Whangamata Estuary Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s in store for us. Straight up, the next week and a half is a real test of patience. We’ve got a long dry spell before any decent swell shows up, so don’t be in a rush to grab your board.

The first real chance of anything worthwhile doesn’t come until the 8th of August, and even then it’s a mixed bag. For the first 10 days, from the 28th of July onwards, it’s pretty much a write-off. Tiny waves, poor conditions, and a lot of cross-shore and onshore wind. You’ll see a bit of a bump on the 31st of July with a 1.0m (3ft) northerly and a clean offshore wind, but the period is short at 7 seconds, so it’s not going to be anything special. The combined energy is only moderate at 174. Not worth getting wet for.

Then there's a big gap. Absolutely nothing worth paddling out for from the 1st of August through the 7th of August. That’s a full week of flat or messy junk. The swell is tiny, the wind is all over the place, and the combined energy is weak, often under 100. Stay home.

Now, mark your calendar for the 8th of August. That Saturday morning, things finally kick off. Whangamata Estuary is the only spot on the radar, and it’s got a solid 3.0m (10ft) swell from the ENE, with a period of 8 seconds. The combined energy is a very strong 1274, so there’s plenty of power. Wind is a light SSW cross-off, which should keep the surface clean. This is legitimately big surf – way too big for beginners – and with that short period, it’s going to be a bit walled-up and heavy. The water temp is sitting at 15° (59°F), which is about average for this time of year. This is the standout of the whole forecast, but it’s a big, raw, expert-only wave. The swell direction is ENE, and that’s the optimum direction for this break, so it should be wrapping in nicely. However, this spot is a beach/bar setup and can be inconsistent, so don’t expect it to be firing every set. Also, expect crowds to be possible.

The following morning, the 9th, drops right back down to 1.3m (4ft) with onshore wind, so the window is tight. The 11th and 12th of August look better for a more manageable size. The 11th has a clean 1.0m (3ft) easterly, glassy both morning and afternoon, with combined energy around 300. That’s a much more friendly size for a broader range of surfers. The 12th morning is also worth a look, with 1.5m (5ft) from the ENE, a 10-second period, and glassy conditions. That’s a really nice combo of clean, lined-up waves. The energy is strong at 584. This is your second best bet – a proper, fun day.

So, to wrap it up: the 8th of August is the big, heavy standout for the brave, but the 11th and 12th are the ones for a good, clean, fun session. Don't bother with the rest.

Rusty.

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