Dunes Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the Dunes, a reef set-up that’s exposed to the south-west swell.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – the first few days are a write-off. The winds are nasty and the surf is junk. We’re looking at Monday morning the 3rd of August with a lumpy 4ft cross-shore from a fresh NNE breeze at 19 mph. The combined energy is a moderate 413, but the quality is just not there. This is a case of the wind ruining what could be a decent little swell. The afternoon ain't any better for riding, just a bit cleaner.

Tuesday the 4th still looks poor in the morning, but there’s a glimmer by the afternoon. Offshore wind kicks in from the ESE at 16 mph, cleaning up a 3ft SW groundswell (15-second period). The energy jumps to 531. It’s still a bit marginal, but the clean conditions are a start.

The Good Stuff

Now, Wednesday the 5th of August – this is where it gets interesting. The morning is looking like the standout of the early week. We’ve got a solid 5ft SW groundswell with a very long 17-second period, pumping in a combined energy of 1036. A moderate offshore breeze from the ESE at 12 mph will be grooming it to perfection. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The water temp is about average for the time of year, but that swell quality is the real story. These long-period south-west lines will be hitting the reef with real power and shape. The afternoon fades a bit with a light cross-on wind, so get on it early.

Thursday the 6th is another morning mission. Clean, offshore conditions with a 5ft SW swell, 16-second period, and a combined energy of 1158. This is right in the sweet spot for this reef. It’s a touch too big for beginners, but for the experienced crew, it’s going to be firing. The wind is light from the ESE at 6 mph, making for glassy faces.

The following week has a few more windows. Monday the 10th of August gives us a glassy morning with a 4ft SW swell. The winds are absolutely dead calm from the ENE at 3 mph. It’s a smaller day, but the conditions will be pristine. The energy is a moderate 827.

Into the Deep End

Don't sleep on the 15th of August (Saturday morning). There’s a bigger pulse of energy arriving. A 6ft SW groundswell (18 seconds) is packing a punch with a combined energy of 1968. The wind is a gentle offshore breeze from the south at 9 mph. This is big, powerful, and clean. Only for experienced surfers, but it’s a serious session in the making. The afternoon gets a bit choppy with a cross-shore, so the dawn patrol is the call.

The 14th of August (Friday morning) is a weird one. A tiny 2ft swell, but with a massive 22-second period and a gentle offshore wind. The energy is 592. It’ll be a long lull between sets, but the wave quality from that deep-water groundswell could be incredible for a longboard or a gun.

Overall, the Dunes delivers a few standout windows. Wednesday the 5th and Saturday the 15th mornings are the clear winners. Don’t bother with the first few days, and keep an eye on that glassy Monday the 10th for a cruisy session.

Rusty, signing off.

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