Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about Rainbow Bay over the next couple of weeks. The first few days are flat and not worth getting wet for, but there’s a big pulse of swell coming in later this week that’ll get things cooking. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary.

Tuesday the 15th is a total dud. Waves are 1 to 2 ft from the SSE with onshore northerly breezes – just not worth it.

Wednesday the 16th is where it kicks off. Swell jumps to 7 ft from the south in the morning, with a period of 7 seconds and a combined energy of 469 – moderate. The wind is offshore from the south at 19 mph, so it’s clean and lined up. By the afternoon, it’s even bigger at 10 ft from the SSE, period up to 8 seconds, and energy cranking to 1220 – strong. The wind stays offshore but picks up to 22 mph. This is expert territory – over 8 ft and powerful. Not for beginners.

Thursday the 17th is the standout. Morning surf is 10 ft from the SSE, period lengthening to 10 seconds, and energy at 1404 – very strong. The wind is offshore from the south at 16 mph, so it’ll be clean with proper shape. This is a point break, so that longer period groundswell will wrap in and give you long, grinding walls. Expect excellent conditions. Afternoon drops a little to 8 ft SSE with 9-second period and energy of 1278, still offshore wind. Still very good but a touch less power.

Friday the 18th is smaller but still fun. Morning offers 6 ft from the SSE with a 9-second period and energy of 462. Wind is light and cross-offshore from the SE at 6 mph, so it’s clean. Good for all levels. The afternoon drops to 4 ft from the south with a 9-second period and energy of 316, but the wind turns cross-onshore, making it a bit bumpy.

From Saturday the 19th right through to Tuesday the 24th, the surf drops right off. You’re looking at 1 ft to 3 ft SSE slop with onshore or light cross-shore winds. Not worth the effort – a proper gap of nearly a week with nothing doing.

Wednesday the 23rd sees a slight bump from the ESE at 5 ft with a short 7-second period and energy around 469. Wind is cross-offshore from the ESE at 12 mph, so it’s clean, but the quality is marginal. Thursday the 24th is similar but smaller and a bit choppy.

Friday the 25th through to Tuesday the 30th is mostly small, poor quality surf with onshore or cross-onshore winds. Heights hover around 4 ft to 5 ft from the ENE, but periods are short and energy is moderate. The winds are not kind, and the waves will be messy.

The very end of the outlook, Wednesday the 30th of September, shows a small improvement with 4 ft from the ENE, a 8-second period, and offshore southerly winds at 12 mph. The energy is moderate at 272, and conditions are clean. Surfable but nothing to write home about.

The clear winner is Thursday the 17th – that 10 ft SSE groundswell with offshore wind at Rainbow Bay is as good as it gets in this run. Wednesday the 16th is also a standout for experts. The rest is either flat, small, or messy. Get on it while you can.

Rusty.

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