Waimea Rivermouth Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s coming at Waimea Rivermouth.

We’re starting off slow, but the first real surf shows up Tuesday afternoon, August 25th, with a clean 7ft east swell rolling in. Water temp is 81°, right on average for the season. The cross-off wind from the east at 9 mph is keeping the surface glassy, and the combined energy is 657 (moderate). It’s a fairly consistent spot, and while the swell direction isn’t a perfect match for the optimum southerly, it’s still usable and clean for a beginner-friendly wave.

Wednesday morning, August 26th, drops to 2ft, but that’s a long-period 14-second SSW groundswell. Energy is 608 (moderate), and the light cross-off wind keeps it clean. The afternoon holds at 2ft with an 18-second south swell—that’s proper groundswell. Energy is 692 (moderate), and the light breeze makes for some really nice lines. This is a strong early highlight.

Thursday, August 27th, stays consistent with 3ft south swell, 17-second period, and light cross-off winds all day. Energy stays in the 600s (moderate). Friday, August 28th, drops slightly to 3ft–3ft, with periods of 14–15 seconds and energy at 395–452 (moderate). Still clean, but the magic is fading.

Saturday, August 29th, and Sunday, August 30th, bring a shift to a shorter-period east swell, 5ft–6ft, with a period of just 6–7 seconds. That’s wind swell, and while the energy is moderate (357–472), the waves will be a bit crumbly.

Monday, August 31st, is a dud—morning has 5ft east swell with cross-shore wind and marginal conditions, and the afternoon drops to 2ft. Not much to work with.

Tuesday, September 1st, is the big turnaround. Morning is glassy with a 2ft, 18-second south swell—clean, long-period lines. Energy is 283 (moderate). The afternoon is the real standout: 5ft east swell, 8-second period, and glassy conditions. Light breeze, flat water, and energy jumps to 539 (moderate). This is the session to aim for—crowds will be there, so get in early.

Wednesday, September 2nd, has a bit of cross-shore chop in the morning, but the afternoon cleans up with a 2ft, 16-second south swell and light cross-off wind. Energy is 312 (moderate).

Thursday, September 3rd, and Friday, September 4th, are solid. 6ft–6ft east swell, 8-second period, with light cross-off winds turning offshore on Thursday afternoon. Energy is 569–657 (moderate to strong). This is a clean, consistent run—offshore wind on Thursday afternoon will have the waves standing up perfectly.

Saturday, September 5th, eases to 6ft east swell, still clean, but energy drops a bit. Sunday, September 6th, is a heavy one. Morning brings 5ft east swell with a 12-second period, and energy is 1108 (strong). Risk of thunderstorms, but cross-off wind at 9 mph keeps it clean. This is for experienced surfers only. The afternoon has 3ft with a 21-second period—very long period groundswell. Energy is 795 (strong). That’s a tricky setup, but at a river mouth, it could be interesting.

Monday, September 7th, through Wednesday, September 9th, the swell is 3ft–4ft SSW groundswell with periods of 15–19 seconds, but wind picks up to 12–16 mph, and conditions are more marginal. Energy is high (525–1015), but the chop and cross-shore wind take the shine off. The last day, Wednesday, September 9th, has a risk of thunderstorms and a moderate cross-chop—not worth it.

Best bets: Tuesday, September 1st afternoon for glassy, punchy 5ft east swell, and Thursday, September 3rd afternoon for offshore wind and 6ft east swell. Those are the ones.

Rusty.

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