Tawharanui Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about Tawharanui.

Honestly, mate, it’s a tough stretch ahead. We’re looking at a solid two-week run where the surf just doesn’t want to line up properly. There’s a real gap at the start, with nothing worth paddling out for from now right through until Friday afternoon. From there, we get a few days of small, ordinary waves, but nothing that’ll get the heart racing. After that, another big gap of flat or near-flat conditions sets in from around the 20th of August, lasting several days.

Let’s break it down.

The first sign of life shows up on Friday, 14th August in the afternoon. Tawharanui sees a tiny NNE swell pushing about 2 feet with a 10-second period, and the wind goes glassy. The combined swell energy is only 96, so it’s weak, but it’s the cleanest we’ll see in a while. You could get a few fun little waves on a log, but it’s not going to be pumping.

Saturday, 15th August, the morning has light SSW offshore wind at about 6 mph and a 2-foot NE swell. The combined energy drops to 41, so it’s really weak. The afternoon picks up a bit with a 2-foot E swell at 8 seconds and a moderate 12 mph SW offshore. That offshore wind will clean it right up, and the energy bumps to 65, but it’s still small and ordinary.

The pick of the bunch, if you can call it that, is Sunday, 16th August. Morning brings a 3-foot E swell with a 9-second period, gentle SW offshore wind at 9 mph, and combined energy of 112 (moderate). It’s clean, the swell is slightly bigger, and it’s the best we’ve got. The afternoon holds similar with 3-foot, 9-second E swell and the same offshore breeze, energy at 106. This is about as good as the forecast gets for this stretch.

Monday, 17th August fades again, with 2-foot E swell and strong cross-offshore wind, not worth the effort. Tuesday, 18th August brings back a tiny 2-foot E swell, but it’s clean with light cross-offshore wind and 73 energy. Still very ordinary.

From Wednesday, 19th August onward, it’s a slow death. Swell drops to 2 feet, then 1 foot, then 0.7 feet. There’s some glass and offshore winds in there, but you’re scratching for anything rideable.

Tawharanui is a beach and reef setup, so it needs a decent push of swell to work. The water temp sits at about 58°, which is about average for the time of year.

Honestly mate, if you’re desperate for a paddle, aim for Sunday the 16th. It’s the only day with even a hint of fun, clean surf. Otherwise, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

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