Whangamata Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk about the next couple of weeks around Whangamata Bar. There’s a long, flat spell to start, so don’t be in a hurry.

We’ve got a quiet run from now through the end of August. The swell is tiny, mostly 0.3ft to 1ft, with wave energy that’s weak (between 5 and 48). The wind is often offshore or glassy, which would be perfect if there was any wave, but there isn’t. This flat spell stretches for eight days. It’s a tough wait.

Then, on the 28th of August, a big, messy swell arrives. It’s 7ft from the NNE on Friday morning, building to 12ft by the afternoon. The period is short (8–9 seconds), so it’s windswell, not groundswell, and the wind is a strong cross-shore at 15 mph. The energy jumps to 514, then a massive 2669. At 12ft, this is for experts only, and with the cross-wind and short period, it’s a chaotic, dangerous mess. It’s more of a kite-surfing day than a paddle session. The beach/bar setup here won’t handle it well.

The 29th of August, Saturday, is the real highlight. The swell drops to a clean 5ft from the NE, with a short period of 8 seconds, but the wind goes light offshore from the WNW in the morning, then WSW in the afternoon. The wave energy is still moderate (437 in the morning, 244 in the arvo). The morning looks clean and the best of the whole outlook. The swell is a bit over 5ft, so it’s not for total beginners, but it’s a solid, fun-size wave for intermediates and above. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, around 60°F.

The standout is Saturday the 29th, early morning. Whangamata Bar (New Zealand) should have clean, offshore conditions with a 5ft NE swell. The light offshore breeze will keep the faces tidy. It’s not the biggest swell of the window, but it’s the only session where the wind and swell line up for a decent paddle. After that, the swell fades and the wind turns onshore, so don’t miss it.

After Saturday, the 30th through to the 3rd of September sees the swell drop back to knee-high or less, with cross-on or onshore winds making a mess. The 1st of September has a 4ft to 4ft swell from the ENE, but the wind is a strong cross-onshore (15–22 mph), so it’s choppy and lumpy. Not worth the trip.

So, to sum it up: a long, flat stretch, then a big, wild swell that’s too rough for most, and then one clean morning on the 29th of August. That Saturday sunrise is your best bet. Make the most of it.

Rusty.

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