Waimea Rivermouth Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for this spot.

The next couple of days are quiet, but by Sunday the 9th we start to see some life. The standout period is mid-week, around Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th, when a solid, long-period S groundswell rolls in. That’s the best of the window, with clean conditions and good energy. The water temp is sitting at 80.6°, which is about normal for this time of year at Waimea Rivermouth.

Waimea Rivermouth is the only break in the game here. It’s a beginner-friendly spot that’s fairly consistent, and it’s exposed to the swell. The optimum direction is from the south, and that’s exactly what we get for the best days.

Friday afternoon, August 7 – Small stuff. Swell from the SSW at 1.6ft, with a very long 16-second period. Cross-off wind from the east at 6 mph keeps it clean. Combined energy is weak (230). Not much to write home about, but a longboard could find a knee-high ripple.

Saturday, August 8 – Similar. Morning sees 1.6ft SSW swell at 14 seconds, afternoon drops to 1.3ft from the SW at 18 seconds. Light cross-off breeze. Energy is low (206 and 144). Still small.

Sunday, August 9 – This is where it gets interesting. The morning brings a glassy, clean 4.6ft swell from the east, but with a short period of 7 seconds. That’s a short-period windswell, so it’ll be a bit jumbled. Energy is moderate (317). The afternoon stays clean with cross-off wind. Not the best shape, but it’s the first real rideable push.

Monday, August 10 – Rain showers around, but the swell backs off to 2.0-2.3ft from the SSW with a long period of 15-16 seconds. Energy is moderate (421-496). Clean with light winds. Small but clean lines.

Tuesday, August 11 – Mostly small, but the afternoon glass-off with 2.3ft SSW swell at 14 seconds and glassy wind is a nice little window. Energy is moderate (313). Good for a beginner session.

Wednesday, August 12 – BEST ON OFFER – This is the one. Morning: 2.6ft S swell, 18-second period, clean cross-off wind. Combined energy jumps to strong (908). Afternoon: 3.3ft S swell, 18 seconds, still clean. Energy is 873. This is proper groundswell, long lines, and the rivermouth will handle it beautifully. The crowd can be a factor here – it’s marked as “sometimes” busy, so early morning is your friend.

Thursday, August 13 – ALSO A STANDOUT – Morning: 4.3ft S swell, 16 seconds, light ENE cross-off, energy is very strong (1136). That’s a solid, powerful wave for experienced surfers. Afternoon: 3.9ft, 15 seconds, moderate breeze, but still clean. This is a ripper day.

Friday, August 14 – Still good. 3.6ft S swell at 15 seconds in the morning, energy 914. Afternoon drops to 3.3ft at 14 seconds. Clean all day. Consistent, fun, and manageable for the strong beginner.

Saturday, August 15 – Swell shifts to the east, 5.9ft, but the period drops to 8 seconds. Wind picks up to 16-19 mph from the ENE. That’s a lumpy, short-period windswell. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a clean paddle session. Too blown out for the rivermouth.

Sunday, August 16 – Morning: 7.5ft east swell, 9 seconds, 16 mph wind. That’s big, short, and messy. Only for experts, and even then it’s not inviting. Afternoon: tanks to 2.0ft from the south, 16 seconds, but winds are strong (19 mph). Rough.

Monday, August 17 – Another big east swell: 7.9ft at 9 seconds. Morning is marginal, but the afternoon is excellent for experienced surfers, with 7.9ft and clean cross-off winds. Energy is very strong (1302 and 1242). This is a big, powerful, short-period beast. Rivermouth will be a heavy, fast wave. Only for the experienced crew.

Tuesday, August 18 – Back to small. 2.0ft S swell, 13 seconds. Glassy afternoon. Energy is low (121-167). A recovery day.

Wednesday, August 19 through Saturday, August 22 – The window fades. Swell drops to 1.3-1.6ft, periods are long (12-20 seconds), but energy is weak (53-298). The afternoon of the 22nd has a 1.3ft SSW swell at 20 seconds with energy of 298 – clean, but tiny. Not worth the paddle for most.

Summary: The best window is Wednesday the

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