Bundoran Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, folks, it’s Rusty here, and I’ve got to be straight with you – the next little while at Bundoran is looking like a proper test of patience. We’ve got a 16-day window, but the first eight days are basically a write-off for any kind of decent paddle. The ocean is just not playing ball.

We start out with barely a ripple. Monday the 20th through to Thursday the 24th, you’re looking at tiny, weak swell, mostly under 2 feet, with a combined energy that’s barely a whisper (40 down to 11). The wind is a mess, mostly onshore or cross-onshore, chopping everything up. It’s a real “leave the board in the car” kind of stretch.

Then we get a pulse of energy rolling in on Friday the 24th morning. The swell jumps to 3 feet from the WNW, with period around 9 seconds. The combined energy finally gets into triple digits (169), which is a sign of life, but the wind is still cross-onshore, so it’s going to be a bit of a bumpy, ordinary session. Friday afternoon is the same story.

The weekend brings more size. Saturday the 25th, the swell pushes up to 6 feet from the WNW, with a 10-second period. The energy is now strong at 567. But here’s the kicker – the wind is onshore and gusty, turning it into a choppy, messy lineup. That 6 feet is getting into the "too big for beginners" territory, and with the wind, it’s not a pretty sight. Sunday the 26th is a bit smaller at 4 feet, but still plagued by onshore wind.

Monday the 27th is more of the same: 5 feet swell but with strong onshore winds. The whole setup is more interesting for kite surfing than for a paddle surfer, if I’m being honest.

Finally, we see a glimmer of hope. The forecast for Tuesday the 28th morning shows a sweet shift. The wind goes cross-offshore from the SW, which should clean things right up. The swell is a modest 3 feet from the WNW (9 seconds), with moderate energy (177), but the clean conditions will make it feel way better. This is your first real window at Bundoran (Ireland). It’s a reef break, fairly consistent, and with the offshore wind, it could offer some clean, fun lines. Just be aware, crowds are possible here.

Then, after a couple more days of ordinary, choppy conditions, we get a proper standout. Thursday the 30th morning is looking like the best of the whole run. The forecast shows glassy conditions, a slight air from the SSW, and the swell is a solid 5 feet from the WNW with a 10-second period. The combined energy is strong at 370. That’s a recipe for clean, punchy waves at Bundoran. The water is much warmer than normal for this time of year, which is a bonus. This is the one to circle. Friday the 31st morning also has potential with a clean cross-offshore wind, but the swell drops to 3 feet, so it’s a smaller, cleaner option.

The second week trails off again. The first few days of August bring dropping swell and fresh, lumpy onshore winds. It’s a real shame, because that Thursday the 30th is a cracker, but it’s a long way off, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty

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