Whangamata Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Rightio, let’s take a look at what’s shaping up for the next couple of weeks. The forecast for Whangamata Bar is a bit of a slow burn. There’s a run of flat, poor conditions from the start that drags on, so we’ll be waiting a while before anything wakes up. The first real flicker of life comes on the 25th of July, which is a Saturday—that’s over a week away, so patience will be the game.

For the first week, from the 15th through to the 24th, it’s a tough slog. Swell heights barely get above 1 ft, and the energy readings are all in the low double digits—like 23 (weak energy) on the 15th morning, and 48 (weak energy) on the 20th afternoon. The wind is mostly off or cross-off, but there’s just no push in the water. You’ll be staring at a lake more than a surfable wave. It’s a real gap of about ten days where there’s nothing worth paddling out for.

Now, come the 25th of July, things start to shift. The morning shows a 4 ft swell from the NE, with a period of 9 seconds, and combined energy jumps to 191 (moderate wave energy). The wind is a light cross-off from the SSW, so the surf will be clean. That afternoon, it gets even better with glassy conditions and the same 4 ft NE swell, energy at 208 (moderate wave energy). The 26th of July, Sunday, picks up on that energy too—morning glassy, 4 ft from the NE, energy at 218 (moderate wave energy), and the afternoon glassy with light NNE winds, energy at 197 (moderate wave energy). For a break that’s inconsistent, this little pulse is a standout. The swell direction is right on the optimum (NE), and the glassy wind will make for some tidy, user-friendly waves. It’s not huge, so it’s open to intermediates, but beginners will find it manageable. The water temperature is about average for this time of year—nothing weird going on there.

The 27th of July sees a similar 4 ft swell from the ENE, with a longer period of 11 seconds, and energy at 278 (moderate wave energy). The wind is light cross-shore from the SSE, so it’s clean-ish, but there’s a bit of a side bump. Still, that longer period means the waves will have a bit more shape, though at a beach/bar setup like Whangamata Bar, it can get a bit straight. It’s a marginal call, but if you’re keen, it’s the best of the second week.

After that, the 28th and 29th back off a bit—3 ft and 2 ft, with energy dropping to 134 and 134 (moderate wave energy), but the wind stays favourable with glassy or cross-off conditions. The 30th of July shows a small uptick to 3 ft NNE swell, energy at 119 (moderate wave energy), with a clean cross-off breeze. Not a worldbeater, but it’s a solid finish to the outlook.

Overall, the standout is the window from the 25th to the 26th of July. That’s where the combo of NE swell, glassy wind, and moderate energy lines up. It’s a bit of a wait, but it should be worth it for a few clean ones. Crowds are likely at this spot—it’s a popular one—so get in early if you can.

Rusty

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