Doheney Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a stretch ahead that starts quiet, but there’s a definite pulse later on if you’re patient.

The first few days are a bit of a tease. We’re looking at Doheney Beach, a reef break that’s fairly consistent and exposed to the SSW. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, nothing to write home about. The combined swell energy is moderate, around 551 (Friday morning), but the waves are small, only 2ft, and the wind is a light cross-onshore. It’s marginal, but not useless. Friday afternoon is similar, with 3ft and a gentle cross-shore breeze, but the energy is still moderate at 636. Saturday and Sunday keep the same vibe: small 3ft to 4ft SSW swell, periods around 16 seconds, which is a good long-period groundswell. The winds are cross-shore, so it’s a bit bumpy. The energy stays moderate (654, 676, 542). Sunday afternoon gets a bit windier, and the energy drops to 393, with poor conditions. This is more of a longboard or grovel session, not a standout.

From Monday, 18th August, through to the end of the month, things stay small and marginal. The swell drops to 2ft to 3ft, with periods between 13 and 17 seconds. The energy is lower, mostly between 144 and 474. The wind remains light and cross-onshore for most of it. Monday 26th shows a slight uptick, with 3ft to 3ft S swell at 14 seconds, and energy can reach 700, but it’s still marginal. There’s a stretch of about 10 days here where the surf is small and the conditions are just okay. It’s a quiet period, but the consistency is there, so it won’t stay flat forever.

Now, the real action starts to build on Thursday, 28th August. The swell jumps to 6ft from the S, with a 14-second period, and the energy hits 1344 – that’s strong. The wind is still light cross-onshore, so it’s a bit rough, but the size is there. Friday, 29th August, is the true standout. We’ve got 8ft SSW swell in the morning, with energy at 2221. That’s a lot of power. The wind is light cross-onshore, but the afternoon is where it’s at. The wind goes glassy, the swell is 7ft from the SSW at 13 seconds, and the energy is 1674. The report calls it excellent for experienced surfers, and that’s the truth. With that size and glassy conditions, Doheney is going to be firing. The only caveat is that at over 8ft, it’s expert territory, and 7ft is still a heavy wave. The period is 13 seconds, not super long, so it’ll have good shape. Expect crowds to be possible, as it’s a known spot.

Saturday, 30th August, the swell drops to 5ft, and the energy is 833, with a light cross-shore breeze. It’s still fun, but not the peak.

So, the best on offer is clear: Friday, 29th August, afternoon at Doheney Beach. Glassy conditions, 7ft of SSW groundswell, and strong energy. It’s the one to circle on the calendar. The Thursday morning before is also a solid call for bigger waves, just with a bit of cross-onshore wind.

Rusty out.

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