Chernobyl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s look at what’s coming. Over the next 16 days, it’s a tough stretch for surfing around here. The swell is small and weak, and the wind is mostly a problem. There are long gaps with nothing worth paddling out for, so don’t get your hopes up too high. Let’s take it day by day.

The first window of anything surfable doesn’t show up until Friday morning, July 24th, at Chernobyl. That’s about a week of flat, choppy, or just plain junk before we get a little life. Even then, it’s not much. We’ve got a tiny 3ft swell coming from the ESE, with a period of just 8 seconds – that’s short-period windswell, no real punch. The wind is light and cross-offshore, so the surface will be clean, but the wave energy is weak (combined energy of 73). It’s surfable, but very ordinary. The water temperature is 83°, which is about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Saturday morning, July 25th, is similar. Clean again with a light cross-offshore breeze, but still only 2ft from the east, 8-second period, and combined energy of 56. It’s better than nothing, but you’ll be working for tiny, gutless waves.

Sunday morning, July 26th, flips to a light offshore wind from the WSW, which is a nice change. Still only 2ft from the east, 8-second period, and combined energy of 42. Clean, but tiny.

Monday, July 27th, sees a proper offshore breeze picking up – 12 mph from the WSW, so the surface will be clean, but the swell is still only 2ft from the east, 8 seconds. Combined energy of 32. It’s a classic case of clean but small.

Tuesday, July 28th, similar story: moderate offshore wind, 2ft east swell, 8 seconds. Combined energy of 36. Clean, but not enough push to get excited.

Wednesday, July 29th, the wind gets stronger – 22 mph from the WSW, fresh offshore. The swell drops to 1ft from the east, 9-second period. Combined energy is just 25. That’s blowing hard over almost nothing – it’ll be clean but very tricky to catch anything.

Thursday, July 30th, is the first day the swell direction shifts a little – 2ft from the NNE, with a period of 7 seconds. The wind is still offshore from the WSW at 16 mph, so conditions are clean. Combined energy of 42. It’s still small, but the direction is a bit more aligned with what Chernobyl likes, so it’s one of the better options in this run.

Friday, July 31st, morning sees a 2ft NE swell, 7-second period, with a gentle offshore from the west. Combined energy of 52. Clean and slightly more size, but still very ordinary.

Saturday morning, August 1st, has a 2ft NE swell, 8-second period, with a light cross-offshore from the NW. Combined energy of 74 – the highest in the whole forecast. The wind is light and clean, so this is probably the best session on offer. But let’s be real: it’s still a tiny wave, and the crowd at Chernobyl can be an issue. It’s a beginner-friendly wave, but with only 2ft, it’s suitable for all levels.

Sunday, August 2nd, morning sees a 2ft NE swell, 7-second period, with a light cross-offshore from the NNW. Combined energy of 40. Clean, but fading.

The standout here is Saturday morning, August 1st, at Chernobyl. It’s the cleanest, highest energy window (74) with a light cross-offshore breeze and a 2ft NE swell. It’s not a big day, but it’s the best we’ve got. The wind is light, the surface will be glassy, and the swell direction is close to the optimum NNE. Crowds are often around, so expect company.

Briefly, for the rest of the period, there’s nothing else that breaks the 1-point barrier. The second week is mostly tiny, weak, and often choppy. If you’re desperate, the mornings with offshore winds (like July 30th and 31st) are worth a paddle, but don’t expect much.

Honestly, this is a quiet stretch. The area tends to have these blank runs, and forecasts can shift, but for now, it’s a lot of waiting for very little. If you’re a beginner, the small stuff on August 1st morning is your best bet. For anyone else, maybe bring a kiteboard – the wind is consistent, and the waves are too weak for proper surfing.

Rusty.

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