Whangamata Estuary Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’ll level with you—this is a pretty grim stretch for the Estuary. We’ve got a long, flat spell ahead, so don’t even bother paddling out for the first week or so. The first real chance at anything rideable doesn’t show up until Friday the 31st of July, and even then it’s nothing to write home about. The water temp is sitting at 59°F which is pretty much spot-on for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Tuesday morning the 28th is a dud—tiny 1 foot of ESE swell at 13 seconds, but the energy is weak (41) and the wind is a cross-off, so it’s clean but there’s nothing to push you. That afternoon goes glassy with 1 feet, still lifeless. Wednesday the 29th morning you get a bit more hope with 2 feet from the east, 13-second period, and glassy conditions—energy up to 91, but it’s still just knee-high slop. The forecast calls it “surfable but very ordinary,” and I’d agree. Thursday the 30th morning has 2 feet from the east, 12-second period, clean with a cross-off wind, energy at 103 (moderate), but you’re still hunting for a proper wave.

Friday the 31st of July is the best of a bad bunch. The swell jumps to 4 feet from the north, but the period drops to a short 7 seconds, so it’s a bit windswelly and crumbly. Energy hits 198 (moderate), and the wind is offshore from the WNW at 15 mph—clean lines. The afternoon keeps it going with 3 feet and the same offshore wind, but it’s still not the sort of day that’ll have you calling in sick.

After that, it’s back to tiny dribble through the weekend and into the next week. Saturday the 1st of August morning has 1 feet from the ESE, 13 seconds, clean with a light offshore, but energy is only 118. Sunday the 2nd is a write-off with 0.7 feet and cross-shore wind. The whole of the following week stays below 2 feet, with poor conditions, onshore winds, and energy in the gutter. The estuary is inconsistent at the best of times, and this run is a true blank spell for the area.

Then, out of nowhere, we get a late pulse. Tuesday the 11th of August brings 5 feet from the NNE at 11 seconds, but the wind is howling cross-on at 19 mph, and the energy is 504 (strong)—but it’s messy, and the forecast says poor surf. Wednesday the 12th of August morning has 8 feet from the NE at 13 seconds, energy exploding to 1704 (very strong), but the wind is cross-shore at 9 mph, making it lumpy. The afternoon though? That’s the standout. Wednesday afternoon the 12th of August has 8 feet from the ENE at 12 seconds, the wind goes glassy—dead calm—and the forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” This is a serious groundswell, and with that size, it’s only for the crew who know what they’re doing. The wave comment rates it a 4 out of 10, but trust me, that’s the best we’ve got.

So, if you’re keen, mark your calendar for Wednesday the 12th of August afternoon. The rest is a waiting game. Stay patient, stay salty.

Rusty.

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