Whangara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. The first real chance of a wave comes in on Friday the 28th of August. Before that, Thursday the 27th is flat as a tack with tiny 1-foot windswell and onshore breeze, so don’t even bother. We then have a bit of a wait, with only marginal surf on offer until we get to the weekend.

The standout window looks to be from Friday morning the 28th through to Saturday the 29th. The best call is Whangara – a beach and reef setup that’s fairly exposed to the south. On Friday morning the 28th, we’ve got a solid 5-foot S swell, with a long 14-second period, combining for a punchy moderate energy level (937). The wind is cross-off from the NNE, so the waves will be holding some clean shape, though with that long period it’s a groundswell that might reel a bit too straight on the beach, but the reef sections should love it. The water temp is 56°, which is about average for this time of year.

Heading into Saturday morning the 29th, the swell drops back to 3-foot from the S, still with a nice 12-second period, and the wind is light from the north. That’s going to be cleaner again, with light winds and moderate wave energy (319). It’s a good solid waist to head-high option that won’t be too hectic. Crowds are sometimes an issue at Whangara, so you might see a few others out. This is the pick of the bunch.

Sunday the 30th is a write-off: messy short-period NNE swell at 4-foot with 6-second period and cross-onshore winds – look elsewhere or take the day off.

There’s a big gap after that. From Monday the 31st through till Tuesday the 8th of September, it’s all small, weak, or poor quality surf. Mostly knee-high or less, with weak energy readings under 200, and often wrong wind directions. Not worth your time.

Then, come Tuesday afternoon the 8th of September, a pulse of short-period N swell hits 7 feet (314 energy) with offshore NW winds. This is a solid, powerful wave, but at 7 feet and only 6-second period, it’s going to be a bit dumpy and fat. Only for experienced surfers with a shortboard who can handle a steep, fast closeout. If you’re a beginner, stay well clear.

The following days (9th and 10th of September) have smaller, more manageable waves in the 2 to 4 foot range, but the wind is fresh and cross-off, so the quality is ordinary. Not a standout, but you could have a quick paddle.

Overall, the best surf this period is Saturday the 29th of August at Whangara – get in the water with a light north breeze, 3-foot S swell, and clean conditions. The Tuesday 8th of September pulse is big, rough, and for experts only.

Rusty

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