Ilbaritz - Bora Bora Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be real with you: the surf outlook for this stretch is looking pretty grim. We’ve got a solid 16-day window, but the ocean isn’t cooperating for most of it. I’m seeing a lot of small, short-period swell with onshore winds messing things up. For the most part, you’re better off doing something else.

The only spot on the map with any hope is Ilbaritz - Bora Bora. It’s a reef break, fairly consistent, and it’s got a West exposure which is what we want. The water is running warm, about 75°, which is a couple of degrees above normal for this time of year. That’s a nice touch, but it won’t save the waves.

We’re looking at a big gap of nothing from today through the first part of next week. Swell energy is weak, under 100, and wave heights are barely pushing 3ft at best. The wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore, making everything choppy and messy. Not worth paddling out for.

There’s a slight pulse on Sunday the 16th with the swell picking up to 4ft in the morning and 5ft in the afternoon, and the energy jumps to 316. But it’s still a messy, short-period swell and the wind is ruining it. Onshore winds, messy conditions... it’s a pass.

Then the window just closes up again. Weak energy, tiny waves, nothing doing. It isn’t until Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st that we get a glimmer of hope. It’s not big – 2ft – but the wind goes completely glassy in the mornings. That’s the standout, right there. It’s the only time we get clean conditions. The swell isn't anything to write home about, but for a small wave session, clean and glassy is all you need. The energy is still low, but it’s surfable.

But that’s it. After that, it's back to onshores and mush. To cap it all off, on Sunday the 24th, the wind is howling at 22 mph with thunderstorms. The swell might be there, but it’s going to be a complete mess. Honestly, that setup looks more fun for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

So, keep your expectations low. The clean, glassy mornings on the 20th and 21st are your best shots, but don’t expect any barrels. It’s one of those rare stretches where even the reliable spots are quiet. Forecasts can change, but right now, I’d be looking at other hobbies for the next couple of weeks.

Rusty out.

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