Dondra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Imperial

Alright crew, let's talk about Dondra. This is a reef setup, and it's known to be inconsistent, so when it's on, you gotta be on it. We're starting the run from Wednesday, July 8th, with a solid push of energy. The water temp is sitting at 82°, which is dead average for this time of year – no surprises there.

We kick off Wednesday morning with a 5ft swell coming from the West, period at 11 seconds, and the combined energy is a solid 1329 – that's moderate to strong energy. But here's the thing: the guidance says the optimum swell direction is from the southwest, and this is straight West. Still, the wind is cross-offshore out of the West at 16 mph, so the surface will be clean. The scores are modest, but the conditions are better than the numbers suggest. Wednesday afternoon sees the swell drop a touch to 5ft and swing more south-southwest, which is a better direction, with a longer 14-second period (1330 energy). That’s a groundswell pulse, and it’s going to line up nicely on the reef.

Thursday the 9th is much the same. Morning: 5ft West, 11 seconds. Afternoon: 5ft from the SSW with a 16-second period – that's a seriously long period groundswell (1673 energy). That long period stuff can get a bit straight at beach breaks, but on a reef like Dondra, it's going to wrap in with some proper shape. Winds stay cross-off all day.

Friday the 10th has a risk of thunderstorms, but the swell holds at 5ft from the SSW, 14 seconds, and the winds are still cross-off. The energy stays high, around 1500. It's not going to be huge, but it'll be clean and lined up.

Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th see the swell stick around 5ft from the West, but the period drops – Saturday has 11 seconds (1161 energy), then Sunday it's down to 9 seconds (861 energy). The shorter period means less grunt, and the scores dip. It’s still rideable, but not special.

Then Monday the 13th through Wednesday the 15th, the swell really backs off – down to 4ft, then 3ft. There's a window on Monday with a 4ft S swell at 11 seconds, and again on Tuesday afternoon with a 3ft SSW at 16 seconds (1090 energy), but this is marginal. The long period on the small stuff might still give you a sneaky fun wave if the tide lines up.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. From Sunday the 19th of July onward, we see a major ramp-up. The 19th morning already shows a 3ft S swell but with a 20-second period – that's incredibly long period (1394 energy). By the afternoon, it's 4ft at 19 seconds (1689 energy). Then Monday the 20th jumps to 6ft from the South, 16 seconds (2392-2981 energy) – that's strong wave energy. Tuesday the 21st peaks with a 8ft S swell at 18 seconds, energy hitting 3910 – that's proper strong energy. This is expert territory. Anything over 8ft is for experts only, and 8ft is right on that edge. Winds stay cross-off, so the face will be clean. This swell direction is dead on the optimum southwest, so Dondra will be firing.

But keep in mind, Dondra is inconsistent. When it turns on like this, it can be a standout. But with the crowds listed as "sometimes," expect a few other keen locals to be on it. Also, that very long period South swell (20 seconds) on the 19th might make it a bit too straight for some, but on a reef, it should still offer some excellent walls.

The second week's highlight is undeniably Tuesday the 21st of July – that 8ft South swell with 18 seconds is the standout. Clean, powerful, and directionally perfect. It's a bit of a wait, and long-range forecasts can shift, but it's looking promising.

So, if you're an expert and can wait, circle Monday the 20th through Wednesday the 22nd of July. For the immediate run, Wednesday the 8th through Friday the 10th offer the best of the smaller, clean groundswell.

Rusty.

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