Dondra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s see what this stretch has in store.

The overall picture shows a long run of so-so surf, with one big spike in size and energy right at the end of the month. Water temp is about 82°, which is normal for the season.

The first break we’re looking at is Dondra (Sri Lanka). It’s a reef, inconsistent, and rarely breaks, so when it does, it’s a special event. Friday afternoon the 21st kicks off with 5ft swell from the S, 14-second period, and a cross-offshore wind from the W at 16 mph. The combined energy is strong at 1310. It’s clean, but the whole thing feels marginal.

Saturday the 22nd is similar. Morning has 6ft S swell (15 seconds) with cross-off winds, energy at 1614. Afternoon holds at 6ft, same direction, 15 seconds, energy at 1533. Both clean. Sunday the 23rd gets a little messy in the morning with 5ft S swell and cross-shore winds that chop it up, but the afternoon cleans up with 5ft and cross-off winds.

From Monday the 24th through the end of the month, it’s a real lull. Swell drops, periods get long, and the energy fades. Tuesday the 25th has 5ft S swell (15 seconds) but morning winds are cross-shore and choppy. Wednesday the 26th is smaller, 4ft SSW swell, 16-second period, energy down to 900. Clean, but nothing to get excited about.

Now, the standout. Monday the 31st of August is the one to mark. Morning brings 7ft SSW swell with a very long 19-second period, and cross-offshore winds from the W at 19 mph. Combined energy is a beast at 3636. The afternoon holds at 8ft, same direction, 19 seconds, energy at 3754. This is proper groundswell, and it’s clean. For a reef like Dondra, that long period will really fire it up. Over 8ft is expert territory, so be aware. This is the best of the whole forecast.

Tuesday the 1st of September keeps it going with 7ft SSW swell (17 seconds) in the morning, energy at 3122, still cross-off and clean. The afternoon drops slightly to 7ft. Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd see the size back to 6ft, with moderate energy and mostly cross-off winds. By Friday the 4th, it’s fading to 4ft and 3ft with low energy.

Saturday the 5th of September brings a different feel. Swell hits 6ft but from the WSW, with a short 6-second period. That’s windswell, weak, and the energy is only 665. The afternoon is similar at 6ft from the W, same short period. It’s clean, but those are crumbly, weak waves.

Bottom line: the first week is a grind, but the 31st of August and 1st of September are the real deal. Big, long-period groundswell, clean winds, and massive energy. That’s the one to chase. It’s a long way out, so keep your fingers crossed.

Rusty.

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