Domes (Rincon) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk about what’s cooking at Domes (Rincon). This is a classic point break, exposed to the swell and it’s a consistent spot that handles a good variety of conditions.

Right now, we’re in a bit of a flat spell. The water temperature is sitting at 85°, which is about average for this time of year.

Starting off, Sunday the 9th is a write-off. We’ve got a risk of thunderstorms, a fresh cross-offshore breeze at 19 mph, and only 3ft of weak, short-period swell pushing through. The wave energy is really low (55), so don’t bother paddling out.

Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th are much the same story. Tiny waves, all under 3ft, with weak period and hardly any energy in the water (22 to 50). The winds are light or gentle, but the surf just isn’t there.

Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th mornings offer some glassy conditions with zero wind – that’s a big positive for clean water – but the swell remains tiny (1ft to 2ft). The energy readings are still low (21 to 40). It’s flat.

Now, things get a little interesting on Thursday afternoon, the 13th of August. The swell bumps up to 4ft from the NE, with a period of 7 seconds. The energy jumps to 198 (moderate). The winds are light and cross-offshore, so the surface should be clean. The notes say it’s “surfable but very ordinary”. It’s not a standout, but it’s the first sign of life.

Friday the 14th morning is similar: 4ft from the ENE, 8-second period, clean conditions with light cross-off winds, and energy at 164. Again, it’s rideable but nothing to write home about.

But hold up – Friday afternoon takes a turn. Swell jumps to 8ft from the ENE, but the period drops to a poor 6 seconds. The energy is strong (476), but that short period will make it lumpy and disorganised. On top of that, a fresh breeze (19 mph) will chop it up. This is not a paddle surfer’s friend – it’s more of a kite-surfing setup.

Saturday the 15th is a mess. 8ft from the NE, 6-second period, strong energy (509), but a fresh breeze (22 mph) and cross-shore winds are going to make it ugly. Again, not for the paddle crew.

From Sunday the 16th all the way through to Monday the 24th, we are looking at a long, drawn-out period of small surf. Wave heights hover between 1ft and 4ft, mostly in the 1ft to 2ft range. Periods are short (4 to 6 seconds), and energy levels are weak, often dropping below 100. Winds vary from glassy to fresh, but the bottom line is there’s no real swell to work with.

There are no standout days in this forecast window. The best of a bad bunch would be Thursday afternoon the 13th and Friday morning the 14th – clean conditions, waist-high waves, and enough energy for a longboard. But that’s it. For a consistent spot like Domes, this run of poor surf is a bit of a drag, but it happens. Forecasts can change, and we know this spot can fire when the direction lines up.

Rusty.

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