Waipaoa River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the Waipaoa River.

We’re looking at a mixed bag for the next 16 days. This is an advanced sandbar that needs a specific swell angle to fire. The first few days are not worth paddling out for, with tiny waves and light rain or messy winds, so expect a quiet start until the middle of the first week. There will be a gap with no real recommendations from Monday afternoon through to Thursday afternoon, so don’t rush to wax up just yet.

The first real chance comes Wednesday the 9th of September in the morning. We get clean, glassy conditions with a light offshore breeze from the NW, and the swell is coming from the SE at 4ft, eight-second period. Combined wave energy is moderate at 252. It’s not huge, but that glassy surface will make it nice and clean for a morning session.

Then we get a major standout on Sunday the 13th of September. That morning you have a 5ft SSE swell with a very long period of 16 seconds, giving the wave real push and shape. Offshore wind from the WNW at just 10 km/h keeps the surface clean. Combined energy is strong at 1119. This is an excellent call for experienced surfers only. The swell is pushing past 5ft, so it will be too much for beginners. And because this is an inconsistent break, don’t expect perfect waves every set, but when it lines up, it will be worth it. Crowds are sometimes a factor here, so expect some company if you head out.

Monday the 14th is also solid. A 5ft SSE swell with a 15-second period and light WNW winds makes for very good conditions. Combined energy is still strong at 840. That morning window is the pick.

Jumping into the second week, the standout is clear as day on Monday the 21st of September. The swell swings around to the ESE at 8ft with an 11-second period. The wind goes glassy or near-offshore, and the combined energy jumps to 1690 – strong and powerful. This is excellent, but only for experienced surfers. The size is over 5ft, so beginners stay out of the river mouth. Confidence is good for this one, but it’s still a week and a half out, so keep an eye on it.

Tuesday the 22nd sees a big 10ft ESE swell with perfect offshore wind, but that’s expert territory only. Too big for most, and the river setup can get treacherous.

Water temperature is sitting around 56°F with an anomaly of -1°, which is about average for this time of year down at Waipaoa River. Bring a good wetsuit.

Overall, the best on offer is Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th in that first week, and then Monday the 21st in the second week. The rest of the time is small, messy, or too big. Don’t hold your breath for the middle days.

Rusty.

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