Whangara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what’s shaping up for us.

The next week and a bit at Whangara is a real mixed bag – some clean windows, but also some wild weather that’ll shut things down. The opening run in the first few days is the one to focus on, with a solid pulse of east swell and glassy conditions.

We kick off on Tuesday morning. The ocean’s throwing up a clean 5ft swell from the east, with a period of 9 seconds. The wind is glassy out of the WSW at just 3 mph, so the surface is gonna be like a mirror. Combined wave energy is moderate (527). The water temp is sitting at 58°, which is about average for this time of year – nothing to worry about. This is a decent start but nothing epic. Through Tuesday afternoon, the swell bumps up to 5ft, still glassy and clean.

Wednesday morning sees a jump in size to 6ft from the ESE, with a period of 10 seconds. However, the wind swings SW at 9 mph, creating a cross-shore chop. Conditions are marginal at best. The afternoon stays similar – not a write-off, but far from ideal.

Thursday morning is where we get a little clarity. A 5ft east swell with a clean cross-offshore breeze from the west at 6 mph. The wave energy is moderate (560). This is a nice little session for those who can get out before the rain and shifting winds ruin it in the afternoon. Friday is a complete loss – a massive 16ft swell from the SSE but with 25 mph south winds making it a total mess. That’s for experts only, and even then, it’ll be a battle. The combined energy is very strong (5769). Really this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

We get a little reprieve on Sunday morning. Swell drops to 6ft from the SE, and a light cross-offshore breeze cleans it up nicely (575). The period is steady at 10 seconds. After that, Monday the 13th of July sees a drop in size to 4ft, but with a light offshore from the NNW at only 3 mph. The waves will be small but clean. That’s the pick of the early days for a longboard or a fun session.

Now, let’s talk about the true standout. Wednesday the 15th of July. We’ve got an ESE groundswell of 6ft, but the period is a very long 16 seconds. Combined swell energy ramps up to strong (1360). With a steady offshore wind from the NW at 9 mph, this is looking excellent for experienced surfers. That long period energy will be peeling nicely at this beach-and-reef setup. Thursday the 16th of July carries on the goodness – 7ft from the ESE, 14-second period, and a light cross-offshore breeze. Another one for the crew that knows their way around a longer-period swell. Both of those days are your best bets.

After that, the following weekend and into the new week fades out with smaller swells and more onshore wind. Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th are a write-off with strong cross-onshore winds and lumpy, choppy conditions.

So, here’s the straight talk: Tuesday and Thursday of the first week are solid for clean, fun waves. The real gold is in the second half of the second week – the 15th and 16th of July – with that long-period groundswell and offshore winds. Don’t sleep on it. The rest of the run is for those who are happy to work for it or are happy to stay on the beach.

Rusty.

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