Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s have a look at what’s brewing for Rainbow Bay. This is a classic point break setup, sheltered from a lot of the junk, and it’s got a solid run of swell lined up. The water’s sitting at 71°, pretty much average for this time of year, so nothing wild there.

We’re kicking off Tuesday, July 7th, and it’s already pumping. Solid 10ft swell pushing in from the SSE with a 10-second period. That’s proper groundswell energy – you can feel the weight in it. The combined energy reading of 1880 (moderate to strong) backs that up. The wind is howling from the south at 16 mph, but because it’s offshore for this spot, the waves are going to be clean, well-shaped, and offering plenty of power. This is serious surf – over 8ft, so this is for experienced surfers only. That Tuesday afternoon gets even a little more energy at 2095, and it stays excellent.

Wednesday, July 8th, keeps the good times rolling. Morning is clear with that same 10ft swell, period pushing up to 11 seconds, and the energy is still high at 2269. The south wind holds at 16 mph offshore, so it’s still clean and powerful. The afternoon backs off a fraction to 10ft from the SE, still plenty of juice, but the score dips a little, maybe a tide thing.

Thursday, July 9th, is another standout. The swell eases to 8ft, but the period holds at 11 seconds from the SSE, and the combined energy jumps to 2794 (strong). Wind is a bit lighter at 12 mph, still offshore, and the morning session is going to be excellent for experienced crew. The afternoon sees the swell drop to 8ft, still very good.

Friday, July 10th, is more of the same good stuff. 8ft in the morning from the SSE, 10-second period, energy at 1794, with that consistent 12 mph offshore wind. The afternoon is 7ft from the SSE, 11-second period, still clean and rewarding.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Saturday, July 11th, the swell drops a fair bit to 5ft from the SE, but wind goes to zero – glassy conditions. That’s a gem right there. It’s going to be clean as a whistle, super fun for intermediate and above on the point. The energy is down to 566 (moderate), so it’s less grunty, but the trade-off for perfection is worth it. That morning is a real highlight. The afternoon turns onshore, so don’t hold your breath.

From Sunday, July 12th, through to Thursday, July 16th morning, it gets small and messy. Swell stays under 4ft, winds are cross or light onshore, and the energy drops into the low hundreds or even double digits. There’s a big gap of poor to very ordinary surf for about four days. Not worth paddling out unless you’re desperate.

Then, Thursday, July 16th afternoon, things wake up again. A new pulse of 7ft swell from the south with a short 7-second period and energy at 567 (moderate). The south wind is 16 mph offshore, so it’s clean but a bit walled-up and quick. This is more for the experienced surfer.

Friday, July 17th, is a bit of a mixed bag. 5ft in the morning from the SE with a short period and offshore wind – rideable but ordinary. The afternoon is 6ft from the SE, but the wind cranks to 19 mph. It’s offshore, which keeps it clean, but that is a lot of wind for a point break.

Saturday, July 18th, settles down nicely. 4ft from the SSE with a solid 10-second period, and a gentle 9 mph offshore breeze. This is a fun, clean size for a good range of surfers. Energy is 404 (moderate). A good option.

Sunday, July 19th morning is glassy with 4ft from the SE, but it’s fairly weak with 263 energy. The afternoon goes onshore and dies.

After a run of poor conditions on Monday, July 20th, we get a nice surprise on Tuesday, July 21st morning. Glassy conditions and a 7ft pulse from the south with an 8-second period. Energy is up at 717 (moderate to strong). That’s clean and punchy, a good one for the experienced crew.

Finally, Wednesday, July 22nd, the swell pumps back up to 10ft from the SSE, 10-second period, and the combined energy hits 3186 (strong to very strong). That’s a serious swell. The wind is cross-onshore though, so it will be a bit lumpy, and with that size, it’s only for experts. The afternoon goes full onshore and messy.

For the real standouts, I’d be nailing that Tuesday, July 7th morning session for big, powerful, clean waves, and that Saturday, July 11th morning for absolute glassy perfection on a smaller day. Long-range, Tuesday, July 21st morning also looks promising but keep an eye on the wind forecasts – it’s a bit far out.

Rusty

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