Waipaoa River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what Waipaoa River is serving up over the next couple of weeks. This is a sandbar break, exposed to the SSE, and it’s an inconsistent spot – so when it’s on, you better be there. The water temperature is sitting at 55°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t be fooled, you’ll want the thick rubber.

The first few days are pretty flat. Friday and Saturday (11th & 12th) have tiny waves, messy wind, and low energy (swell energy between 129 and 479 – weak to moderate). Nothing worth rushing for. After that, there’s a quiet gap until Sunday morning the 13th.

That Sunday morning is the first real call-out. We’ve got a clean 6ft swell from the SSE, with a 15-second period – that’s proper groundswell, long lines, plenty of power. The combined energy jumps to 1350 (strong), and the wind is light offshore from the W. This is for advanced surfers only; it’s too big for beginners, but for those in the know, it’s excellent. The long period will give good shape at this river mouth, but expect longer waits between sets. Crowds are only sometimes an issue here, which is sweet.

After that, waves drop back to knee-to-waist high through Monday and Tuesday, with ordinary conditions. Another quiet stretch hits from around Wednesday 16th through Friday 18th – energy readings as low as 26 to 64, so almost nothing.

Next standout: Saturday morning the 19th. Another clean session: 4ft from SSE, 19-second period (very long period groundswell), massive energy at 1260. Light offshore from WNW, glassy. This is again for experienced surfers. The long period should give it great shape at the sandbar, though it might be a little straight for a beach break, but the river mouth handles it.

Sunday the 20th still has some fun waves with offshore wind, but the size drops to 3ft and it’s more moderate.

Into the last week, Tuesday morning the 22nd brings a punchy 6ft swell from the SSW, but with a short 8-second period – so it’s a wind swell, not as clean, but with light cross-off wind it’s workable. Energy at 697 (moderate). This one might be raw for beginners at that size.

The real finale hits Thursday morning the 24th through Saturday the 26th. Thursday morning has 7ft from SSW with light cross-off, energy at 798 – good but short period (7 seconds) means lumpy close-interval sets. Friday morning the 25th is the clear highlight: 8ft SSE swell, 14-second period, glassy with no wind – combined energy of 1892 (very strong). This is for experts only, absolutely firing if you’re charging. Saturday morning the 26th keeps it going with 6ft, clean cross-off wind, and 12-second period – another excellent session for the experienced crew.

Best bets: Sunday the 13th morning, Saturday the 19th morning, and Friday the 25th morning. The middle weeks have gaps of 2-3 quiet days. Be patient, pick your windows.

Rusty.

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