Bamburgh Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for our local stretch.

Straight up, I’ve got to be honest with you – the next couple of weeks look pretty grim for paddle surfing. We’ve got a long dry spell here. The forecast doesn’t give us a single decent surf window until the middle of the period, and even then, it’s nothing to write home about. The first real chance to get wet, and I’m using that term loosely, isn’t until Tuesday, the 6th of August.

Before that, Monday the 5th of August has a bit of offshore wind, but the swell is tiny at 2ft from the east, with a short period of 6 seconds. The combined energy is a weak 58. It’s just not enough to push you around. The water temp is sitting at 59°F, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Tuesday the 6th of August morning is our first real event. Bamburgh will see a 5ft swell from the NNE, with a period of 8 seconds. The combined energy is moderate, coming in at 273. It’s not a standout, but it’s the best we’ve got. Problem is, the wind is light and cross-shore from the NW, which will leave some wind ripple on the face. The afternoon turns messy with a cross-onshore breeze, so surf that morning if you’re going to go. The optimum swell direction here is from the NE, so this is a decent alignment.

Wednesday the 7th of August is cleaner, with a cross-offshore wind in the morning from the WSW, but the swell drops back to 3ft from the NNE. It’s surfable, but very ordinary. The afternoon looks similar with a 3ft swell. The energy is weak to moderate, around 113 and 81. For a beginner, this is probably your best bet for a safe, small wave, but don’t expect any power.

After that, it’s a long, slow fade. From Thursday the 8th of August right through to the end of the 16-day window, we’re looking at waves barely breaking 2ft, with very little energy. The wind is often offshore, which is a tease, but the swell just isn’t there. The period drops to 4 or 5 seconds, which is pure wind chop, not a real groundswell. There’s a glassy moment on Tuesday the 18th of August, but with a 0.7ft swell, it’s a lake.

So, the one and only standout, if you can call it that, is Tuesday the 6th of August morning. It’s the biggest swell of the period, the direction is right for the break, and the energy is the highest we’ll see. It’s not big enough to be a problem for beginners, as it’s under 5ft, so it’s open to all. Just keep an eye on that light cross-wind. Crowds are possible here, as it’s a spot that can get busy sometimes.

This is one of those blank runs that’s pretty normal for the area. It’s a quiet time of year. Don’t get your hopes up, but the wind will be good for kitesurfing on those windier days if that’s your thing.

Stay patient, and check back in a few days.

Rusty.

Read more