
Surf Forecasts:
West Shore Beach surf forecast from 5 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Wednesday 5 Aug, 3PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 10s period, SE swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 5 Aug, 6PM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 10s period, SE swell with 290 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 5 Aug, 3PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 10s period with SE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for West Shore Beach this week:
The surf forecast for West Shore Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 05) at 3PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.1m and 10s period. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at West Shore Beach in the next 16 days are 1.2m 10s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 05) at 6PM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.1m 11s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 06) at 3PM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 3PM (Wed 5th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 3PM (Wed 5th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 10s |
| Most Powerful | 6PM (Wed 5th Aug) | 4ft (1.2m) 10s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for West Shore Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for West Shore Beach.
Right off the bat, we’ve got a small window of surfable waves, but it’s nothing to write home about. The first decent action kicks off on Wednesday, August 5th. Expect a 4ft SE swell with a 12-second period—that’s a proper groundswell, giving the waves some shape and energy. The combined energy comes in at a moderate 448. The wind is holding offshore from the SW, so things should be clean. The water temperature is 54°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you might want a thicker wetsuit.
That Wednesday morning looks like the best of the whole run. The swell matches the optimum direction from the NE, so it’s hitting the beach right. It’s a fairly consistent break, but remember, it’s a beginner-friendly beach break, so with a 4ft swell, it’s not too big for the less experienced. That said, the 12-second period will make for longer waits between sets, but the paddle out will be easier.
After that, things drop off quickly. Thursday the 6th sees the swell drop to 3ft, and while the wind is cross-off and clean, the energy is weaker. Friday and the rest of the week are a real struggle. The swell drops to 2ft and below, and the wind turns cross-on, making it choppy and poor. The combined energy falls to triple-digits and then to double-digits, like 79 and 96, which is just weak.
There’s a long gap of poor surf from Saturday, August 8th, all the way through to Tuesday, August 19th. For nearly two weeks, the swell is tiny—mostly 1ft to 2ft—with junk wind and almost no energy. You’ll see some glassy moments on the 11th and 12th, but the waves are just too small to ride. This isn’t a surprise for the area; sometimes it just goes flat.
The next faint glimmer is on Wednesday, August 19th, when a 2ft SE swell comes in with offshore wind again. The combined energy is still weak at 44, and the period is a short 8 seconds, so the waves will be small and crumbly. It’s surfable for a beginner, but nothing to get excited about.
So, to be honest, the standout here is that Wednesday morning, August 5th. It’s the only day with a decent swell, clean conditions, and a bit of push. The rest of the 16-day window is mostly flat or poor. If you’re desperate, you could paddle out on the 19th, but don’t expect much.
Stay patient, and check back in a few days—forecasts can change.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Wed morning. Very mild (max 10°C on Thu afternoon, min 4°C on Wed morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Sun night. Very mild (max 16°C on Mon afternoon, min 6°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 5 | Thursday 6 | Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | Sunday 9 | Monday 10 | Tuesday 11 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 12 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 11 | SE 12 | SE 11 | ESE 12 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 10 | SE 9 | E 12 | E 12 | SE 9 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 11 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
448 | 208 | 261 | 170 | 244 | 173 | 134 | 167 | 94 | 55 | 84 | 58 | 55 | 36 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 15 | 21 | 43 | 40 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | glassy | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 10:17AM1.61m | 10:46PM1.64m | 11:05AM1.65m | 11:36PM1.65m | 11:59AM1.68m | 00:28AM1.65m | 12:56PM1.72m | 1:24AM1.65m | 1:55PM1.75m | 2:24AM1.66m | 2:54PM1.79m | 3:24AM1.67m | 3:52PM1.82m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 4:33PM0.28m | 5:00AM0.26m | 5:24PM0.29m | 5:49AM0.26m | 6:18PM0.29m | 6:41AM0.25m | 7:17PM0.27m | 7:36AM0.23m | 8:17PM0.22m | 8:36AM0.20m | 9:16PM0.17m | 9:38AM0.14m | 10:15PM0.13m | ||||||||
7:11 | — | — | 7:11 | — | — | 7:09 | — | — | 7:09 | — | — | 7:07 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | |
— | 5:23 | — | — | 5:24 | — | — | 5:25 | — | — | 5:27 | — | — | 5:28 | — | — | 5:29 | — | — | 5:30 | — | |
mm | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 11 | 12 | 16 | 17 |
Feels °C | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 15 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 12 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 11 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SSE 16 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 10 | SE 9 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 9 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 11 |
448 | 208 | 261 | 170 | 244 | 173 | 134 | 167 | 94 | 166 | 84 | 58 | 55 | 36 | 13 | 27 | 25 | 14 | 21 | 43 | 40 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | SSE 12 | SE 16 | ESE 15 | S 11 | SE 13 | SSE 17 | SSE 16 | SSE 16 | ESE 12 | SSE 15 | ENE 3 | SSE 14 | SE 14 | NE 4 | ENE 5 | ENE 5 | ESE 12 | SE 9 | NE 6 | ENE 4 |
— | 83 | 10 | 22 | 269 | 84 | 119 | 102 | 100 | 55 | 21 | 1 | 20 | 46 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 13 | 1 | 3 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | SE 17 | — | E 17 | E 18 | S 20 | SE 13 | SE 12 | E 15 | SE 12 | E 13 | SE 15 | E 13 | E 12 | SSE 13 | E 12 | E 12 | NE 5 | NE 6 | NE 6 | S 14 |
— | 12 | — | 6 | 6 | 8 | 46 | 139 | 4 | 51 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 3 | SSW 3 | SW 2 | WSW 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NE 3 | NE 3 | NNE 4 | N 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
7 | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | 6 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 6 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 91 | 2 | 2 | 13 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 23 | 22 | 15 | 4 | 96 | 4 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Hawkes Bay | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Latest Updates
Information about the West Shore Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for West Shore Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at West Shore Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our West Shore Beach surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (West Shore Beach) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for West Shore Beach may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
West Shore Beach is 9 km (6 miles) from the city of Napier. If you plan a holiday in Hawkes Bay, look for hotels and other accommodation in Napier. Napier has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











