Tainohama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a mixed bag coming up for Tainohama over the next couple of weeks. The first few days are pretty average, but there’s a real cracker of a window later on that you’re gonna want to pencil in.

Right now, we’re in a bit of a flat spell to kick things off. Tuesday morning the 8th of September has a 5ft south swell with a 9-second period, but it’s cross-on wind and energy is only moderate at 590. Water temp is sitting at 83°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. Not really worth getting wet for. The afternoon builds a bit to 6ft, but the wind turns onshore and it’s messy.

Wednesday the 9th is a write-off. A 10ft SSE swell with strong 15 mph south wind hammering it makes for poor conditions — that’s expert-only if you’re keen, but I wouldn’t bother. Energy is pumping at 1242, but it’s not surfable.

Thursday the 10th is where we get our first real glimpse of clean surf. Morning sees a 4ft SSE swell with a 12 mph offshore breeze from the north. Energy is light at 222, but it’s clean with moderate offshore wind. This is a window for the advanced crew, but don’t expect much push.

Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th drop right off. Swell sizes around 2ft to 3ft with glassy conditions on the Friday morning and Saturday morning — but the wave energy is weak (around 130 to 149). You could paddle out on a longboard for a few dribbles, but that’s about it. Sunday the 13th is flat with poor conditions as the swell dies to 1ft.

Now here’s something worth getting excited about — Monday the 14th of September. We get a southerly swing in swell direction to SSE, and on Monday afternoon we score a 5ft ESE swell, glassy wind, and wave energy jumping to 587. Conditions are looking very good. The swell direction is a touch off the optimum for Tainohama, but the glassy surface and solid 5ft make this the standout of the first week.

Tuesday the 15th morning still holds 4ft with glassy wind and 299 energy, but you’ll want to get in early because the afternoon turns onshore and drops off.

From Wednesday the 16th through to Saturday the 19th of September, it’s a long slow fade. Sizes hover around 1ft to 3ft, with moderate offshore or cross-off winds, but energy is in the weak 30 to 100 range. Not much happening.

Now, here’s the big one for the true crew: Sunday the 20th of September sees a new pulse arrive. Morning has 5ft ESE swell with a 15 mph offshore north wind and energy at 417. By Monday the 21st, it gets serious — a 16-second period SE groundswell of 6ft hitting 2300 energy on Monday morning, then 8ft with a 16-second period and 4288 energy Monday afternoon. Offshore winds from the north at 22 mph keep it clean. This is a very long-period groundswell, so the wave shape will be better, but at a reef like Tainohama, that’s prime. However, at 8ft, this is only for experts. The energy is strong as it gets. Tuesday the 22nd holds 8ft with 15-second period and 2613 energy in the morning, then drops to 6ft by afternoon. Offshore winds hold. This whole Sunday to Tuesday window is the true standout — just be aware the offshore wind is fresh to strong.

After that, Wednesday the 23rd drops off fast to 3ft, and we’re done for the outlook.

So, bottom line: don’t bother with this week. Wait for Monday the 14th for a fun glassy session, but set your alarm for the 20th to 22nd of September — that’s the big groundswell with clean offshore winds. Expert territory, but if you’re ready, it’ll be the session of the month.

Rusty

Read more