Rainbow Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and let’s get straight into it. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag coming up over the next couple of weeks, but there are a couple of absolute gems to look forward to.

The pattern kicks off with some fun, clean conditions this weekend, but then it goes pretty quiet for a long stretch. From the afternoon of Monday the 31st of August right through until the morning of Wednesday the 9th of September, there’s basically nothing worth paddling out for. That’s a solid nine-day gap where the surf just disappears—flat, onshore, or just plain ordinary. So if you’ve got itchy feet, make the most of the early days.

First up, Rainbow Bay on Saturday morning the 29th of August is your go. Swell is a solid 5 ft from the SSE, with a period of 10 seconds—decent groundswell energy there, and with a light offshore SSE breeze at 9 mph, it’s gonna be clean and peeling nicely down the point. The combined energy sits at 771 (moderate), so there’s some punch. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, but the wind is sweet, so even if it’s a little crowded (which it often is), it’ll be well worth it. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing crazy.

Sunday morning the 30th of August sees a touch more size, with 7 ft from the SSE and a shorter period of 8 seconds—more of a windswell feel. The wind is a moderate offshore from the south at 16 mph, so it’ll be clean but a little bumpy. Energy is 511 (moderate), and it’s still fun, but the longer period on Saturday will give you better shape.

Now, the standout—and I mean the real standout—is Wednesday the 9th of September. The morning is glassy, absolutely flat-calm wind, with 8 ft of SSE swell at a 9-second period. Combined energy is 984 (strong), and it’s gonna be powerful. That size is right on the edge for beginners, but for anyone with a bit of experience, it’s a beauty. The afternoon only gets better, with 8 ft and a 10-second period, energy jumping to 1102 (very strong), and light cross-offshore winds keeping it clean. This is the best of the whole run.

Thursday the 10th of September morning keeps the quality high, with another 8 ft from the SSE, 10-second period, and a gentle offshore from the SSW at 9 mph. Energy is 1382 (very strong). That’s a serious swell, so only for confident surfers—it’s gonna be big and powerful. The afternoon gets a bit dicey with stronger cross-offshore winds, but the morning window is pure gold.

After that, Friday the 11th of September drops back to 6 ft from the SE with a 10-second period, offshore winds in the morning (gentle, clean), and energy at 773 (moderate). It’s a solid option, but the earlier days are the real highlights.

The second week has a few smaller pulses, but nothing that stands out like that 9th and 10th. The 13th of September shows 6 ft from the SE, but with a short 6-second period and moderate cross-offshore winds—it’s surfable, but not worth getting excited about.

So to wrap it up: hit Saturday morning for clean, user-friendly waves, but circle Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th of September in your calendar. That’s the big, clean swell you’ve been waiting for. Just be aware—crowds are likely at Rainbow Bay, especially when it’s good.

Rusty.

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