Whangamata Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s cookin’ on the Coromandel Peninsula.

First up, we’re talking about Whangamata Bar. A beach and bar setup, fairly exposed to swell, and the optimum direction is from the NE. Right off the bat, this forecast is a slow burner. We’ve got a lean start with no real action worth paddling out for initially. The first few days are a write-off, with messy winds and weak, short-period swell that just won’t line up.

The first real glimmer of hope shows up on Wednesday, 8 July. We’ve got a 3ft swell from the E with a solid 10-second period pushing in. The wind swings light SW – that’s a nice cross-off breeze, meaning clean lines. Combined energy is moderate at 326. It’s not pumping, but it’s surfable and clean. The morning before that had a bit more size (5ft from the NE, 8-second period) but the wind was cross-shore and made it a bit jumbled – still, it’s worth a look if the tide plays ball.

The standout window? That’s got to be Wednesday morning, 15 July. We’re seeing a 6ft NE swell with an 8-second period. The combined energy reading is a punchy 541 – that’s solid moderate-to-strong energy heading our way. Wind is light offshore from the W (glass-off potential), so the face should be clean. But hey, at 6ft, it’s gettin’ up there – this one’s for the intermediates and above. Beginners might find it a handful on that bar.

Later that afternoon the swell drops to 5ft with a cross-off breeze from the WSW – still clean, but less grunt. After that, the energy fades fast. We get a couple of days with tiny, long-period groundswell (13-14 seconds) but barely enough push to wrap – energy levels are low (143 and 106). It can get a bit straight on a beach/bar setup, but it’ll be glassy and pretty.

From late Thursday 16 July right through to the end of the outlook (23 July), it’s a long, flat run. Winds crank up from the SE and ESE, mostly cross-on or onshore, blowing out anything that tries to form. Wave heights are mostly below 2ft and combined energy readings drop into the double digits (down to 12). Honestly, it’s more of a flat spell than a surf forecast. Not much to get excited about unless you’re a kite surfer on those windier days.

So, to wrap it up: the best bet for a proper session is the Wednesday morning, 15 July window at Whangamata Bar – that’s your standout. Clean offshore wind, solid 6ft NE swell and good energy. The rest is a waiting game. If you’re keen, get out there on that Wednesday, because the following week is flat with onshore chop.

Rusty.

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