Waimarama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again, with the same story in feet and Fahrenheit.

We're looking at a 16-day window for Waimarama, and while there's a bit of a slow start, things get interesting, especially for the experienced crew. The water is sitting at 54° here, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so don't forget the extra rubber.

The first real chance to paddle out kicks off on Thursday, August 6th in the afternoon. It's a bit of a struggle, though. We've got a 7ft swell from the SSE, but it's a short period swell (10 seconds) and the wind is side-offshore from the SSW. The combined energy is strong (1774), but conditions are marginal. It's worth a look if you're desperate, but don't expect perfection.

Friday, August 7th morning shapes up better. The swell drops to 5ft from the S, but the period jumps to a very long 16 seconds. That's proper groundswell energy. The wind is light from the WNW, making for clean conditions. The combined energy is still strong (1697). This is a standout for experienced surfers, but remember, a long period swell like this can break a bit straight at the beach, so look for the banks. Friday afternoon sees a jump back up to 7ft, but the wind turns onshore, killing the vibe.

Saturday, August 8th morning is another decent option. 6ft from the S with a 12-second period, and light offshore wind from the NW. Combined energy is moderate (963). It's a good, clean, consistent wave for the morning. The afternoon gets smaller and onshore.

We then hit a dry spell. From Sunday the 9th through to the end of the week, the swell drops right off, and the wind is mostly junk. There are a few glassy moments on Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th, but the waves are tiny (3ft) and very ordinary. It's a solid gap of a few days with nothing to write home about.

Now, hold onto your board. The forecast for Monday, August 17th and beyond is for some serious, serious size. We're talking a huge S swell starting to pulse on Monday morning, with an 12ft swell and a 30 km/h cross-shore wind. The combined energy is massive (2868). This swell builds through to Wednesday, August 19th, where we see a monster 18ft swell from the SSE with a 13-second period and clean offshore wind from the SW. The combined energy is off the charts (17814). This is a pure expert-only, massive groundswell event. The best of the best will be on reefs or points, as this long-period swell will be a freight train at the beach. It's a major standout for the truly skilled, but it's a week and a half away, so keep an eye on the charts.

The swell eases through the 20th, but Friday, August 21st morning brings another excellent session. A 6ft swell from the ESE with a 12-second period and glassy, calm winds. The combined energy is strong (1788). This is the most accessible standout for the experienced surfer, with clean, powerful waves.

Rusty.

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