Whakatane Heads Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s cooking.

Straight up, the next week and a half is a total dud for Whakatane Heads. We’re looking at days of tiny, weak swell and mostly poor conditions. The water temp is about 58°, which is a bit cooler than usual for this time of year, so grab the thick rubber.

From Monday the 20th all the way through to Wednesday the 29th, it’s a flat spell. Swell heights are mostly under 0.7 ft, with periods as short as 4 to 9 seconds, and the combined energy is barely there – single-digit numbers, super weak. Winds are a bit of a mess, some light offshore or glassy moments, but with no swell, it’s just flat and boring. The 24th and 25th show a little bump, but it’s short-period, choppy, and the wind is nasty – that 4 ft on Friday the 24th afternoon with a 5-second period and 25 km/h cross-on wind is just a lumpy mess. The 26th is similar, with a 5 ft afternoon swell but a fresh 30 km/h cross-wind, looking more like a kite session than a surf.

Then on Thursday the 30th of July, things start to move. The morning brings a 6 ft swell from the NNW with a 7-second period and moderate energy, but it’s still marginal with light cross-shore winds. The afternoon gets bigger, hitting 7 ft, but the wind swings onshore and the rain comes in – not the one.

Now, here’s the real standout. Friday the 31st of July is the day. The morning delivers a clean 7 ft NW swell with a 9-second period, and we’ve got a light offshore from the SSW. The combined energy is a solid 871 – that’s strong, powerful stuff. The afternoon holds at 8 ft, still clean with light cross-offshore winds. This is a proper groundswell, and for a spot like Whakatane Heads, which is a beach and reef setup exposed to the north-northeast, this NW swell with offshore wind will set up some nice, powerful lines. This one is for the advanced crew only – this size is too big for beginners.

The good vibes roll into the weekend. Saturday the 1st of August has a 5 ft NW swell in the morning with a gentle offshore, and the afternoon goes glassy at 4 ft. Both are rated as good conditions. Then on Monday the 3rd of August, we get another solid pulse: 6 ft NW swell in the morning with a clean offshore wind and moderate energy, followed by a 5 ft afternoon. It’s a good run of waves.

So, to wrap it up: the first ten days are a total loss. The only real standouts are Friday the 31st of July and the first few days of August. The Friday morning with that 7 ft clean offshore swell is the best on offer – big, clean, and powerful. Saturday and Monday are also well worth a look. Just remember, the long-range stuff is promising but less certain, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty.

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