Dongara-Port Denison Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s happening at Dongara-Port Denison over the next couple of weeks. It’s a reef setup, exposed to the west, and it’s a pretty consistent spot. The water’s sitting at 66.4°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year—about a degree and a half off, so you’ll want a decent steamer.

The opening days are a bit of a mixed bag. Sunday the 2nd kicks off with a solid 8.2ft SW groundswell, long period of 14 seconds, and the combined swell energy is pumping at 2598. Wind is a moderate cross-off from the ENE at 15.5 mph, so it’s clean out there. Scores are marginal though, and the tide might mess with it. Afternoon sees the swell drop to 7.5ft, wind swings light and cross, still rideable but nothing to write home about.

Monday the 3rd is a write-off—cross-on winds from the NNW and NW, swell drops to 5.9ft and 5.2ft, choppy as all hell. Don’t bother.

Now, Tuesday the 4th is where it starts to get interesting. Morning brings a 6.6ft SW groundswell with a very long 19-second period—that’s proper groundswell. Combined energy is 2983, wind is light cross-off from the SSE at 6.2 mph, and the report says excellent for experienced surfers. This is a standout. That long period will see the reef really light up, but watch out for it breaking a bit straight if you’re at a beach break—it’s perfect for a reef like this. Afternoon picks up to 8.2ft with 18 seconds, but wind goes cross, so not quite as clean.

Wednesday the 5th keeps the swell consistent—7.9ft in the morning, 9.8ft in the afternoon—both from the SW with 16-second periods. Morning is clean with a 12.4 mph cross-off from the SE, afternoon gets a bit of cross-chop. Solid but not epic.

Thursday the 6th sees the swell building. Morning has 11.5ft SW swell, 16-second period, combined energy at 5622. Wind is light onshore from the W, which is a shame—it’s going to be messy and lumpy. This one’s for experts only at that size. Afternoon drops to 9.8ft but with a moderate cross-onshore, still choppy.

Friday the 7th is a mess. Onshore winds all day, rain showers, 9.8ft swell but poor conditions. Stay out.

Saturday the 8th is another standout. Morning has 11.5ft SW swell, clean with a moderate cross-off from the S, energy at 5585. Afternoon is even better—13.1ft SW swell, 16-second period, combined energy screaming at 7773, and clean as a whistle with a gentle cross-off from the SSE. This is the big one. Only experts should be out there at 13.1ft, but if you’ve got the skills and the gear, this is your session. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so get in early.

Sunday the 9th still has punch. Morning offers 9.8ft SW swell with a gentle offshore from the E at 9.3 mph—clean, offshore, beautiful. Energy at 4760. Afternoon drops to 9.8ft but wind goes cross, still fun.

Monday the 10th goes downhill fast. 6.9ft with light onshore in the morning, then 6.6ft with a fresh onshore in the afternoon. Poor.

Tuesday the 11th is a total loss—risk of thunderstorms, near gale-force winds up to 31.1 mph, 5.9ft to 8.2ft swell, onshore. Forget it.

Wednesday the 12th is all cross-shore wind, 9.8ft to 11.5ft swell, lumpy and rough. Not good.

Thursday the 13th cleans up a bit. 11.5ft in the morning, 9.8ft in the afternoon, both with cross-off winds from the SE and SSE, clean. Solid for experienced surfers.

Friday the 14th is smaller—7.5ft to 6.9ft, clean cross-off winds. A nice mellow day for the crew.

Saturday the 15th is another gem. Morning offers 8.2ft SW swell with a moderate offshore from the E at 12.4 mph—clean and groomed. Energy is 3193. Afternoon drops to 7.5ft with a gentle cross-off. This is the pick for the second week.

Sunday the 16th is on the smaller side—4.9ft to 5.2ft, clean offshore in the morning. Not huge, but surfable.

Monday the 17th wraps it up with 6.2ft to 6.9ft WSW swell, a shorter 12-second period, but offshore winds in the afternoon keep things clean.

So, best on offer: Tuesday the 4th morning for that long-period groundswell and glassy conditions, and Saturday the 8th afternoon for the biggest, cleanest swell of the whole run. Those two are the standouts. The rest of the first week has size but wind is hit or miss. Second week is more mellow but with some clean days.

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