Whangara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at what’s on offer around Whangara. This is a beach and reef set-up, fairly exposed to the swell, and it’s got a pretty decent run of clean conditions coming up, but the real standouts are going to be for the more experienced crew. The water temp is sitting at 57.2°, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing to shock the system.

We kick off on Friday, 31 July, with a bit of a tease. A 3.3ft ESE swell, period 11 seconds, and a 12.4 mph offshore wind from the NW. Combined wave energy is moderate (288). It’s clean, but it’s not a standout. That same pattern holds into Friday afternoon, with a touch more energy (510) but still just a 3.0ft swell. It’s a nice little intro, but not the main event.

Saturday, 1 August is a write-off. Swell drops to 2.0ft, period 16 seconds, but the wind swings to a 18.6 mph cross-shore from the SW. Combined energy is still moderate (243), but the chop is lumpy. No good.

Sunday, 2 August sees a massive jump in swell: 9.8ft from the S, period 12 seconds, and combined energy roaring to 2492 (strong). The wind is a gentle 9.3 mph cross-off from the WSW, so it’s clean. But this is a big one – over 8.2ft – so it’s only for the experts. The tide might be a factor too, so keep that in mind. Monday, 3 August keeps the S swell running at 5.6ft, period 10 seconds, with a cross-off wind WNW at 15.5 mph. It’s clean again, but now the energy is moderate (655). Monday afternoon the wind drops to 3.1 mph, making it even cleaner, but the swell drops to 4.3ft. Still, a solid option for a paddle.

Tuesday, 4 August is a mixed bag. Morning sees a 6.6ft S swell but with a 18.6 mph cross-shore, which is lumpy. The afternoon, though, is where it gets interesting. It’s a 11.5ft S swell, period 15 seconds, and combined energy is a massive 5518. The wind is a moderate cross-shore from the SW at 12.4 mph. The file says the swell is too big for this break, so it’s a no-go for all but the most experienced. And with that long period, it might be a bit straight at the beach, but the reef might handle it.

Wednesday, 5 August continues with a 8.2ft S swell, period 14 seconds, but the wind is cross-shore at 15.5 mph. Energy is strong (2668 in the morning, 3620 in the afternoon). Still, it’s lumpy and not the best.

Thursday, 6 August is a nice change. A 3.9ft SSE swell, period 12 seconds, with a light 6.2 mph cross-off from the W. Clean and with moderate energy (395). The afternoon turns onshore, so stick to the morning.

Friday, 7 August is a glassy morning. The wind is dead calm, 0 mph, and the swell is 3.9ft from the SSE, period 10 seconds. Combined energy is moderate (310). Perfect for a long session. The afternoon has a light cross-on, so it’s not as good.

Saturday, 8 August brings a 2.6ft S swell, period 16 seconds, with a light cross-off from the N. Clean, but on the small side. Energy is moderate (392). Not a standout, but a fun little wave.

Sunday, 9 August sees a 4.3ft NNE swell, period 8 seconds, and a light cross-off. Clean, but the short period means it’s a bit weak. The afternoon gets a bit bigger at 4.9ft but with a stronger wind, so it’s blown out.

Now, look ahead to Monday, 10 August. This is a big one. A 8.2ft NE swell, period 11 seconds, with a fresh cross-off from the NNE at 21.7 mph. Combined energy is strong (1497). The afternoon sees it ramp up to 11.5

Read more