Te Araroa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what’s coming our way for the next couple of weeks. Right now, it’s a bit of a slow start, so don't rush to wax up just yet. We’re looking at a stretch of iffy conditions before things clean up nicely, with a couple of standout windows for those who can pick their moment.

The first few days are pretty disappointing. Tuesday the 7th has some small, choppy, stormy-looking surf with a marginal score. Wednesday the 8th brings a bit more size, around 7ft from the NNW, and cleaner conditions thanks to a cross-offshore breeze, but the quality is still not where we want it.

We finally get a real chance on Thursday morning the 9th at Te Araroa. The wind swings offshore from the SSW, and while the swell drops to 4ft from the ESE with a solid 10-second period, it’s clean and offers the first glimpse of good shape. The water’s sitting at 62°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. The combined energy is moderate (506).

By Saturday the 11th, things start getting serious. The morning is clean with offshore winds and 5ft swell, but the real standout is Saturday afternoon. We’re looking at 10ft of SE swell (period 10 seconds) and strong offshore winds. The energy is pumping at 2786, and this is expert territory. This is the best on offer for the first week – big, clean, and powerful. Sunday the 12th stays solid too, with 7ft in the morning and clean conditions, but nothing tops that Saturday afternoon.

There’s a glassy morning on Monday the 13th with 5ft, and then a lull mid-week. The end of the first week and start of the second sees some strong winds ruining the quality, even when the swell is around.

Looking further out, the second week holds some promise. Wednesday the 15th has a long-period 4ft swell with ESE direction and clean conditions (energy 819), but the winds are strong. Friday the 17th has similar issues with messy winds.

The true second-week standout is the morning of Saturday the 18th. We’ve got 5ft from the ESE with a very long 13-second period, light offshore winds, and very good conditions. The energy is solid at 909. This is a long-range call, so keep an eye on it, but it has the makings of a beautiful morning surf. Sunday the 19th morning looks even better with glassy conditions and a clean, long-period 4ft swell (895 energy). Monday the 20th morning keeps the run going with 4ft and offshore winds.

After that, the forecast gets messy again with building onshore winds and poor quality to close out the period. Get on that Saturday the 18th or Sunday the 19th if you can.

- Rusty

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