Dunes Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s talk in feet and miles per hour.

We’ve got a slow start, but hold on. The first decent chance doesn’t roll in until Thursday the 30th of July. The overall pattern is one of building energy, with a real standout window showing up in the second week. This is a reef break called Dunes, and it’s consistent, exposed to the SW, and likes swell from the SW. Water temp is about average for the time of year, nothing weird going on there.

Thursday morning the 30th sees a small, clean 3ft SW groundswell with a period of 17 seconds. That’s proper long-period energy, so expect some nice shape and long lulls between sets. The wind is offshore from the ESE, 9 mph, and the water is clean. Combined energy is moderate. It’s a small start, but the conditions are right for it.

Friday morning the 31st is similar – 3ft SW swell at 16 seconds, with a cross-offshore ESE breeze at 9 mph. The surf is clean, combined energy is moderate. Both mornings are worth a look for a longboard or a fun shape.

Saturday the 1st of August picks up a touch. The morning has 4ft SW swell, 16-second period, with a cross-off ESE wind at 12 mph. Still clean, but combined energy jumps to moderate. The afternoon gets a bit lumpy with a cross-shore, so the morning is the go.

The next few days are a write-off. Sunday the 2nd through Tuesday the 4th bring poor surf with strong, bumpy winds. The swell is small and the conditions are messy. Not worth paddling out.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Wednesday the 5th of August morning delivers a very nice 4ft SW swell. The period is a solid 17 seconds, and the wind is light cross-offshore from the ENE at 6 mph. The water is clean. This is a standout morning. Combined energy is strong. That’s a proper groundswell, and this reef should handle it well.

Thursday the 6th morning is also a gem. The swell is 4ft from the SW, 16 seconds, but the wind is true offshore from the SSE at 9 mph. The surf is clean and glassy. Combined energy is moderate, but the quality of the offshore wind makes it a top pick.

But the real highlight of the whole forecast is Friday the 7th of August morning. The swell hits 5ft from the SW, with a 16-second period. Combined energy is strong to very strong. The wind is a gentle cross-offshore from the S at 9 mph, and the report says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. This is the best session on offer. At 5ft, it’s getting solid for this break, so it’s not for beginners. The afternoon gets choppy, so get on it early.

Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th look messy. The swell holds, but the wind turns onshore and fresh, making everything lumpy and choppy. Not worth it.

Monday the 10th morning is a salvageable option with 4ft SW swell, a moderate offshore SSE wind at 16 mph, and clean conditions. Combined energy is moderate. It’s a decent option if you missed the earlier windows.

From Tuesday the 11th onwards, the forecast drops off. The swell fades to 3ft, and the wind is moderate but mostly cross-shore. It’s small and average.

One last thing: Wednesday the 13th of August morning shows a massive 8ft WSW swell, with a fresh offshore wind from the SE at 22 mph. The combined energy is massive. However, the report very clearly says the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. That’s for experts only, and even then, it might be a washing machine. I’d give it a miss unless you’re a local charging heavy water.

Best bet: Friday the 7th of August morning at Dunes. Get there early.

Rusty.

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