Yonabaru Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Alright, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Yonabaru over the next couple of weeks. To be straight with you, the water temp is sitting at a warm 84°, which is about 1° warmer than average for this time of year – pretty normal, nothing to write home about.

First up, the early part of the forecast is a bit of a write-off. From now and right through until Friday the 18th, it’s all poor surf conditions. We’re looking at weak, inconsistent 2ft to 3ft of ESE swell with short periods around 9 seconds, and the wind is coming from the NE or NNE, keeping things cross-onshore and choppy. The combined swell energy is weak, sitting between 115 and 238, so honestly, don’t bother paddling out – it’s flat and messy.

Saturday the 19th shows a bit of a pulse. Saturday morning we see 3ft of ESE swell, but the period jumps up to a very long 15 seconds – that’s a proper groundswell. The combined energy cranks to 453, so there’s some juice in the water, but the wind is cross-shore from the N, and the waves are labelled marginal. By Saturday afternoon, the swell lifts to 5ft from the E, energy hits 1006, but the wind goes cross-onshore. It’s looking ordinary, but there’s a hint of something building.

Now, Sunday the 20th is where things start to get interesting. By Sunday afternoon, we’ve got a solid 10ft of E swell with that same long 15-second period, and the combined energy is massive at 3851. The wind swings to a clean cross-offshore from the N, so it’s going to be glassy and well-shaped. That said, 10ft is big – it’s getting into expert territory, and this is a fairly exposed beginner break, so only for the experienced crew. Still, this is a standout window for the whole period if you’ve got the skills.

Monday the 21st keeps the momentum going with 7ft of E swell in the morning and 6ft in the afternoon, both with 14-second periods and clean cross-off winds from the NNW. Energy is still strong between 1696 and 2289. Again, it’s big, but clean. The swell direction is straight out of the E, which lines up with the break’s optimum NE direction? Well, not perfect, but close enough.

Tuesday the 22nd sees the size drop to 5ft to 6ft from the NNW and N, period shortening to 10 seconds, but still with clean cross-off winds. Energy drops to around 734-780, so it’s a lot more manageable – maybe even okay for intermediate surfers if they’re feeling confident.

After that, from Wednesday the 23rd through to Friday the 25th, things fade. Swell drops to 3ft and under, periods drop to 8-9 seconds, and the energy falls below 252. Wind stays cross or cross-off, but it’s just not enough to get excited about.

Then we get a little glimmer on Saturday the 26th. Saturday afternoon shows 3ft of ESE swell with a lovely 12-second period and clean cross-off breeze. Energy is 560, and it’s labelled as “expect good surf conditions.” That’s a decent little window for longboarders or fun small-wave gear.

But the real monster arrives Sunday the 27th. The afternoon sees 10ft of SE swell with a 15-second period, clean cross-off wind, and combined energy of 3477. The forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” This is another standout, but again – big waves, not for the faint-hearted. The SE direction isn’t perfect for the break’s optimum NE, but with that much power and clean conditions, it’ll still fire.

Finally, Monday the 28th through Wednesday the 30th gets absolutely thumping. From Monday morning, we’re looking at 13ft to 23ft of SE swell, periods of 14-16 seconds, and combined energy going through the roof – from 7411 all the way up to 34094. But here’s the kicker: the forecast keeps saying “wind and tide favorable, but the swell is predicted to be too big for this break.” This is a beginner spot, and these sizes are genuinely dangerous for anyone but the most elite big-wave chargers. Not a good call for a normal surf.

So, to sum it up: if you’re an expert, mark your calendar for Sunday the 20th afternoon, or Sunday the 27th afternoon. Those are your best, clean, big-wave sessions. For the rest of us, Saturday the 26th afternoon is the best small-wave option with clean conditions.

Remember, the early stuff is dead, and the final few days are just too big for this location. Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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