Ilbaritz - Bora Bora Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s happening at Ilbaritz - Bora Bora for the next couple of weeks.

The first session worth paddling out for is Saturday morning, September 5th. It’s not big, but it’s clean. We’ve got a 3 ft swell coming from the NW with a 9-second period, and the wind is offshore from the ENE at 9 mph. The water’s sitting at 74.1°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year. The combined energy is moderate (229), and the conditions are looking good. The standout of the whole forecast, though, has to be Saturday afternoon on the 5th. The swell jumps to 5 ft from the NW, period stretches to 13 seconds, and the wind is a clean cross-offshore from the N at 9 mph. The energy is strong (732), and the forecast is for very good surf. This is the pick of the bunch—long-period groundswell, clean lines, and just the right size for an intermediate crew. Because it’s a reef setup, that long period will really wrap in nicely here.

Sunday morning on the 6th still has some size at 5.2 ft from the NW with a 12-second period, but the wind is onshore from the WNW at 6 mph, making it less than ideal. The energy is still strong (661), but the quality drops. Monday and Tuesday are pretty average, with onshore winds and small, messy surf. Wednesday morning the 9th is a nice surprise—glassy conditions with the wind swinging to NE at 3 mph, and a 2.6 ft NW swell with a 12-second period. The energy is moderate (331), and the glassy surface will make it super clean, even if the size is small. Thursday morning the 10th is another glassy session, with 3.9 ft NW swell, 11-second period, and light N wind at 3 mph. Energy is moderate (332). Good for a morning cruise.

The following week starts to build again. Sunday morning the 13th has offshore ENE wind at 3 mph, 3.6 ft NW swell, 11-second period, and moderate energy (303). Clean conditions. But the real highlight of the second week is Friday morning, September 18th. The swell is 5.2 ft from the NW, 11-second period, and the wind is cross-offshore from the NE at 9 mph. The energy is strong (584), and the conditions are clean. The following Saturday morning, the 19th of September, is even better on paper—4.6 ft NW swell, 10-second period, glassy conditions with the wind from the N at 3 mph, and strong energy (529). That’s a very promising long-range call, but keep an eye on it as it gets closer.

The afternoons in the second week get chopped up by the wind, so mornings are the go. There’s a solid run of good sessions spread out here, but for the best wave of the period, I’d be looking at Saturday afternoon, September 5th, and then Friday morning, September 18th. If you’re a beginner, steer clear of the afternoons when the swell is over 5 ft, and definitely when it hits 5.9 ft on the 19th afternoon—that’s expert territory.

Stay stoked.

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