Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s have a look at what’s cooking. We’re talking Rainbow Bay, a sheltered point break that’s a good spot for beginners, breaks pretty consistently, and gets its best swell from the southeast. The water’s about 69°F, which is just a fraction cooler than the average for this time of year – no big deal.

The first week is a bit of a bust. From Tuesday the 4th through the end of the week, it’s small, weak, and messy. Swell heights are between 2ft and 4ft, with the combined energy barely getting past 99 to 320 (weak to moderate). Winds are all over the place, mostly cross-off or onshore, and the wave report keeps saying “poor surf conditions.” There’s a little window on Saturday morning the 8th with a moderate offshore wind from the south, but the swell is only 3ft and short period (7 seconds). Not worth the drive.

Sunday the 9th morning is the first hint of something: 4ft from the east, glassy conditions, and energy at 350 (moderate). It’s described as “surfable but ordinary,” so you can get a few, but it’s not a standout. After that, it’s back to small and choppy through Monday and Tuesday.

Now, the good stuff. It all changes on Thursday, August 13th. That morning brings a solid 6ft swell from the south, period 9 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to 1114 (strong). The wind is light and cross-off, keeping it clean. This is where the bay starts to wake up. Friday the 14th morning is the real gem – 10ft from the south-southeast, period 10 seconds, energy at 1994 (very strong). Winds are light and cross-off, so the waves will be clean and powerful. This is big, expert-only territory (over 8ft), so only the experienced should be out there. The point will handle it, but it’ll be heavy.

Saturday the 15th morning is another strong option: 8ft from the south-southeast, offshore winds from the south at 12 mph, energy at 1034 (strong). Offshore wind will keep it clean and hollow. Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th keep the size up (7ft to 8ft), with offshore winds on Monday making for good, clean surf. The energy drops a bit (772 to 708), but it’s still moderate to strong.

The standout of the whole run is Friday morning, August 14th. That 10ft swell from the SSE with a 10-second period, light cross-off wind, and very strong energy (1994) is the best window. It’s a big, powerful groundswell that will wrap nicely into the point. Just remember, with that size, it’s for experts only, and the crowds are “often” here, so expect a packed lineup.

The second week also has a couple of strong days: Wednesday the 19th morning and afternoon offer 8ft to 10ft swell from the SSE, with moderate offshore winds and strong energy (1007 to 1379). That’s another big, clean window.

For the whole period, the best bet is Friday morning, August 14th – it’s the most powerful, cleanest, and most consistent. Thursday morning, August 13th is a close second, with slightly smaller but still solid waves.

Rusty.

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