Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve been watching this stretch of coast like a hawk for the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming, but it starts off a bit small before building into something special.

The first waves worth paddling out for are on Saturday, July 4th, at Rainbow Bay. That morning, the swell is a tiny 2.0ft from the ESE, with a period of 10 seconds, so it’s not gonna light the world on fire. The wind is a moderate offshore from the S, which will keep things clean, but the wave energy is weak (166). The water temp is a pleasant 71.0°, right about average for the time of year. It’s surfable, but only just.

Saturday afternoon sees a little bump up to 3.0ft from the ESE, and a longer 12-second period, but the wind goes cross-offshore. That’s still clean enough. Energy picks up to moderate levels (414). Not a standout, but a fun little session.

Now, Sunday the 5th is where it starts to get interesting. Sunday morning brings a clean 3.9ft swell from the S with a 10-second period and a solid offshore breeze from the S. The energy is moderate (451). This is a good call for a beginner or intermediate – the swell is well under 5.0ft, so it’s friendly.

Sunday afternoon gets a bit messy: the swell jumps to 6.2ft from the SSE, but the period drops to a short 6 seconds, so it’ll be lumpy and weak. The wind stays offshore, but it’s a rain shower day. I’d sit that one out.

Moving into the week, Monday the 6th is for experts only. The swell hits 8.2ft in the morning and 9.8ft in the afternoon, both from the SSE. The period is a short 8 seconds, so it’ll be a gutless, bumpy, big mess. Wave energy is strong (1139 and 1150), but the conditions are marginal. That’s kite-surf territory, not paddle.

The real gold starts on Tuesday the 7th and rolls through to Friday the 10th. Tuesday morning has 8.2ft from the SSE, 10-second period, and a moderate offshore from the S. Wave energy is strong (1346). The forecast says *very good* conditions. Tuesday afternoon jumps to 9.8ft, same direction, still offshore. This is big and powerful – experts only – but it’s clean.

Wednesday the 8th is a standout. Morning has 9.8ft from the SSE, an 11-second period, and a moderate offshore from the SSW. The combined energy is massive – 3963, which is very strong. This is *excellent* for experienced surfers. The long period means better shape and longer lulls, which helps with paddling out. A point break like Rainbow Bay will handle that nicely.

Thursday the 9th is another cracker. Morning comes in with 9.8ft from the SSE, 10-second period, and a clean offshore from the SSW. Energy is very strong (2664). Afternoon drops to a still-powerful 7.9ft, same direction. Both sessions are rated *excellent*.

Friday the 10th morning has 6.9ft, clean and offshore, with moderate energy (896). That’s a good one for experienced surfers. The afternoon is a true highlight: 8.2ft from the SSE, a long 12-second period, and a moderate offshore. The energy is huge (2848) and conditions are *excellent*. That’s the best on offer – solid size, long-period groundswell, clean wind. Crowds are listed as “often” possible at Rainbow Bay, so expect company.

Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th are smaller and less punchy. Swell drops to 5.2ft–5.6ft, clean, but the energy drops back to moderate. Sunday the 12th goes glassy in the morning with a tiny 2.3ft swell – not worth a paddle.

Then we hit a gap from the afternoon of Sunday the 12th through to Tuesday the 14th. Waves are below 3.3ft, wind is onshore or cross-shore, and the energy is weak (60 to 153). Poor conditions all round. Stay home.

The surf returns with a vengeance on Wednesday the 15th. Morning has 9.8ft from the SSE, a 10-second period, and a clean offshore from the SSW. Energy is very strong (1739). Afternoon is the same size, same direction, still offshore and clean. *Very good* conditions for experts.

Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th keep the size up: 8.2ft to 9.8ft from the SSE, clean offshore winds, but the period shortens to 9 seconds. The energy stays strong but conditions are described as marginal or good, not excellent. Still a solid session.

The final weekend, Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th, has solid 6.6ft to 6.9ft swell, 10–11 second periods, and clean offshore wind. Energy is moderate to strong (796 to 953). Good conditions for experienced surfers to close out the run.

Sum

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