Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for Rainbow Bay.

This is a solid run of swell, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The first few days are packing some serious punch, and you’ll want your wetsuit and your wits about you. The water temp is sitting at 71°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The action kicks off Monday, July 6th, with a solid 10ft swell out of the SSE. The wind is blowing offshore from the south at 19 mph, which will keep things clean, but this is a big, powerful groundswell with a period of 8 to 9 seconds. The combined energy is massive (1570-1676), and at 10ft, this is strictly for the experienced crew. Beginners, stay on the sand for this one.

Tuesday, July 7th, is where it starts to get really interesting. The swell holds at 10ft from the SSE, but the period jumps to 10 seconds, and the energy is pumping (1761-2085). The wind stays offshore, moderate at 16 mph. This is excellent surf for those who know what they’re doing. The standout here is Tuesday afternoon, when the forecast is calling for "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers."

Wednesday, July 8th, is the absolute peak of this run. The swell switches slightly to the SE, still 10ft, but the period extends to 11 seconds. This is proper groundswell, and the energy readings are through the roof (2431). The wind is still offshore and moderate. This is the best on offer. It’s big, it’s powerful, and it’s clean. Only experts need apply.

Thursday, July 9th, the swell backs off a touch to 8ft in the morning, dropping to 8ft by the afternoon. The wind shifts a bit to the SSW, but remains offshore and lighter at 12 mph. The energy is still high (2482 in the morning). Another excellent day for the experienced surfer.

Things start to settle down through Friday and Saturday, July 10th and 11th, with the swell dropping from 7ft to 5ft. The wind stays light and offshore, and the quality is still good, but it’s not the same beast as the midweek. Crowds are likely here at Rainbow Bay, so get in early.

Then we hit a flat spell. From Sunday, July 12th, right through to Wednesday, July 15th, the swell drops to under 4ft, and the wind turns onshore or cross-shore. The energy is weak (under 400). It’s a big gap of poor conditions, nothing to get excited about.

Thursday, July 16th, shows a small pulse of 2ft to 3ft, but it’s accompanied by a fresh 16 mph offshore wind. It’s clean, but tiny.

Now, late in the window, Friday, July 17th, a new pulse arrives. The swell jumps to 8ft-10ft from the SSE, with a period of 10 seconds. The energy is back in the thousands (1406-2102). However, the wind is a cross-offshore from the SSE at 22-25 mph, which is strong. The forecast calls it "poor surf conditions" and "marginal." The waves will be there, but the wind is going to make it a messy, challenging session. This is a promising long-range signal, but it’s a less certain bet with the strong wind.

Saturday, July 18th, the swell is still 10ft from the S, with a long 12-second period and massive energy (3126). The wind is still cross-offshore. This is a massive, powerful, and unruly swell. For the experts only, and even then, it’s going to be a battle.

The run fades out from Sunday, July 19th, through to Tuesday, July 22nd, with the swell dropping below 5ft and the winds turning onshore. The surf goes back to being ordinary.

So, the best of the bunch is Wednesday, July 8th. That’s the day to clear your calendar. Tuesday afternoon is a close second. The late pulse on the 17th and 18th is worth watching, but the wind is a major concern.

Rusty.

Read more