Tauranga Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab a coffee, and let’s talk Tauranga Bay. Rusty here, and the outlook is a bit of a slow burn, but there’s a day that’s got my attention.

You’re gonna be waiting until Sunday, July 26th, for the first real chance to paddle out. Even then, it’s nothing to write home about. We’re talking small, weak swell, from 1 foot to a little over 3 feet. The water’s sitting at 62°, which is pretty normal for this time of year. Sunday morning has a clean cross-off breeze, but the swell is a short, 7-second period from the northwest, with a combined energy of 175 (moderate). It’s surfable, but it’s a grinder. The afternoon gets a long-period 15-second groundswell from the east-southeast, with offshore wind, but the height drops to just 1 foot. You’ll be on a log, hoping for a set.

From Monday the 27th through Wednesday the 30th, it’s more of the same. Swell stays in that 2 to 3 foot range, with periods around 12 to 14 seconds. The mornings are the best bet, with light offshore breezes keeping the surface clean. The combined energy climbs into the 200s (moderate), so there’s a bit more push, but the height is still tiny. It’s a tough stretch for anyone looking for a real wave.

The standout is a week out, on Thursday, August 6th. The morning session is the one. The wind goes dead calm, glassy as glass, from the south-southwest. There’s a 5 foot swell from the east with a 9-second period, and the combined energy is a solid 630 (strong). That’s a proper pulse. The conditions will be perfect, smooth, and the size is just right for a fun session. For a beginner-friendly spot like Tauranga Bay, this is the best call of the whole 16-day window. It’s clean, it’s got some push, and the winds are dialed in. The 5 foot swell is a good size for most, not too big, not too small.

The Friday, August 7th morning also looks decent, with a 3 foot east-northeast swell at 11 seconds and a light offshore breeze from the south. Clean, but smaller. Before that, the entire first week is a long, slow wait. There’s a big 10 foot pulse on August 1st, but it’s onshore, choppy, and a total mess. That’s a day to leave the surfboard at home and watch the kite surfers do their thing. The swell is too big and the wind is all wrong.

So, bottom line: the first week is a washout for any decent surf. You’ll get a few ankle-snappers if you’re keen. The early morning of Thursday, August 6th is the one to mark on your calendar. It’s a long-range call, so treat it with a bit of caution, but the signs are looking good. Keep your fingers crossed for that one.

Rusty.

Read more