Tawharanui Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Tawharanui over the next couple of weeks.

Alright, mate, I’ll be straight with you – the next week and a half is a bit of a write-off. We’ve got a long stretch of weak, small surf and average conditions. The first real glimmer of hope doesn’t come until the 11th of August, so we’re talking about a solid 13-day gap of nothing worth paddling out for. The Tawharanui area is a beach and reef setup, and it’s mostly exposed to the NE, but the swell just isn’t cooperating.

For the first few days, from the 28th of July right through to the 10th of August, it’s all tiny dribble. You’ll see mostly 0.3 ft to 2 ft of swell, mostly from the east or north, with periods all over the shop. The wind is often cross or onshore, and the water temp is sitting about average for the time of year at 58°F. Honestly, the combined energy is laughable – we’re talking numbers like 55 to 24, so it’s weak as a flat day. The 31st of July sees a bump to 3 ft from the north, but with a short period of 6 seconds and a cross-off wind, it’s just poor quality. On the 9th of August, a bit of swell pops up to 4 ft from the NNE, with moderate energy (214 combined), but it’s still a write-off due to the conditions.

Now, the standouts. The only time you want to be looking at this spot is the morning of the 11th of August. That’s the real deal. Swell jumps to 4 ft from the ENE, with a solid 10-second period, delivering moderate energy (279 combined). The wind is offshore from the SSW, blowing at 9 mph, which will keep it glassy and clean. This is a good, solid wave for a surfer who knows what they’re doing. The 12th of August follows up nicely too, with 3 ft from the east, 10-second period, and light offshore winds. It’s consistent, and the reef will handle that longer-period groundswell better than the beach. Keep in mind, the 11th is a Tuesday, so it might be less crowded, but Tawharanui can get a crowd often, so keep an eye out.

For beginners, that 4 ft and 3 ft swell is manageable, but the longer period (10 seconds) means the sets will have a bit more punch and gaps between them. It’s not a day for a learner, but a good intermediate will have a ball. The offshore wind is the key – it’ll make the faces clean as a whistle.

So, to wrap it up: wait it out. The first week and a half is a bust. The 11th and 12th of August are your days. Mark it in the calendar.

Rusty.

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