Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but there’s some real magic lined up if you’re patient. The first proper surf worth paddling out for hits Rainbow Bay on Friday, July 10th. It’s a sheltered point, so it does need the right angle.

Friday afternoon kicks it off with a clean 6ft SE swell, period around 10 seconds, and a gentle offshore breeze from the south—so the surface is looking pretty tidy. The water’s sitting at 70°, which is right about average for this time of year, nothing unusual there. Combined wave energy is moderate (769), so there’s enough push to get a decent ride without it being too full-on for a beginner-friendly spot. Just be aware, crowds are often here, so expect company.

Saturday the 11th is the standout. Morning session comes in with glassy conditions, 5ft SE swell, period still 10 seconds, and that offshore breeze drops to almost nothing. The afternoon cleans up even more—dead calm, 4ft ESE swell, period stretching out to 12 seconds. A longer period like that brings better shaped waves, more energy in each set, but at a point break like this, it’s a real bonus. The wave energy stays moderate (618 and 613), and the conditions are absolutely pristine. This is the best on offer.

Sunday the 12th turns ugly—cross-onshore wind, dropping swell down to 4ft and 3ft, period under 10 seconds, and the energy plummets (292 and 207). Monday the 13th is a write-off with tiny, weak swell under 2ft (77 and 74). Tuesday morning offers a glassy 2ft but barely enough to surf (89). From Tuesday afternoon through to Wednesday the 15th morning, it’s flat and poor.

Now, Wednesday the 15th afternoon sees a jump—8ft S swell, but the period is only 7 seconds, which is short and messy, and the forecast is marginal despite the fresh offshore wind. Not worth getting excited about.

Thursday the 16th morning brings 8ft SSE swell, period 8 seconds, moderate offshore wind, and moderate energy (576). It’s clean, but that swell height is getting into expert territory for a beginner spot, so keep an eye on your ability. Afternoon the same day gets even bigger at 8ft, but with a cross-offshore wind and period still short at 7 seconds—energy jumps to 801, but it’s messy and powerful.

Friday the 17th is solid again: 7ft SE swell, period 7–8 seconds, gentle to moderate offshore wind, and energy around 522 to 587. Clean, but again, big for beginners.

Saturday the 18th morning keeps it going with 7ft ESE swell, period 9 seconds, moderate offshore, energy (676). Afternoon drops to 6ft but cross-offshore wind creeps in.

Sunday the 19th through Tuesday the 21st sees the swell fade (5ft down to 4ft), period stays short, and winds turn cross-onshore or onshore. Wednesday the 22nd onward is tiny, weak, and poor—most days under 3ft with energy below 200, and only occasional glassy mornings on the 23rd and 24th that are barely surfable.

So, the real standout is Saturday, July 11th at Rainbow Bay—that glassy, clean 4–5ft SE/ESE swell with long period is about as good as it gets for this stretch. Snag it early. After that, the second half of the second week is a write-off, so don’t hold your breath.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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