Waimarama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks at Waimarama.

Right off the bat, the start is a bit flat and average. Monday morning (13 July) kicks things off with small 3ft swell from the ESE, but the wind is a clean cross-off and the combined energy is weak (199). The water is 55°, which is a bit colder than usual for this time of year — you’ll want a thicker suit. Monday afternoon dies right off. Tuesday and Wednesday have tiny waves and poor conditions, so not worth paddling out.

There’s a bit of a lull until Thursday afternoon (16 July) when a longer period ESE swell (16 seconds) bumps the energy up to moderate (368), but with strong cross-off wind, it stays marginal. Nothing to get excited about.

But then… Friday 17 July. That’s the standout. Friday morning pulls in a clean 5ft swell from the ESE with a long 16-second period — proper groundswell. The wind is offshore from the SSW, and the combined energy is strong (1129). Conditions are looking very good, and it’s set up for experienced surfers. Friday afternoon gets even bigger: 10ft from the south, though period drops to 10 seconds. That size is for experts only - energy is off the charts at 2997. If you know what you’re doing, this is your window.

Saturday morning (18 July) hangs in there with a 5ft ESE swell, long period (14 seconds), light cross-off wind, and clean conditions. Combined energy is still strong (1363). This is solid, quality surf for experienced crew. Saturday afternoon goes onshore, so get in early.

Sunday (19 July) drops back a touch, with 4ft ESE swell, clean offshore wind, but energy is moderate. Still surfable but nothing compared to Friday and Saturday.

Monday 20 July morning is another big one: 7ft from the south, 13-second period, offshore wind, and very strong energy (3161). That’s expert territory again. Conditions are excellent, but you need to be on your game.

Tuesday 21 July morning keeps the quality up: 6ft south swell, very long 16-second period, offshore breeze, and strong energy (1899). This is prime for the reefs and points around here, as a long-period groundswell like this can get a bit straight at beach breaks. Still, it’s clean and powerful.

From Wednesday 22 July through to the end of the month, the swell drops steadily. Wednesday and Thursday mornings offer clean 5ft swells with offshore or cross-off winds, but energy drops to moderate (693–797). Good for a session, but not a standout. By Friday (24 July) it’s back to 3ft and ordinary. The last few days of the window are small, with weak energy and onshore winds — not worth the drive.

Best bets in the window:
- Friday 17 July morning (5ft ESE, 16 sec, offshore) – clean, powerful, and the start of the proper swell.
- Saturday 18 July morning (5ft ESE, 14 sec, light cross-off) – still clean and strong.
- Monday 20 July morning (7ft S, 13 sec, offshore) – big and clean, only for experts.

Waimarama is a beach and reef setup, consistent, and fairly exposed to the east, so it picks up these ESE and south swells well. Crowds can be around sometimes, especially when it’s this good. For the big days, give it plenty of respect — 8ft-plus is not for beginners.

Rusty.

Read more