Tainohama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day surfers, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming for Tainohama.

We’ve got a proper slow start with tiny, pretty average surf for nearly a full week. Honestly, from Monday the 27th of July right through to Sunday the 2nd of August, it’s all pretty ordinary – wave heights are hanging around 1ft to 2ft with weak combined swell energy (mostly under 200). There’s a couple of glassy moments in there on Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning, but the swell’s just too small to get excited about.

A few mornings offer a clean little ripple with cross-off winds, but you’d be pushing it to call it a proper session. Monday the 27th morning has a 1ft SE swell (14 sec period, moderate energy at 172) with a cross-off breeze, so you might get a knee-high wave if you’re keen.
Water temp is sitting at 84°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – pretty nice.

Now the real story starts from Monday the 3rd of August. That’s when the place lights up. Monday morning sees a jump to 4ft from the ESE with a 15-second period, combined energy hitting 601 – that’s moderate but building quick. The wind is glassy, so expect clean, well-shaped lines. This is good for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Tuesday the 4th of August morning steps it up to 7ft ESE, 17-second period, with strong energy at 2573. Cross-off winds from the NE keep it clean. That’s solid, powerful groundswell – longer gaps between sets, which makes paddling out a bit easier. At this size, it’s pushing it for beginners; better suited to experienced surfers.

Wednesday the 5th of August morning is the standout. You’ve got 8ft from the ESE, 17-second period, combined energy screaming at 3767, and glassy conditions. That’s big, clean, powerful swell. It’s for experts only at this size – amazing waves if you’ve got the skills.

Thursday the 6th morning holds at 10ft ESE with cross-off winds, but it’s getting big. Thursday afternoon sees 12ft with 16 mph cross-off winds – still clean, but it’s definitely big-wave territory.

Then Friday the 7th of August morning is absolutely pumping – 15ft ESE, 17-second period, energy over 11,800, with light cross-off winds. That’s exceptional, but it’s strictly for expert surfers. Friday afternoon jumps to 18ft with 18-second period – it’s likely too big for the break by then.

Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th are huge – waves over 30ft to 34ft – way too big to paddle surf safely. That kind of energy (over 63,000) is more for tow-in or just watching from the cliff.

From Monday the 10th of August, the swell drops back to 4ft to 10ft, but winds turn onshore or cross-onshore, so quality fades. Tuesday the 11th afternoon has short-period, messy 6ft with onshore wind – not worth it.

Bottom line: Tainohama’s best window is Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th of August mornings, with Wednesday the 5th morning being the absolute pick. It’s a reef break, so those long-period ESE swells will wrap in nicely, but at 8ft it’s for experienced surfers only. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so expect a few locals out. The water’s a touch warmer than usual, which is a nice bonus.

Stay stoked.

Rusty

Read more