Swells set to increase as Cyclone Pam nears east coast

Cyclone Pam is expected to increase swells as it hits the east coast early next week.

The cyclone battered Vanuatu overnight, prompting fears for those in the area.

It is expected to weaken as it approaches New Zealand.

Tim Shipton, a Hamilton-based surfer, is looking forward to getting out in the extra swell the cyclone brings.

“It’s looking like it’ll send some massive swell to the north east coast on Monday,” Shipton said.

He was speaking before the storm lashed Vanuatu. “Hope they’re going to be okay,” he said.

Metservice.co.nz has predicted swells of over five metres at some east coast beaches, with Tolaga Bay predicted to hit swells of over seven meters on Monday.

“You’ll maybe get a couple of big wave chargers trying to have a go [on Monday], but howling offshore [winds] and the swell size will make it crazy dangerous and difficult/impossible to surf,” Shipton said.

“Tuesday morning will be much more realistic to get some fun waves. The swell will drop back really quickly but there will still be some solid 4ft sets and lighter offshores – hopefully get some barrels.”

For Shipton, who comes from Tauranga, the swells give him a chance to ride his home break while the surf is pumping.

“The Mount is where I grew up. It’s home and cyclone swell is always so much fun,” he said.

“It gets a bit frustrating surfing Raglan’s crowded point, so when there are finally waves out east I just have to get out there.”

Some Raglan locals believe that many will head east to capitalise on the cyclone swell too.

Raglan local Nat Hughes knows from past experience that events like this send surfers wave hunting, even if it only lasts for a day.

“You often find that most people flock to that side of New Zealand, you know, with the kind of anticipation of the big swells,” Hughes said.

“We usually find that when there is good surf on the east side our lineup kind of tends to clear out.”