Doheney Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's take a look at what's on the menu for Doheney Beach over the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, it's a tough start. The forecast is calling for a real mixed bag. We’ve got some solid groundswell energy rolling in, with a long period, but the wind is mostly cross or cross-onshore, and the wave quality is being described as marginal. It’s not the kind of forecast that jumps out at you, but there are a few windows where things could get interesting.

We’ll kick things off on Monday, July 20th. Doheney Beach is a reef break, good for beginners, and it’s fairly consistent. The water temp is about average for this time of year. We’re looking at a modest 3ft to 3ft of swell from the SSW, but here’s the catch – the period is a very long 15 to 16 seconds. That’s real groundswell energy, and the combined energy is moderate (541 to 641). The wind is a light breeze, but it’s cross or cross-onshore, putting a few ripples on the face. The waves have the potential for good shape at a reef, but the wind is just not fully cooperating for a clean session.

Moving into Tuesday, July 21st, and Wednesday, July 22nd, the story is similar. Swell holds around 3ft from the SSW with a long period (14-16 seconds). The combined energy stays moderate (438 to 630). The wind stays light, but it’s still cross-onshore, so expect a bumpy surface.

Thursday, July 23rd, sees a slight bump in size to 5ft to 5ft from the S, with a shorter period of 13 seconds. The combined energy picks up to a strong 855 to 938. The wind is still light cross-onshore in the morning, shifting to a light cross-shore in the afternoon. It’s a bit more push, but the wind is still a problem.

Now, Friday, July 24th, is where it gets a little wild. The morning shows a small 2ft swell from the SW, but get this – the period is an insane 24 seconds. The combined energy is a very strong 1176. That’s a massive amount of energy for a little wave. The wind is a light onshore breeze. It’s a tricky one. That long period groundswell will be breaking super straight at a beach break, so it’s not ideal for shape, but the energy is undeniably there.

Saturday, July 25th, and Sunday, July 26th, continue with the long period, very long period swells (18-21 seconds) from the SSW and SW. Swell sizes are around 2ft to 4ft, with combined energy remaining strong (797 to 1063). The wind is still light, but goes onshore to cross-onshore. The energy is pumping, but the wind and break conditions are holding it back.

The best chance for a decent session looks like it might be on Sunday, July 26th, or Monday, July 27th. On Sunday afternoon, we get a light cross-shore wind with a 3ft SSW swell and a long 18-second period, and the combined energy is moderate (739). The wind is better, but the tide and conditions are still flagged as marginal. Monday morning, July 27th, has a 4ft SSW swell, a very long 18-second period, and strong combined energy (1137). The wind is a light onshore, though. It’s a tease.

The outlook into the end of July and early August (30th July to 4th August) drops off significantly. The swells get smaller (2ft to 5ft), the periods shorten, and the combined energy drops from moderate to weak (148 to 948). The wind stays light, but the surf quality is described as “poor” or “marginal” at best. There’s a gap of several days with no real recommendation from the 2nd of August onwards.

So, the standout window? It’s not a classic, but if I had to pick, the period from Sunday, July 26th, through Monday, July 27th, offers the best trade-off. The groundswell energy is strong, and the winds are lightest, even if they are not perfectly offshore. For a patient surfer who knows the reef, there could be some clean, powerful lines. Just don't expect perfection.

Rusty.

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