Tawharanui Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Tawharanui.

Honestly, the next week and a half is a bit of a grind. We’ve got a long stretch of tiny, weak energy and poor surf conditions. Swell is mostly sitting at 0.3ft or less for days, with a combined energy barely cracking 20 (18 or so). The water temp is sitting at 58°, which is about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

From Monday 3rd August right through to the end of the weekend on the 10th, it’s pretty much a flat spell. Winds are often offshore or clean, but there’s just no swell to work with. The only time we see a little bump is on Sunday 9th August morning, when the swell jumps to 6ft from the NNW with a short period of 7 seconds and combined energy hitting 295 (moderate). The wind is cross-offshore and clean, but the period is short and the quality is marginal. It’s surfable if you’re desperate, but not a standout.

The real action, and the only true standout in this 16-day window, looks to be setting up for the weekend of the 15th and 16th August. On the morning of Saturday 15th August, we’ve got 6ft from the NE at 8 seconds, with a combined energy of 438 (strong). Wind is cross-offshore from the WNW, keeping things clean. The swell builds to 7ft from the NE by Saturday afternoon, with energy up at 579 (strong). That’s getting into the size where it’s too much for beginners, but for experienced surfers, it’s got some push. The period is still short (8 seconds), so it won’t be the most lined-up wave, but with clean conditions and a decent amount of energy, Tawharanui should be offering up some fun, punchy beach and reef peaks.

Crowds are “often” an issue at Tawharanui, so expect company on those better days. The swell direction from the NE is right on the money for the optimum exposure here, which is a big plus.

Sunday 16th August morning sees the swell peak at 8ft from the NNE, 8 seconds, and energy cranking up to 771 (very strong). That’s expert territory, and with that much power and a short period, it’s going to be a real handful. For the average punter, it’s more of a watch-and-wonder day.

So, here’s the takeaway: the first week is a write-off. The best bet is the Saturday 15th August, with the morning offering the cleanest, most manageable waves. The following week has some pulses, but the winds get strong and the windows are tight. Don’t hold your breath for the first ten days, but that Saturday session is worth circling.

Rusty.

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