Tainohama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s heading for Tainohama.

Right now, there’s not a lot doing. Tuesday the 18th through to Thursday the 20th are all pretty ordinary – we’ve got tiny, weak swell with onshore winds that just won’t clean it up. Nothing worth paddling out for. Friday the 21st morning shows a bit of promise though: a glassy morning with a moderate energy pulse (202) from the south at 3ft. That south swell direction lines up nicely for Tainohama’s optimum. It’s a reef break, fairly consistent, but it’s an advanced wave, so only for those who know what they’re doing. Crowds can be around sometimes. Water temp is sitting at 83°, which is about 2° warmer than normal – not a big deal, just a touch on the warm side.

Friday afternoon the wind swings cross-on and chops it up, so surf that morning if you can.

The real standout is the last week of August into early September. The big stuff starts building from Monday the 24th with a long-period groundswell (16 seconds) coming from the southeast. That’s a solid energy jump (731 in the morning, 1381 in the afternoon). The swell is up to 5ft but with onshore winds, it’s not ideal yet.

Then Tuesday the 25th morning – glassy conditions, swell hitting 8ft from the southeast with a long 16-second period. That’s proper groundswell, packing heaps of energy (3755). This is expert territory – way too big for beginners. The reef setup should handle that long period well, but be aware that long-period swell can make beach breaks close out. Tainohama’s a reef, so expect clean, well-shaped lines.

Wednesday the 26th is where it gets next level. Morning sees a cross-offshore breeze from the NNE, 10ft swell from the southeast, and massive energy (5315). By afternoon, it jumps to 13ft from the SSE, 17-second period, and clean conditions with a light offshore flow. That’s the best session on offer – exceptional surf for experts, with the highest quality score in the whole run. Crowds might show up, but for waves like that, it’s worth sharing.

Thursday the 27th holds big, clean swell – 13ft to 15ft from the SSE, still with clean cross-off winds. The energy is huge (9356 in the morning). This is still only for experienced surfers. Friday the 28th brings proper offshore winds from the NNW, with 13ft swell dropping to 12ft through the day. Excellent conditions, but again, big and powerful.

Into the first days of September, the swell starts to ease back a bit. Monday September 1st still has 8ft to 7ft from the southeast and ESE, with clean conditions. Wednesday September 2nd brings a shift – swell from the SSW at 8ft, with a gentle offshore wind. That’s a nice change of direction and still solid for experienced surfers.

Overall, the first week is a bust, but from the 24th onwards it’s all on – with Wednesday 26th afternoon being the absolute standout. Just remember, this is expert-only territory once the swell goes over 8ft. If you’re not comfortable in big, powerful waves on a reef, sit this one out.

Rusty.

Read more