Doheney Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the stretch ahead for Doheney Beach. This is a reef break that’s fairly consistent, exposed to S and SSW swells, and it’s a beginner-friendly spot. The water is running at 70°F right now, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a real treat.

The next couple of weeks are a bit of a slow burn. There’s surf on offer, but it’s mostly small and on the marginal side, with a lot of cross-onshore wind hanging around. The energy is weak for the first week, with combined swell energy figures mostly in the 500 to 800 range, which is moderate but not exciting. The swell is coming from the S and SSW, which is the optimum direction for this spot, so that’s a plus. But the heights are mostly under 4ft, and the period is all over the place, from 13 seconds up to 24 seconds. That long-period stuff (over 15 seconds) is groundswell, which means better shaped waves, longer gaps between sets, and easier paddling, but it can also make a beach break close out. For a reef like Doheney, it should be alright.

The real standout is Friday the 31st of July. That morning, the swell jumps to 7ft from the S, with a period of 15 seconds, and the combined energy is a solid 2408. The wind is light and cross from the W, which means clean, glassy conditions. That’s the best of the bunch for sure. By the afternoon, it’s hitting 8ft from the S, with a 15-second period, and the energy is at 3236 – that’s strong stuff. The wind stays light cross, so it’ll be clean. This is expert territory at 8ft, so if you’re not experienced, sit this one out. For the crew who can handle it, this is a proper session.

Before that, the Thursday afternoon (30th July) is worth a mention too. 4ft from the SSE, 16 seconds, energy at 1240, and light cross-onshore breeze. It’s not as clean as the Friday, but it’s a step up from the rest of the week.

After that big Friday, the swell drops fast. Saturday the 1st of August has 7ft to 7ft from the S, but the period drops to 12-13 seconds, and the energy is still strong around 1200-1400. The wind is cross to cross-on, so it’s a bit bumpier. Then it fades quickly into the 4ft to 5ft range on Sunday and Monday, with the energy dropping to weak levels. By the 3rd of August, it’s down to 2ft to 2ft – barely a ripple.

So, the short version: the first week is small and marginal. The 30th of July afternoon is a decent warm-up. The clear winner is Friday the 31st of July – big S swell, clean light wind, and strong energy. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. After that, it’s a fade-out.

Rusty.

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