Waihee Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve gotta be straight with you – this outlook for Waihee is a tough one. We’re looking at a long, frustrating stretch of poor surf conditions that runs for nearly two solid weeks, so don’t get your hopes up too early. The first real glimmer of something rideable doesn’t show up until Sunday the 27th of September, and even then it’s marginal at best.

Starting Monday the 14th through to Saturday the 26th of September, it’s a grind. Every session is plagued by cross-onshore winds, mostly from the ENE or NE, with speeds ramping up from 9 mph to 19 mph through the period. The swell sticks below 3 ft for the first few days, then climbs to 6 ft by the 17th and peaks around 7 ft on Wednesday the 23rd. But none of that matters when the wind’s tearing it up. The combined swell energy sits between 93 and 1014, so there’s definitely power in the water – especially mid-week when we hit that 586 and 1014 reading – but it’s all messy, choppy, and lumpy. There’s a stretch of days from the 14th to the 26th where every single report says “poor surf conditions,” and honestly, it’s not worth paddling out.

Now, on Sunday the 27th of September morning, we finally get a sniff of something. The wind drops to a light 6 mph from the NNW, with a cross-on breeze and just small wind ripples. Swell sits at 4 ft from the N with a 10-second period, and the combined energy reads 389. The break’s rating is 4/5, it’s a reef and point setup, and it’s fairly consistent, so when it’s on, it’s good. But this is still marked as “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions,” so don’t expect perfection. The crowds are sometimes an issue here, so you might have company.

Then on Monday the 28th of September morning, it’s back to poor conditions – 2 ft from the NW but with a 16-second period, which is long-period groundswell. Combined energy at 369. That long period means the waves will have plenty of energy and longer gaps between sets, but at a reef and point break like Waihee, it could actually shape up nicely if the wind plays ball. Still, the report says “poor surf conditions,” so it’s a gamble.

Tuesday the 29th of September morning sees a light 3 mph cross-on breeze from the N, with 4 ft from the E at 10 seconds, combined energy 491. Again, marginal. The water temp sits at 80°F with an anomaly of just 0.2°, so it’s bang on average for the time of year – not a factor.

The standout here – if you can call it that – is Sunday the 27th of September. The swell is 4 ft from the N, the wind is light and cross-on, and the combined energy is moderate at 389. For a reef and point break that’s exposed to NNE swell and fairly consistent, it’s the best of a bad bunch. The long-period groundswell on the 28th also has potential if the wind stays light, but it’s a bigger question mark.

Honestly, if you’re a kite surfer, the whole stretch from the 16th to the 24th with 5 ft to 7 ft swell and strong cross-onshore winds might look more interesting than paddle surfing. For us wave riders, it’s a waiting game. The forecasts can change, and it tends not to stay this poor for long, but right now, mark your calendar for the 27th.

Stay patient, Rusty.

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