 19 mph, still cross-off. Not worth paddling out.

Wednesday morning (8th) we get a light SSE breeze, cross-off, and 4ft of WSW swell at 13 seconds. It’s clean, and the energy is a light 486, so it’s small but rideable for the cruisy surfer. The real gem is Wednesday afternoon (8th) – glassy conditions, light SW wind, and 6ft of WSW swell at 11 seconds. Combined energy is 1010 (moderate). This is proper. For an intermediate surfer, that’s as good as it gets this week. Clean, punchy, and fun.

Thursday (9th) is a step back – morning has 8ft but that southerly is back up at 16 mph, cross-off again, and the energy is high at 2385 but the wind ruins it. The afternoon is smaller at 5ft with a lighter breeze, but still not the cleanest.

Now, Friday morning (10th) is a real highlight. Clear skies, light ESE offshore wind at 3 mph, and 5ft of WSW swell at a very long 16 seconds. Combined energy is 1271 (moderate). That’s groundswell, and it’s going to be clean and lined up. This is for experienced surfers – the period is long enough to make it a bit fat on a beach break, but at Tauranga Bay with that point and beach setup, it’ll be rewarding. Friday afternoon the wind swings onshore, so make the most of the morning.

Saturday morning (11th) keeps it going – east offshore at 6 mph, 5ft of swell at 18 seconds. That’s a very long period groundswell, energy at 1327. It’s clean and powerful. Again, one for the experienced crew. Saturday afternoon the wind turns light cross-shore, so still doable.

Sunday (12th) brings a bit less size – 5ft in the morning with a cross-off breeze, then Sunday afternoon goes glassy again with light ENE wind and 5ft of swell. Both sessions are clean and should be fun for intermediates.

Monday (13th) is smaller – morning has 3ft, afternoon 4ft, both clean with light winds. Not a standout, but a nice recovery day.

Then we hit a rough patch. Tuesday (14th) through to Friday (17th) we see big swell – 7ft up to 16ft – but the wind is all wrong, and the combined energy goes through the roof (up to 10610). This is way too big for most, and the conditions are poor. For those few days late in the week the swell is too big for Tauranga Bay, even if the wind is offshore. Unless you’re an expert hellman, sit this out.

Saturday morning (18th) is a welcome return – 7ft of WSW swell at 11 seconds, light SE offshore wind. Energy is 883. Clean and rideable for the experienced surfer. The afternoon is smaller and gets a bit criss-cross with the wind.

Sunday (19th) is small again – 3ft and less, with light winds. Fine for a longboard or a beginner session.

Monday (20th) offers a nice surprise – 3ft in the morning but with a very long 18-second period, so there’s more push than the height suggests. Energy is 1053. Clean and light offshore wind. Monday afternoon bumps to 4ft at 17 seconds, energy 1468. That’s a sneaky good day for the experienced surfer who knows where to sit.

Tuesday (21st) and Wednesday (22nd) bring another pulse – 10ft of NW/NNW swell at 11-12 seconds, but the wind is cross-off or offshore and clean. The swell is too big for the break again. Just watch from the sand.

So, the best on offer: Wednesday afternoon, July 8th for clean, glassy 6ft WSW swell, and Friday morning, July 10th for that long period 5ft groundswell with glassy offshore winds. Get on it.

Rusty.

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