Doran Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let's be straight with you. Doran Beach is the only spot on the table for the next 16 days, and it's an inconsistent one that rarely fires. We're in for a bit of a wait, so don't be in a rush.

The first real chance to get wet is from Saturday the 20th of July. The week leading up to that is a write-off—marginal conditions and a score that's nothing to write home about. So, mark your calendar for Saturday the 20th.

Saturday morning the 20th of July, we've got a little 2ft swell from the SW, with a period of 16 seconds. That's a long-period groundswell, which is usually better shaped but can be a bit straight for a beach break. The real kicker here is the glassy wind. Clean, no bumps, just you and the ocean. The combined energy is moderate (456). It's not going to be big, but for a beach break, it's about as good as it gets for a beginner-friendly wave. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Sunday the 21st and Monday the 22nd stay small, with a bit of cross-shore wind. The swell hangs around 3ft, but the wind is a touch onshore, so it won't be as clean as that Saturday morning.

Now, as we push into the second week, things get a bit more interesting. From Friday the 25th of July, the swell really starts to build. Saturday the 25th of July morning is a standout. The swell is 3ft from the SW, but the period is a very long 21 seconds. The wind is a clean cross-offshore, and the combined energy is strong (1536). This is a proper groundswell setup—the waves will have plenty of push and shape, though the long period might make it a bit tricky at a beach break. The water is still average for the season.

Sunday the 26th of July morning is also worth a look. Swell at 3ft from the SW, period of 20 seconds, and a gentle cross-offshore breeze. The energy is still strong (1355). Again, clean conditions.

Monday the 27th of July morning sees the swell bump up to 4ft from the SW, period 18 seconds, with a moderate cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is very strong (1627). The wind is around 12 mph, which is a bit firmer, but it's still clean.

By Tuesday the 28th of July, the swell is 4ft from the SW, but the wind is shifting to a cross-shore, so the quality will drop off a touch. The energy is very strong (2124).

The real standout for the whole period, though, is Saturday the 1st of August. The swell is predicted to be 10ft from the NW, with a short period of 8 seconds. The wind is light and cross-shore. The combined energy is very strong (1163). But here's the thing: 10ft is expert territory. The wave comment says it's too big for this break. For a beach break with a short period, it's going to be a washing machine. This one is for the big-wave chargers only, and it's a long way out, so take it with a grain of salt.

In summary, the absolute best bet is Saturday the 20th of July morning for the glassy, clean conditions, and Saturday the 25th of July morning for the bigger, cleaner groundswell. If you're an expert, the 1st of August might be a wildcard, but don't hold your breath.

Rusty.

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