Malua Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s get straight into the outlook for Malua Bay.

The pattern starts off pretty quiet, but don’t switch off – there’s a solid window of quality surf coming through the middle of the coming week, and a couple of big, powerful pulses later in the period that will get the heart pumping. The first few days are slim pickings, but things turn around nicely.

Right now, Saturday morning, July 18, there’s just a tiny 1ft swell from the S, period 9 seconds, with glassy conditions. The combined swell energy is weak (47), so it’s really only for the keenest beginner having a paddle. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

Then Sunday morning, July 19, is where it starts to get interesting. The swell jumps to 4ft from the ENE, period 12 seconds – that’s a nice groundswell. The wind is glassy, and the combined energy hits moderate (555). This is the first standout. The waves should be clean and have some real shape. Malua Bay is exposed, so the ENE swell will wrap in nicely. It’s also very consistent, so you won’t be waiting around. Keep in mind that longer period swell like this (12 seconds) can sometimes break a bit straight at beach breaks, but Malua Bay handles it fine. Crowds are often a factor, so get there early.

Monday morning, July 20, keeps the good run going. Another 5ft swell from the ENE, period 11 seconds, glassy wind, and energy at 610 (moderate). That’s quality stuff again. The wind is glassy, meaning the surface will be clean as a whistle. The swell is still in the beginner-friendly range, so it’s a good all-rounder morning.

Tuesday morning, July 21, still has a solid 4ft ENE swell, period 10 seconds, glassy, with moderate energy (383). It’s starting to settle a bit, but still worth a paddle.

Wednesday morning, July 22, the swell drops to 3ft, period 10 seconds, glassy – still surfable, but the energy is down to 193. The quality is ordinary.

Thursday, July 23, through to Saturday, July 25, the swell gets small and messy, with low energy readings (54 to 37). Not much to write home about. There’s a bit of a gap here with no real recommendations.

Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27, remain small, with cleanish conditions on Monday morning but swell only 1ft. The energy is weak (47 on Monday). Keep the board in the car but don’t get too excited.

Tuesday, July 28, morning sees a long-period 1ft swell from the SE, period 14 seconds, with clean cross-off wind. The energy is 133, so there’s some juice, but the height is tiny. Not really a goer.

Now, the real standout – and it’s a big one – is Friday, July 31. The morning shows a massive 12ft swell from the S, period 12 seconds, with glassy winds and a combined energy of 5446 (very strong). This is a serious swell. However, it’s predicted to be too big for this break. The swell direction is from the S, which is close to the optimum SE direction, but 12ft is expert-only territory. The afternoon is still 10ft, with cross wind, so it’s marginal. Only the most experienced, well-equipped surfers should even look at this. For beginners and intermediates, stay well clear.

Saturday, August 1, is a much better proposition. The morning brings 4ft from the SE, period 12 seconds, with clean cross-off wind and energy at 876 (moderate to strong). This is a great, surfable size with good period. The wind stays clean into the afternoon as well. This is another standout session – a proper, well-shaped, clean swell that’s solid but not overwhelming.

Sunday, August 2, morning sees another big 12ft pulse from the S, period 10 seconds, energy 3453 (very strong), with offshore wind. Again, too big for this break unless you’re an expert looking for a challenge.

So, the best on offer is Sunday morning, July 19, and the Saturday, August 1 sessions. Both have clean conditions, solid groundswell, and good energy. The Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2 waves are huge and powerful, but only for the brave.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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