Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s comin’ our way.

We’ve got a solid start to the forecast, but it’s not for everyone. The standout is Rainbow Bay, a sheltered point break that handles the size well. The first few days pack a punch, then it really fades into a long quiet stretch.

Wednesday the 8th of July kicks off with a 10-foot swell from the southeast, 11-second period. That’s a proper groundswell, with strong energy. Winds are a moderate offshore from the south, keeping it clean. But at over 8 feet, this is strictly for experienced surfers. Water temp is about average for this time of year. The afternoon holds steady with the same size, still offshore.

Thursday the 9th is another big one. Morning brings a 8-foot swell from the south-southeast, 11-second period, with strong energy. Winds are a moderate offshore from the south-southwest, so it’s clean. Still expert territory. Afternoon drops to a 7-foot swell, 10-second period, still decent.

Friday the 10th is good for the experienced crew. Morning sees a 7-foot swell from the south-southeast, 10-second period, with strong energy. A gentle offshore breeze from the south-southwest keeps it clean. Afternoon drops to 7 feet, still fun.

Now, Saturday the 11th of July is the one for the wider crew. Morning is glassy with a light north-northwest breeze, and the swell drops to 5 feet from the southeast, 10-second period. This is clean, manageable, and the crowd factor is “often” at Rainbow Bay, so expect company. This is the best on offer for the intermediate surfer. The afternoon turns onshore, so get in early.

Sunday the 12th to Wednesday the 15th is a flat spell, with swell dropping below 3 feet and energy weak. Not worth paddling out.

Thursday the 16th sees a tiny pulse of 4 feet from the south-southeast, but period is a short 6 seconds, energy weak. It’s surfable, but ordinary.

Friday the 17th brings a rebound to 7 feet from the south-southeast, 9-second period, with a moderate offshore breeze. But it’s still short period, and the morning has rain. Afternoon is a bit better, but not a standout.

From Saturday the 18th onwards, it’s a struggle. The wind gets up to a fresh 19 mph offshore, but the swell period drops to 7 or 8 seconds, and the energy fades into the weak to moderate range. The waves are small, weak, and generally poor. The 21st has a glassy morning, but the swell is only 4 feet from the east with a short 7-second period. It’s a long week of flat to ordinary conditions.

So, to sum it up: the real action is Wednesday the 8th through to Saturday morning the 11th. The standout is Saturday morning the 11th at Rainbow Bay – 5 feet, glassy, clean, and a good point break. It’s the one to aim for. The rest of the run is either too big for most, or just too weak.

Rusty.

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