Dondra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s see what’s cookin’ for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of swell on the way, but the wind is going to be a bit of a personality. It’s not a total washout, but we’ll have to be smart about timing. The best of the action is right at the start, with the biggest combo of swell and workable wind.

We kick off on Tuesday, 1st September. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best we’ll see. Dondra is the standout. We’re looking at a clean, 7ft swell from the SSW with a long 16-second period – that’s proper groundswell, packing a lot of energy (2325). The wind is a cross-offshore from the W at 15 mph, which will keep the faces reasonably tidy. This is a reef break, so that long period will wrap in nicely. The water temp is about average for this time of year. The swell is a bit solid for beginners, but for intermediates and up, Tuesday morning is the call. It’s a spot that’s inconsistent, so when it’s on, you want to be there. Crowds are possible.

The afternoon drops slightly to 6ft, but still clean and solid. Wednesday the 2nd sees the swell dip a little to 5ft, but the wind swings more cross-shore, which will put a bit of a chop on it. Thursday is similar, with a bit of a cross-off breeze improving the afternoon. By Friday the 4th, the swell is dropping to 5ft, and the energy is fading (734). The wind is still a cross-off in the afternoon, keeping it cleaner than the mornings.

The weekend turns poor. Saturday the 5th is small and weak, with the swell dropping to 4ft and the period getting short. Sunday the 6th is a write-off – 3ft or less, messy wind, and poor conditions. Monday the 7th is the same. We’ve got a gap of a few days with no real recommendations from the 6th through the 7th.

Things pick up slightly on Tuesday the 8th, but it’s small. The real interest comes back on Thursday the 10th. The swell builds again to 4ft but with a very long 19-second period (1142 energy). The wind is a clean cross-offshore, but it’s a fresh 19 mph. The waves will be clean and lined up for the reef, but the wind will be stiff. Friday the 11th looks better, with the swell up to 5ft, again from the SSW with a 16-second period. The cross-off wind is a bit lighter at 15 mph, making for cleaner conditions. This is a solid second option for the period.

The second week sees a slow decline. Saturday the 12th holds at 5ft, Sunday the 13th at 5ft, and then it fades through Monday and Tuesday the 14th and 15th. By Wednesday the 16th, we’re back to small, weak swell (3ft) with a long 16-second period, but the energy is just too low to get excited about.

Bottom line: Tuesday the 1st is your best bet. Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th are worth a look if you’re keen, but the wind will be a factor. The rest is a bit of a gamble.

Rusty.

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