Whangara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mates, Rusty here with the long-range look for Whangara.

We’re in for a bit of a mixed bag over the next couple of weeks, but there are definitely some windows to get excited about. The water temp is sitting at 57°F, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing too wild on that front.

Right off the bat, Monday the 27th is not looking ideal. The morning has a clean 5ft swell from the ESE with 13-second period, but that 25 km/h cross-off wind is going to make it a battle. The afternoon goes downhill fast with a messy 10ft Southerly slop. The wave energy is actually massive though – we’re talking 1435 in the morning and 2158 in the afternoon, so there’s plenty of power, but it’s just not lined up right.

Tuesday the 28th is a write-off. Wind is on it, chop is up, and the 7ft swell is getting torn to bits by cross and cross-on breezes. The energy is still high (2484 in the morning), but it’s all for nothing.

Now, Wednesday the 29th of July is where we get our first real standout. The morning is absolutely gorgeous. A clean 7ft swell out of the SE with a 12-second period, light 10 km/h cross-off wind from the West, and the wave energy is solid at 1411. The water will be glassy, the lines will be clean, and there’s enough size to get the blood pumping. This is for experienced crew though – over 8ft it gets serious, and this is right on the edge. The afternoon gets a bit of a cross-on breeze, so get your sessions in early.

Thursday the 30th is a gem for the more intermediate surfer. Offshore winds all day from the NW, dropping to 15 km/h. The swell will be a long-period 5ft to 5ft from the ESE, with 11-second intervals. Wave energy is moderate at 671 in the morning and 539 in the afternoon, meaning clean, lined-up, manageable waves. This is a fantastic day to be out.

Friday the 31st starts with rain and a 7ft short-period (6 seconds!) windswell from the NNE, which is a bit messy. But the afternoon turns it around – a clean 7ft from the North, with 8-second period, and offshore NW wind at 15 km/h, building wave energy up to 1258. Very good conditions for the afternoon session, but that short period means it might be a bit punchy and a bit harder to paddle into.

Then we hit a dry spell. Saturday the 1st of August morning limps along with a tiny 2ft, 16-second groundswell, but the wind turns to shreds in the afternoon. Sunday the 2nd is a total bust with rain and 30-40 km/h winds. Monday the 3rd of August is a big warning – a 16ft Southerly swell with 45 km/h cross-winds. That power is off the charts at 7343, but it’s a danger zone for anyone but the most insane experts, and honestly, it’s more of a kitesurfing or windsurfing day. The 4th sees a drop back to a cleaner 10ft from the SSE, but those cross-off winds from the WSW on Tuesday morning might offer a window for brave souls at open spots.

From there, it tapers off into smaller, choppier conditions until around Friday the 7th of August, when another very large S swell pushes in – 12ft to 13ft. The finder is telling me the wind and tide are favorable, but that swell is just too big for Whangara. This is a spot for experts only on those days.

The period from the 9th through the 11th fades into small, average surf with offshore breezes on the 11th, but the energy is weak.

Best bet for the upcoming days: Wednesday the 29th of July (morning) is the clear winner for experienced surfers looking for power and perfection. If you want something a little friendlier, Thursday the 30th of July is your day – clean, offshore, and manageable. And keep an eye on Friday the 31st of July (afternoon) – a solid, clean wave with a workable wind.

Stay safe, and paddle hard.
- Rusty

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