Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, this is Rusty. Let’s have a proper look at the surf ahead for Rainbow Bay. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, so we’ll take it day by day.

The pattern starts off humble. Sunday the 6th is a write-off – tiny 1.0ft waves from the east with a cross-off wind. The energy is barely there (32), so leave the board at home.

Monday the 7th is where we finally get something. The morning brings a clean 5ft swell from the SSE, with a light offshore wind making it glassy. The period is a short 8 seconds, so it won’t be super juicy, but for a beginner-friendly point like Rainbow Bay, it’s a fun, manageable size. The energy is moderate (400) and conditions look good. The afternoon holds similar size but with a bit more period, though the wind goes cross-offshore.

Tuesday the 8th is a classic “if you’re desperate” day. You’ve got 4 to 4ft waves with a solid offshore breeze keeping things clean, but it’s raining, and the energy levels are decent (253-300). The surf is there, but the experience will be ordinary. Worth a look if you’re keen, but don’t expect magic.

Wednesday the 9th is a dud. The wind switches and we get messy cross and cross-on conditions. The swell hangs around 5 to 5ft but with zero quality. Avoid it.

Now, here’s the standout. Thursday the 10th. This is the one. We’re talking a proper 12ft swell in the morning and 10ft in the afternoon, both from the SSE. The period is a short 8-9 seconds, meaning it will be a bit lumpy and powerful, but the energy readings (1934 and 1444) are massive. This is big, strong surf. However, this is for experts only – over 8ft is not for beginners. The wind is fresh offshore, so it should be clean. Crowds are often here, so expect company.

Friday the 11th settles down. You’ve got 7 to 8ft waves with clean offshore winds. The energy is still solid (631-718). It’s still a bit big for a beginner, but for an intermediate surfer, this will be the best “comfortable” day of the window. Paddling out will be easier than Thursday.

Saturday the 12th is a nice call. The morning starts with a smaller 5ft, but by afternoon it’s back to 7ft with moderate offshore winds and clean conditions. The energy (480-662) is good. This is a solid, surfable day.

From Sunday the 13th onward, it’s a slow fade. The swell drops, the winds get messy, and we’re looking at a long stretch of poor to ordinary conditions. The 14th through the 18th are essentially flat or too wind-affected to bother. There is a brief spike on the 18th with 5ft, but the wind is cross-onshore and choppy. Not worth it.

The best on offer is clearly Thursday the 10th for the big, powerful, clean swell – but only for the crew with experience. If you want something more manageable, Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th are your best bets for good quality, clean waves.

For the first break mentioned, Rainbow Bay: the water temperature is 70°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Rusty.

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