Dunes Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright crew, Rusty here. Let's break down the next couple of weeks of surf.

We've got a bit of a gap before the first real session kicks off on Friday morning, August 7th. The only spot firing is Dunes, a consistent reef break that's wide open to the SW swell. The water temp is 75°, which is about average for this time of year, so no need for a 5/4.

Friday morning we're looking at a solid 5ft groundswell from the SW with a very long 16-second period. That's a heap of energy behind it (1125), and the wind is a light 6 mph cross-offshore from the SSE, keeping it clean. The report says it's excellent for the experienced crew, and I don't doubt it – 5ft with that period on a reef is a proper handful. The wind picks up to 15 mph in the afternoon, making it a bit more of a mission, so get on it early.

Saturday morning is similar in size, still 5ft from the SW with a long period, but the wind is up to 18 mph from the south. It's still a clean cross-off, but the stronger breeze will make it more challenging. The scores drop off for the rest of the weekend and into the early week, with the wind getting stronger and the swell energy dropping. Sunday morning has a clean 22 mph offshore, but the swell is only 5ft – it's clean but the wind is howling, making it a tough paddle.

The next real standout is Wednesday, August 12th. Wednesday afternoon is the pick of the first week. The wind goes completely glassy – 0 mph from the north – and the swell is a clean 4ft from the SW with a 16-second period. The energy is moderate (721), but with zero wind, it'll be perfect, rippable lines. That's the one to mark on the calendar.

Looking further out, we get a pulse of bigger swell. Monday, August 17th morning has a fantastic 4ft, 17-second groundswell from the SW with a light 3 mph offshore from the ESE. The energy is strong (1486), and it's described as excellent for experienced surfers. That's another top session.

The biggest swell of the window hits on Wednesday, August 19th. It's a solid 8ft from the WSW with a very long 18-second period and massive energy (3460). The morning is glassy with a light offshore, but the report warns that this swell is predicted to be too big for this break. 8ft with that period on a reef is a serious amount of water – experts only, and even then, be very careful. It's a "watch from the cliff" kind of day unless you're a proper charger.

After that, the surf settles back down into the 3ft range towards the end of the forecast, with the wind mostly cross-off or cross-onshore, making it a bit more average. The 22nd of August has a clean 3ft, but it's fading.

So, to sum it up: the true standouts are Wednesday afternoon, August 12th for the glassy conditions on a clean 4ft SW swell, and Monday morning, August 17th for the bigger, long-period groundswell with light offshore winds. The 19th of August is a big swell event, but it's pushing the limits of the spot. The rest of the window is a mixed bag of okay waves and windy conditions, so pick your moments.

Rusty.

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