Waimarama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s coming up.

First thing you gotta know is that Waimarama (Hawke's Bay) is your only spot on the menu for the next 16 days. It’s a beach and reef setup, pretty exposed to the swell and it’s got that E direction as its optimum. Water temp is sitting around 54°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – you’ll feel that nip on the face if you’re out early.

The beginning of the week is pretty rough. Tuesday the 8th has a 7ft ESE swell but the wind is a cross-off 15-20 km/h, and honestly it’s marginal. Combined energy is moderate (690). Not worth paddling out for. That carries into Wednesday the 9th morning, where it drops to 5ft with a glassy north breeze – that’ll clean it up nicely (energy at 296, moderate). That Wednesday morning is actually your first real look, but the wind shifts onshore in the arvo and kills it.

Thursday the 10th is a write-off. Tiny swell, cross-onshore wind, just forget it.

Friday the 11th morning though, that’s a bit of a surprise. A clean 5ft S swell with a 20 km/h offshore blowing from the SSW. Period is short at 7 seconds so it'll be a bit mushy but the wind is right. Energy’s moderate at 386. Worth a look if you’re keen and you don’t mind the shorter period. Afternoon turns messy again.

Saturday the 12th is tiny with a long period groundswell (16 seconds) but only 2-2ft – that’s a tease. Energy stays moderate (218). Not enough push to get excited about.

Now, Sunday the 13th – this is the standout of the first week. Morning has a solid 6ft S swell, 16-second period, combined energy is pumping at 1639 (moderate to strong). Wind is light WNW, cross-off and clean. This is for experienced surfers – 6ft with that period at Waimarama will be powerful and lined up. The reef sections should handle that long period groundswell really well. If you can handle it, this is the session. Sunday afternoon stays good with 5ft and 15-second period, energy at 1145. Rain showers might spit but it’ll be worth it.

Monday the 14th morning is glassy with a 6ft S swell, 7-second period – clean but short period. Energy’s moderate at 535. Afternoon goes onshore and messy.

Tuesday the 15th morning gives us another glassy window with 4ft S swell, 11-second period, good shape potential. Energy low-moderate (327). Nice little window for a longboard or groveler. Wednesday the 16th is small and not worth the drive.

Then we hit the second week.

Thursday the 17th morning has 6ft from the SSW, but it’s cross-on and the period is only 8 seconds. It’s marginal. But hold onto your hat, because Friday the 18th morning brings a serious swell. 6ft S swell, 13-second period, light WNW cross-off, clean – combined energy is 1240 (strong). This is excellent for experienced surfers. Friday afternoon gets a bit gusty with 30 km/h winds – still clean, but the wind is strong.

Saturday the 19th is the absolute best of the whole 16 days. Morning has 6ft S, 12-second period, light WNW cross-off, energy at 1473 (strong). Then Saturday afternoon fires off with 7ft S, 15-second period, clean offshore from the SW at 15 km/h, and combined energy is 1972 – that’s strong to very strong. This is a beast. Expert surfers only – 7ft with 15 seconds is a lot of water moving fast. Crowds are possible here, but on a day like this, you’ll get the ones who know what they’re doing. The reef will handle it beautifully.

Sunday the 20th drops to 4ft in the morning with gentle offshore – good for a step down. Afternoon gets a fresh 30 km/h cross-off, still clean but blustery.

Monday the 21st is small and cross-shore, nothing special. Tuesday the 22nd is a joke – 1ft with 35 km/h offshore wind? Just wind swell. Wednesday the 23rd brings it back to 5ft S, 11-second period, light cross-off and clean – energy moderate at 581. A solid finisher.

So to sum it up: the clear standout is Saturday the 19th afternoon for the biggest, cleanest, most powerful surf of the window. The runner-up is Sunday the 13th morning. Everything else picks at the edges.

That’s your outlook from me. Keep your eye on that 19th.

Rusty.

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