Carbis Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Carbis Bay over the next couple of weeks.

Well, I’ll be honest with you – the next week or so is looking pretty grim. We’ve got a long stretch of poor surf conditions ahead. The first real chance of a wave doesn’t show up until next Friday morning, the 14th of August, and even then it’s nothing to write home about. For the first few days, we’re stuck with small, weak swells and dodgy winds, so don’t bother rushing down.

Friday, 14th August – Sunday, 16th August is a write-off. Tiny waves around 1 ft to 2 ft with short, weak periods. The wind is all over the shop, mostly cross or cross-onshore, making it messy. The combined energy is pathetic, barely cracking 40 (40 – weak). Not worth getting wet.

Monday, 17th August sees a tiny bump, but it’s still poor. The morning is clean but with only 2 ft on offer. The afternoon picks up a bit to 4 ft from the west, but the wind is still cross-off and the conditions are rated poor. The energy is moderate at 150, but it’s just not happening.

Tuesday, 18th August the swell pushes up to 5 ft, but it’s a short period windswell at 7 seconds. The wind is offshore and the waves are clean, but the quality is just not there. It’s a tough call – the size is there for a beginner to get a bit spooked, but it’s not the kind of wave that’ll have you smiling.

We then go into a real barren spell from Wednesday, 19th August right through to Tuesday, 26th August. The swell drops off, the wind is onshore and strong, and the energy is weak to moderate at best. Kite surfers might get a kick out of the strong cross-onshore winds on the 24th and 25th, but for a paddle surfer? Forget it.

Wednesday, 26th August – Finally, a glimmer. The afternoon shows a 4 ft west swell with a clean cross-off breeze and light wind. The energy is moderate at 205, and the conditions are described as “surfable but very ordinary”. It’s a small step in the right direction.

Thursday, 27th August is the one to circle on the calendar. The afternoon brings a solid 8 ft swell from the west-southwest, with a clean offshore breeze. The combined energy is pumping at 848 (strong). The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions”. This is the standout. The water is a touch warmer than normal at 65°F, so it’s pleasant. For a beach break like Carbis Bay, an 8 ft swell with a short period of 8 seconds can be a bit close-outy and messy, but with that light offshore wind, it could be a real gem. Keep in mind, this is a long way out, so don’t book the day off work just yet.

Friday, 28th August – The swell balloons to 16 ft, but the wind is a howling onshore gale. This is expert-only territory, and even then, it’s going to be a washing machine. Energy is massive at 8564, but it’s unsurfable.

Saturday, 29th August – The swell drops to 13 ft, but the wind is still cross-onshore and lumpy. Again, only for the brave and the very experienced.

So, to cut a long story short: the next week is a total write-off. The best bet is the afternoon of the 27th of August, but it’s a long-range call. If you’re desperate for a paddle, the 26th might give you a few ordinary but rideable waves. Stay patient.

Rusty.

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