Dondra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming down the pipe for the local stretch.

We’re kicking off on Saturday, the 12th of September, with some solid long-period groundswell, but the wind is a total mess. WSW winds at 12 mph are putting a cross-shore chop on everything, so despite a juicy 7 ft of SSW swell and a very long 17-second period, the wave energy is strong (2730) but the surface is blown out. It’s not going to be pretty out there for a paddle, but the swell energy is massive. Sunday the 13th through Tuesday the 15th sees the wind shift more offshore, cleaning things up nicely. We’ve got SSW swell holding around 6 ft to 5 ft, with periods in the 15-16 second range, and wave energy stays moderate to strong (1496-1753). The catch? It’s listed as “inconsistent” here at Dondra, so you’ll be waiting for sets, but when they come, they’ll be clean and lined up. The water temp is about average for this time of year. Wednesday the 16th is a write-off with that fresh 19 mph WSW wind, so give it a miss.

The best of the first week looks to be Sunday the 13th into Monday the 14th. Dondra (a reef set-up) will be handling that SSW swell with a cross-offshore wind, so the waves should be groomed. With a swell direction right out of the optimum SSW, and those long periods (over 15 seconds), this is true groundswell. Keep in mind, that long period swell can make beach breaks close out, but on a reef like Dondra, it should hold its shape. Expect some company though – crowds are likely here, as it’s “sometimes” busy.

Moving into the second week, from Saturday the 19th of September, we see a nice pulse of SSW swell push back up to 7 ft with 16-second periods, and the cross-offshore wind returns. Wave energy jumps back up to strong levels (1895-1989). This is the real standout of the whole period. Sunday the 20th holds similar conditions, though the swell period drops a touch. For a surfer who wants clean, powerful lines, that Saturday and Sunday (19th and 20th) are your sessions.

After that, things get a bit sideways. Monday the 21st brings a shift in swell direction to the S, and the wind swings back to a messy 19 mph cross-shore. The wave energy drops and the surface gets lumpy. Then for Tuesday the 22nd through Wednesday the 23rd, we get another bump in swell height – up to 8 ft – but the period crashes to only 8 seconds. That’s short-period wind swell, and while the wave energy is moderate (up to 1316), it’s going to be a shapeless, thumpy mess. That size is also only for experienced surfers, well above beginner territory.

From Thursday the 24th onward, the swell fades fast, the period drops below 8 seconds, and the wave energy tanks into the weak zone. By the 26th and 27th, we’re down to knee-high dribble. The last few days are a classic spell of clean but tiny leftovers.

So to sum it up: don’t bother with this Saturday (12th) or Wednesday (16th). Your best bet is Sunday 13th through Tuesday 15th for clean, consistent lines. But the true standout is the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September – solid 7 ft SSW groundswell with clean, cross-offshore wind. That’s the one to circle on the calendar.

Stay stoked.
Rusty.

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