Dondra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for the Dondra region over the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of surf on the horizon, but it’s not going to be perfect. The overall pattern is a persistent cross-offshore wind from the west, which is actually a good look for this reef setup. The swell direction is hanging in the SSW corner, which is what the spot wants to see. The first few days are small but clean, and there’s a real build-up of energy as we head into the first week of August.

Starting off Tuesday the 28th, we’ve got a small 3ft SSW swell, but with a 15-second period and a cross-offshore breeze, the wave quality is decent. The combined swell energy is sitting at 552 (moderate), and the water temp is a very warm 83°, which is about average for this time of year. It’s a bit marginal though, so don’t expect fireworks.

Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th keep the same vibe: waist to chest-high waves from the SSW, with that clean cross-off wind. The period holds strong at 14 to 18 seconds, so there’s some proper groundswell in the water. The energy jumps up to 840 and then 1340 on Thursday morning, which is solid moderate energy. Still, the scores are low, so it’s more of a fun, uncrowded session than a standout.

Now, the real action starts to kick in around Saturday the 1st of August. The swell picks up to 4ft from the SSW, with a 16-second period and a fresh 19 mph cross-offshore wind. Wave energy is hitting 1339 (moderate to strong). This is the first time we’re seeing a bit more push, and the conditions are clean. This is a good window for intermediate surfers.

Sunday the 2nd of August throws a bit of a curveball. We get a 8ft swell from the west, but the period drops right off to 8 seconds – that’s short-period wind swell. The energy is still high at 1355, but the shape is going to be a lot messier. At 8ft, this is only for the experts. The wind is also fresh and cross-off, but that short period means it’s going to be a bumpy, choppy ride. For the average punter, this is more of a look-and-see day.

The following week from Monday the 3rd through to the 9th of August is where we see the best consistency. Swell heights hover between 3ft and 6ft, mostly from the SSW, with periods from 14 to 20 seconds. The wind stays solidly cross-offshore at 16 to 19 mph, keeping the faces clean. The combined energy is strong, regularly hitting 1268 to 2883, so there’s plenty of power. The standout window here is the 5th and 6th of August, with a 3ft to 5ft SSW groundswell (20 and 17-second periods) and clean conditions. The energy is very strong (1853 and 1736), and with the swell direction lined up perfectly with the optimum SW direction, Dondra is going to be at its best. These are the days to call in sick.

The 8th of August (Saturday) has a nice 6ft to 6ft SSW swell, with the energy maxing out at 2883. That’s a lot of juice. The wind is still good, but the crowd factor is worth noting – Dondra can get busy, so get there early.

The second week, from the 10th to the 12th of August, we see the swell start to taper off. The 10th has a 6ft S swell, but the period drops to 15 seconds. The energy is still strong (1735), but it’s a bit more inconsistent. By the 11th and 12th, we’re back to 3ft to 4ft from the SSW, with the energy dropping to 837 and 637. It’s still surfable, but the magic is gone.

The best on offer: Without a doubt, the 5th and 6th of August (Wednesday and Thursday) are the pick of the fortnight. You’ve got a clean 3ft to 5ft groundswell, hitting that magic SSW direction, with a very long period and moderate cross-offshore winds. The energy is pumping, and the wave quality should be excellent. The 8th of August (Saturday) is a close second with the biggest swell, but the period is a bit shorter.

So, to sum it up: small and clean to start, a bit of a wind-swell mess on the 2nd, then a solid week of excellent groundswell from the 3rd to the 9th. The best waves are mid-week. Get on it.

Rusty.

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