Waihee Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab a coffee, 'cause I've been staring at the charts for Waihee and I gotta be straight with you – it's a weird one. The first week and a bit is a write-off. Seriously, from Monday the 31st of August right through to Monday the 7th of September, it's just no good. We've got a consistent 6ft to 8ft cross-onshore chop from the ENE, and the swell period is short and weak, mostly around 7-8 seconds. The combined energy is moderate, climbing from around 356 to 647, but it’s all just messy. Even when it jumps to a bigger, longer-period groundswell with a 13-second period and big energy (1798) on Saturday the 5th, the wind is still ruining it. It's a full-on blown-out mess. There's a solid window there for the kite crew, if you're into that sort of thing, but for a paddle surfer? It’s a skip.

Right, let's get to the good stuff, because there is a window. The standout is Tuesday the 8th of September. This is the one. Early morning on the 8th, we get a shift – the wind goes offshore from the South, a fresh 19 mph breeze, clean as a whistle. The swell is a solid 10ft from the East with a 10-second period, packing strong energy (1802). Now, that size is expert territory, no question. But when the afternoon rolls around, the wind drops to a gentle 9 mph offshore from the South, the swell settles a bit to 8ft, and the conditions get labelled as excellent for experienced surfers. The period drops a touch to 9 seconds, but the combined energy is still a meaty 1312. If you're an advanced surfer, that afternoon session is the real deal. It’s a reef and point break, so that long period groundswell will actually wrap in and line up beautifully. A few of the locals might be out, so expect some crew in the water.

After that, it’s back to the grind. From Wednesday the 9th through to Tuesday the 15th, it's a long, slow fade. The swell drops back to the 5ft to 6ft range, the cross-onshore wind returns, and the combined energy drops back to low-moderate numbers (322 to 672). There’s a tiny glimmer on Monday the 14th afternoon, with a glassy 6ft ENE swell (energy 370), but it’s so small and inconsistent that calling it a session is a stretch. Basically, don't hold your breath after that one Tuesday.

Water temp is sitting around 80°F, which is exactly average for this time of year, so a spring suit or just boardies is the call.

Alright, that's the bad news, the good news, and the ugly news. Focus on Tuesday the 8th, be an expert, and you'll have a day to remember.

Rusty.

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