Wharariki Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.

We’re looking at a slow start, no lie. The first few days are a write-off with strong winds and messy conditions, so don’t bother paddling out until later in the week. The first real breath of life comes on Saturday the 25th, but it’s a tricky one. We’ve got a solid 10ft swell from the west rolling in, and the combined energy is through the roof at 1467 – that’s a lot of power. The wind is cross-off and clean, but this swell is too big for a spot like Wharariki Beach. It’s an exposed beach break, and with that much juice, it’s strictly for experts. If you’re not in that bracket, stay on the sand.

The real standout window opens up Monday the 27th. The morning sees a 4ft west swell with a 12-second period, and the wind is light offshore from the SSW. That’s the kind of glassy, clean setup that’ll have you smiling. Water temp is sitting at 58°, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year – nothing extreme, but you might not need the thickest wetsuit. The combined energy is moderate (513). This is the pick of the first week for a solid, surfable session.

Then we get another big pulse on Thursday the 30th. The morning brings a 6ft swell from the NNW, but it’s a short period (7 seconds) which means it’ll be a bit crumbly and fat. Still, with a slight air and cross-off wind, it’s clean and rideable. The energy is strong (800). The following morning, Friday the 31st, is the standout of the entire outlook. A 6ft west swell with a long 15-second period, light cross-off breeze, and the combined energy is 1640. The conditions are excellent for experienced surfers – the long period means the waves will have good shape and power, but it’ll be a bit shifty at the beach, so pick your peak wisely.

After that, the first week of August is a bit of a mixed bag. Saturday the 1st has a solid 6ft swell, but it’s a bit wind-affected. Sunday the 2nd sees another 12ft monster from the west, but again, too big for this break. The real gem in the second week is Monday the 3rd of August. Morning session has a 8ft west swell with a 13-second period, light offshore wind, and the combined energy is a massive 2057. This is excellent, powerful surf for experienced surfers only. The afternoon gets a bit cross-chop, so make the most of the morning.

So, to wrap it up: the best days on offer are Monday the 27th of July for a clean, fun session, and Friday the 31st of July for the best mix of size and shape. The long-range standout on Monday the 3rd of August is promising but a bit further out, so keep an eye on it. The rest of the window is a mix of onshore slop and swell that’s just too big for the beach. Stay keen.

Rusty.

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