Domes (Rincon) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’m gonna level with you – the next couple of weeks are looking flat as a pancake for the most part. Domes (Rincon) is the only spot on the radar, and it’s gonna be a long, quiet stretch with barely a ripple. Let’s break it down.

We’re starting off right now into a major dry spell. From Tuesday the 8th of September right through to Monday the 21st of September, it’s pretty much a write-off. The water temp is sitting at 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – you’ll feel that bathwater vibe. The combined swell energy is barely registering, mostly down in the 20s and 30s (weak energy). Swell heights are tiny, between 0.3 ft and 2 ft, and what little there is mostly coming from the NE with short periods around 6 to 10 seconds. That’s just not enough to push any real shape. Winds are often glassy in the mornings, which would be beautiful if there was any surf, but there isn’t. The few afternoons that pick up a bit of breeze are cross or cross-off, not doing us any favours.

There is one wee blip on Thursday the 10th of September morning – a tiny 2 ft NE swell with a short 6-second period and glassy conditions. The combined energy climbs to 62 (still weak), and it’s described as surfable but very ordinary. Honestly, that’s the best we’ve got in the first week, and it’s only really enough for a beginner on a foamie. The swell direction is NE, which isn’t ideal for Domes – they really want a NNW to get pumping.

Then we hit a second, slightly better blip on Tuesday the 22nd of September. The morning shows a 3 ft swell from the N with a 10-second period, and combined energy jumps to 146 (moderate energy). Winds are glassy, and conditions are clean. The afternoon holds similar with 3 ft, period 9 seconds, and energy at 138, also glassy. This is a step up but still quite small – it would offer some fun little waves if you’re not fussy. The N direction is closer to Domes’ optimum of NNW, so it’s a decent match. Crowds are often a thing here, so expect company even on small days. Wednesday the 23rd drops back off, with a 2 ft N swell and a cross-on breeze – not worth getting excited about.

So here’s the final word: The standout in this whole 16-day window is Tuesday the 22nd of September. It’s the only day where the energy gets into moderate territory (146), the swell size is borderline rideable (3 ft from the N), and you get clean, glassy conditions morning and afternoon. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s the best on offer. The rest is a long, flat gap. Don’t hold your breath, but if you’re desperate for a paddle, that Tuesday morning might give you a few.

Stay patient,
Rusty

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