Doheney Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at what’s on offer for Doheney Beach over the next couple of weeks.

Overall, it’s a pretty quiet stretch for Doheney Beach. We’ve got a lot of waves coming through, but the quality is mostly marginal. The water is sitting at 70°F which is much warmer than normal for this time of year, so at least you won’t be freezing your arse off waiting for a set.

The first real chance to get wet kicks off Sunday afternoon, July 19th. We’ve got a 3ft SW swell rolling in with a long 17-second period, which is proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is 841 (moderate). The wind is a light cross-on from the WSW at 6 mph, so it’s a little bumpy but not a write-off. It’s a reef break, fairly consistent, and it can get crowded, so expect company. The swell is coming from the SSW, which is the optimum direction for this spot.

Monday, July 20th is a bit of a mixed bag. Morning sees a 3ft SSW swell with a 15-second period and light cross-on wind. The afternoon picks up a little to 3ft SW with a 16-second period, but the wind goes cross-shore at 3 mph. Still marginal, but there’s a long period swell running.

Tuesday, July 21st morning is the standout in this first week. We’ve got a 4ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and offshore wind from the S at 9 mph. That’s clean. The combined energy is 764 (moderate). This is the best you’ll see for a few days – clean, lined-up waves for the experienced crew. The afternoon sees the wind swing cross-on again, so get it early.

Wednesday, July 22nd morning holds a 3ft SSW swell, 14-second period, and offshore wind again. The afternoon turns to junk with a moderate cross-shore from the W at 12 mph and a cross-chop. Not worth it.

Thursday, July 23rd has a bump in size to 5ft from the S, 13-second period, but the wind is cross-on or cross-shore all day. The energy is moderate (792 and 862), but the wind keeps it scrappy.

Friday, July 24th morning is interesting. The swell drops to 2ft SW but the period jumps to a massive 24 seconds. That’s very long period groundswell, and the combined energy is strong at 1154. The wind is offshore from the S at 9 mph. That’s a clean, glassy morning for the reef – but with that period, the waves will be very straight and fast, so it’s one for the experts on a point or reef. The afternoon sees the swell switch to 4ft S at 13 seconds, still offshore.

Saturday, July 25th is a step down – 3ft SSW at 21 seconds in the morning, light cross-on. The energy is still strong (1021) but the wind is against it.

We hit a bit of a lull from Sunday, July 26th through to Wednesday, July 29th. The swell sits around 3ft to 4ft, mostly from the SSW, with periods of 16-19 seconds. The wind is occasionally offshore, but mostly cross-on. The energy is moderate to strong (826 to 1226), but the quality is consistently marginal. This stretch is a grind.

The best day of the whole forecast? That’s Thursday, July 30th afternoon. The swell is 3ft from the S at 14 seconds, and the wind goes cross-offshore from the W at 9 mph. The combined energy is 768 (moderate), and the conditions are clean. The data says “expect very good surf conditions” – this is the one. It’s not big, but it’ll be clean, lined-up, and fun for all levels.

Friday, July 31st morning through Saturday, August 1st afternoon sees a push in size. Saturday morning hits 6ft from the SSW at 14 seconds, and the afternoon is 6ft from the SSW at 13 seconds. The combined energy is strong (1090 and 1041). The wind is light offshore or cross-on. That’s a solid swell, borderline for beginners, but for the experienced crew, it’s got some push. The period is a bit short though, so it’ll be a bit lumpy.

Then it all falls apart. Sunday, August 2nd drops to 4ft and 3ft from the SSW at 10 seconds, with poor conditions. Monday, August 3rd is even worse – 2ft to 3ft, choppy and messy. The last few days are a write-off.

So, the standout is Thursday, July 30th afternoon for the cleanest conditions. The other notable one is Saturday, August 1st for size, but it’s a bit short-period and only for the experts. Tuesday, July 21st morning and Friday, July 24th morning are also worth a look for clean, offshore conditions.

Rusty.

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