Doheney Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what Doheney Beach has in store for you.

Right off the bat, the surf is pretty underwhelming. The first few days are small and pretty average. The water is a balmy 73°, which is a huge 6° warmer than it should be this time of year, so you’re basically surfing in a warm bath. The early energy is weak at 358, with a tiny 2ft south-west groundswell on Tuesday morning. The light cross-on wind isn’t helping the wave shape much. It’s a "get wet but don’t expect much" kind of day.

Tuesday afternoon picks up slightly to 3ft from the south with a longer 13-second period, and the energy hits a moderate 544. Still, the light cross-on breeze makes it a bit bumpy.

Wednesday and Thursday (26th and 27th) are your best bet. Wednesday morning has clean, clear skies and a light 6 mph offshore breeze from the south-southwest. The swell rises to 5ft from the south with a solid 12-second period. The energy is a strong 880. That’s a bit hefty for beginners – anything over 5ft starts to get serious at Doheney. The wind stays light and offshore into the afternoon as the swell drops to 5ft. Thursday morning offers 4ft of south swell with light offshore wind. It’s clean and consistent, and the best stretch in the forecast, but it’s not a classic.

From Friday through the end of August, the size comes down. We get 3ft to 4ft south-southwest groundswells with periods from 14 to 17 seconds – nice and long. The problem is the wind turns cross-shore or cross-on, so the waves will have a little chop. Energy is moderate to strong, hitting 710 to 825 on Saturday (29th), but the lack of clean wind keeps it from being a standout. Saturday morning is still the pick of that period.

The first week of September is a mix. Tuesday 1st has a chance of cleaner conditions with a moderate 12 mph cross-offshore breeze from the west-northwest, but the swell is only 4ft from the south. Might be worth a look. Wednesday 2nd offers another 4ft south-southwest swell with a 13-second period and energy climbing to 898. Wind is light and cross-shore, so not perfect.

The second week really fades. From the 4th of September onward, swells sit between 2ft and 4ft with long periods (15 to 18 seconds), but the wind is nearly always onshore or cross-on. Energy readings range from 192 to 787, mostly weak to moderate. No real standout sessions in that second week; it’s a “check the cams and gamble” kind of stretch. The waves just don’t have the size or the clean wind to get excited about.

Bottom line: if you can swing it, aim for Wednesday 26th or Thursday 27th morning. Those are the cleanest, most consistent windows with good size and offshore wind. The rest is for the die-hards.

Rusty.

Read more