Whangara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks around Whangara. This is a beach-and-reef setup that’s fairly exposed to the east-northeast, and it’s been picking up some solid energy. The water temp’s sitting about average for the time of year, so no major surprises there.

The first window of good surf kicks off Wednesday morning, 29 July. We’ve got a clean 7 ft swell rolling in from the southeast, with a 12-second period – that’s a nice groundswell, plenty of juice behind it. The wind’s a light cross-offshore from the west-northwest, so the face will be smooth. The combined energy is strong at 1327, so the paddle-out won’t be a battle, but the sets will have some punch. This is the standout of the week, no doubt about it.

Thursday morning, 30 July, is another solid shout. The swell drops a touch to 5 ft, still from the east-southeast, period at 12 seconds. Northwest wind, light cross-off, keeps it clean. Combined energy at 695 is moderate, but the quality is there.

Friday morning, 31 July, brings a bit of a change. Swell’s from the north at 6 ft, but the period is short – only 7 seconds – so it’ll be a bit more wind-swell, less grunt. Still, the wind is offshore from the northwest at 9 mph, so it’ll be clean and fun. Combined energy 720, moderate.

Saturday morning, 1 August, the swell drops right off to 2 ft, but the period is a whopping 16 seconds – that’s very long-period groundswell. At a beach-and-reef like Whangara, that can be a bit tricky; it might break too straight and be hard to get into. Light cross-off wind, clean, but it’s really small.

Then things get messy. Sunday, 2 August, is a write-off – strong winds, onshore, 13 ft of messy swell. Stay home.

Monday, 3 August, the swell settles back to 6 ft from the south, 11-second period. The wind is cross-off in the morning, so it’s clean, but the combined energy is moderate at 747. It’s surfable, but not the best.

Tuesday, 4 August, looks dicey with strong cross-winds and 10 ft swelling – lumpy, not great.

Now, for the second week, there are a couple of promising days but they come with a caveat. Wednesday morning, 5 August, shows a 13 ft swell from the south, 14-second period, with clean cross-off wind. The combined energy is huge at 5474 – that’s very strong. But that’s too big for this break. Only for experts, if anyone’s game. The wind and tide are favorable, but the size is the problem.

Thursday morning, 6 August, is similar – 12 ft from the south-southeast, 15-second period, clean cross-off, combined energy 5734. Same deal: too big for most.

Friday morning, 7 August, is the real highlight of the second week. Swell drops to 7 ft from the south-southeast, 12-second period, wind is light offshore from the north-northwest. Combined energy is 1287 – strong. This is clean, powerful, and much more manageable. This is the one to aim for if you can wait.

Saturday and Sunday mornings, 8 and 9 August, bring smaller swells (4 ft to 5 ft) but the wind stays cross-off or light. The energy is moderate, so it’s fun but not pumping.

From Monday, 10 August, through to the end of the forecast, it’s a long run of poor conditions – strong winds, onshore, and messy. Not worth paddling out.

So, bottom line: Wednesday morning, 29 July, is your best early bet, and Friday morning, 7 August, is the standout in the second week but keep in mind the long-range call is less certain. Crowds are possible at Whangara, so get in early.

Rusty.

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