Inchydoney Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’re looking at the next 16 days for Inchydoney, and I’ve got to be straight with you—it’s a tough stretch. The forecast is showing a long run of poor surf conditions, with a lot of onshore wind and small, weak swell. Don’t get your hopes up just yet.

The first week gives us almost nothing. From Saturday 1st August right through to the end of the 10th, we’re seeing tiny waves, mostly under 3 feet, with a lot of cross-on or onshore wind. The energy is weak, with values mostly under 100 (say, 20 to 99), and the period is short, often around 6 to 8 seconds. This is not the kind of stuff that gets you out of bed. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

There’s a real standout, but you’ve got to wait for it. On Tuesday 11th August, the swell builds. Morning sees 6 feet from the SW at 10 seconds, and the energy jumps to 546 (moderate). Then the afternoon pushes it to 7 feet from the WSW, still at 10 seconds, with energy hitting 1426 (strong). That’s the biggest swell of the whole window. But here’s the catch—the wind is cross-on, 12 mph, so it’s going to be choppy and messy. It’s a solid sized swell, but the quality is poor. The period is moderate, not long, so it won’t have that groundswell punch. For a beginner, 7 feet is too big, and for an expert, the chop will be a pain. This is a day for the keen, experienced locals who don’t mind a battle.

The rest of the second week is a letdown. From Wednesday 12th onward, the swell drops fast, with heights under 3 feet, and the wind stays strong, often 18 to 25 mph, from the SW or NW. The energy is back to weak numbers, mostly under 100. By Sunday 16th, there’s a 1-foot swell with a 20-second period, but with 25 mph cross-off wind, it’s just not worth it. That long period would be good for a point break, but here at a sheltered river mouth, it’s a washout.

So, the best of the lot is Tuesday 11th August. The swell is big and the energy is strong, but the wind is against us. It’s a day for the die-hards, not a casual paddle. For the rest of the 16 days, honestly, the waves are too small and the wind is too messy. It’s a blank run, and for this area, that’s just how it goes sometimes. Keep an eye on the forecasts, because it won’t stay this way forever.

Rusty.

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