Donkin Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag coming up at Donkin Bay over the next couple of weeks. The good news is there’s some solid swell on the horizon, but you’ll need to pick your moments for the cleanest conditions. The water’s sitting at 56°, which is a good two degrees colder than normal for this time of year—so don’t forget a steamer if you’re heading out.

Right now, things are pretty flat and messy. Sunday the 13th is a write-off with light rain and a moderate onshore breeze. Not worth paddling out. Monday the 14th and Tuesday the 15th stay poor with fresh cross-onshore winds and lumpy, choppy surf—just leave the board at home.

Things start to look up on Wednesday the 16th. The morning session brings a solid 7ft swell from the WSW with a 14-second period and a combined energy reading of 1845. That’s a powerful groundswell, and with a gentle cross-offshore breeze from the south, the waves should be clean and well-shaped. This is proper expert territory though—over 8ft it’s for experienced surfers only, and at 7ft it’s still pushing it for beginners. The long period will favour Donkin Bay’s reef and point setup, keeping the lines nice and orderly. The afternoon is a step down in quality as the wind picks up, so aim for the early.

Thursday the 17th drops back to 5ft from the SW with a 12-second period, but the wind stays clean and cross-offshore. It’s a solid option for intermediates, with moderate wave energy at 884. Friday the 18th is a standout for cleaner conditions: 5ft SW swell with an 11-second period, and a light offshore breeze from the southeast in the morning. That’s proper clean, lined-up surf with a combined energy of 574—moderate but plenty of fun. Saturday the 19th repeats the formula: 5ft SW swell, a gentle offshore from the east, and clean conditions. The morning is the pick, with a combined energy of 811. Crowds are possible here at Donkin Bay—it’s a “sometimes” spot—but on these clean mornings it’ll be worth it.

Sunday the 20th and Monday the 21st see smaller, more mixed conditions with cross-shore winds and some lumpy chop. Nothing special. Tuesday the 22nd brings a return of clean conditions: 5ft from the WSW with a 13-second period and a gentle offshore breeze. Good for a solid session.

Now, looking ahead to the following week, there’s a bigger pulse on the way. On Thursday the 25th, the afternoon session is the real standout: 8ft from the WSW, 11-second period, and a solid offshore breeze from the ESE. Combined energy is 1512—strong wave energy—and conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is big, powerful stuff, and with offshore wind, it’s going to be clean and hollow. Definitely one for the experts. Friday the 26th morning is also 8ft but with a cross-onshore breeze, so not as clean.

From Saturday the 27th through Monday the 28th, the swell eases but remains rideable in the 6ft to 6ft range, though wind and chop make it less appealing. Not the best way to finish the run.

Overall, the best windows are Wednesday the 16th morning, Friday the 18th morning, Saturday the 19th morning, and Thursday the 25th afternoon. That last one is a long-range call, so keep an eye on it—but if it holds, it’s a belter.

Stay frothy,
Rusty

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