Waipaoa River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Rusty here, giving you the long and short of the Waipaoa River for the next couple of weeks.

We start on Monday the 17th with a lumpy 8ft of south-southeast swell, but that onshore wind is making it a mess. The energy is already strong (1487), but it’s not clean. By Monday afternoon, things shift. The swell jumps to 12ft, the wind goes cross-offshore, and it cleans right up. The energy is pumping at (3098), but that size is too solid for this sandbar. This is serious, expert-only water.

Tuesday the 18th pulls back slightly to 7ft with a clean cross-off breeze. It’s surfable, but not a standout. The energy is still moderate to strong (1386). The afternoon brings a stronger wind and 8ft waves. It’s workable but a bit more challenging.

Now, Wednesday the 19th is a big one. We’ve got 12ft of swell with a 12-second period, clean cross-off winds, and a strong energy reading of (2993). It’s too big for this break. The afternoon repeats the size but the energy goes through the roof to a massive (5939). It’s all power, no place to go. This is only for the very brave.

Thursday the 20th is the day. The swell drops to a manageable 8ft, but the period lengthens to 14 seconds. The wind goes light, just 10 km/h, and it’s cross-offshore. It’s clean, powerful, and absolutely perfect for an experienced surfer. The energy is still strong (3077), but it’s in the right place. That’s your standout right there. Clear your calendar.

Friday the 21st brings a drop in size to 4ft but a very long 16-second period. Light, cross-offshore winds keep it clean. It’s smaller, but has that long-period push that makes it fun and easy to paddle out. The energy is moderate (994).

Saturday the 22nd is where it fades. We’re down to 2ft and it’s just not doing anything. The energy is weak (168) and it’s ordinary.

Then we hit a flat spell. From Saturday the 22nd through to Thursday the 27th, the surf is pretty much gone. We’re talking 1ft to 3ft waves with weak energy readings, mostly under 400. A few clean mornings, but nothing to get excited about. It’s a real lull.

But don’t write it off. As we get into the last week, there’s a whisper of life. Thursday the 27th afternoon sees 5ft of swell with a 14-second period and a clean cross-off breeze. The energy jumps to (1227) and it’s looking like a solid pick-up for the experienced crew. Friday the 28th morning is the next standout. A clean 5ft from the south-southeast with a 15-second period, light winds, and an excellent energy reading (1227). It’s clean, it’s got punch, but it’s not out of control. The afternoon gets a bit cross-onshore and choppy, so make the most of the morning.

Saturday the 29th eases off to 4ft, but with clean conditions and a light breeze. It’s still fun, with moderate energy (658). Sunday the 30th is back to tiny waves. After that, it’s done. We fade out into nothing by the end of the month.

So, to sum it up. If you’re an expert, Thursday the 20th is your day. Perfect conditions, solid size, clean lines. For a more relaxed but still quality wave, Friday the 28th morning is a great shout. The gap in the middle is a write-off, but that’s the nature of this place. The water is sitting at 55°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so make sure you’ve got the right rubber on.

This is Rusty, signing off. Stay safe out there.

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