Donkin Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at the surf ahead. We’re focusing on one spot for this run, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

For most of this week and into the next, Donkin Bay is going to be tough to call. The water temp is sitting at a very unusual 55°, which is a full 4° colder than normal for this time of year – that’s a proper winter chill.

The start of the week is a write-off. Monday the 14th and Tuesday the 15th are a complete no-go with strong to fresh cross-onshore winds and poor, lumpy surf. The combined wave energy is moderate at best (272 to 530) but it’s just messy. We have a long gap of poor conditions before anything worthwhile shows up.

Now, the standout window is from Wednesday the 16th through to Saturday the 19th. Wednesday afternoon (16th) is your first real look. We’ll see chest-high swell at 5ft from the WSW, with a solid 13-second period (a good groundswell). The wind switches to a light offshore from the ESE, and the energy is strong (1539). The forecast says it’s excellent for experienced surfers – this is the pick of the bunch for a clean, punchy reef and point setup, but the size (over 5ft) means it’s not for beginners. Thursday the 17th keeps the momentum with clean, 6ft SW swell and gentle offshores in the morning; the energy is still strong (1140). Saturday the 19th morning also offers a good chance with moderate offshore wind and 5ft SW swell (energy of 778), but crowds are possible here, so get there early.

After that flurry, conditions drop off again. Late in the second week, we get a few interesting mornings. Monday the 22nd (Tuesday morning) is worth a mention – clean conditions with a light offshore, 4ft of SW groundswell ticking in at a very long 14-second period. The energy is moderate (796). That long period will make the waves at Donkin Bay feel punchy and powerful, but the long gaps between sets might make it feel a bit inconsistent. Wednesday the 23rd is similar, with cleaner but smaller surf.

By the final weekend (27th-29th September) the swell backs off to around 3-4ft, and the winds are mostly onshore or cross. It’s a poor end to the outlook. The energy drops right back to weak to moderate levels (around 272-538). Not worth getting excited about.

Best on offer: Wednesday the 16th afternoon (5ft WSW, offshore, strong energy) and Thursday the 17th morning (6ft SW, clean, strong energy). Those are your prime windows for some properly lined-up reef waves. Get on it.

Rusty.

Read more