Crantock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for our local stretch.

To be honest, the next week and a half is pretty bleak. The guidance is pointing to a spot that’s sheltered and fairly consistent, but the actual swell energy is just way too low for anything worthwhile. We’re looking at a long stretch of nothing really rideable – from the start right through to the 23rd of July, the swell heights are all under 2 ft with weak, short-period energy. The combined energy values are mostly in the double digits, all under 100, which tells you the ocean is flat and tired. There’s a real gap of about 10 days with no proper surf on offer.

The first real pulse of energy shows up on the 24th of July. Crantock (river) will see a jump in swell, with heights around 4 ft to 4 ft coming from the SW and WSW. That’s decent, but the period is only 5 to 7 seconds, so it’s a weak, short-period wind swell, not a groundswell. The combined energy climbs to 101 on the 24th morning, and then up to 213 on the 24th afternoon, which is moderate to strong. The problem is the wind. It’s a cross-shore breeze, creating a cross-chop, so the waves won’t be clean. It’s a beach-and-river setup, and with moderate wind and that short period, it might be more interesting for the kite crew than for paddle surfing.

The best chance for a clean session sneaks in on the 25th and 26th of July. On the 25th morning, the swell is 3 ft from the WNW, with a cross-shore wind, but it’s still a bit messy. The real standout, however, is the 26th of July. The swell holds around 3 ft to 4 ft from the W, with a period of 7 to 8 seconds, and the wind turns cross-off from the S and SSW. That’s clean surf. The combined energy is moderate (125 to 157), so there’s a bit of push. The wind will be fresh to strong, but being cross-off, it will groom the faces nicely. It’s not a huge swell, but for a river break that’s sheltered, this is the best on offer. The 27th is similar but the energy drops off.

So, if you’re waiting for anything, the 26th of July is the pick. Clean, manageable waves, and a bit of energy. The earlier part of the window is a write-off. Don’t bother getting the wetsuit wet until then.

Rusty.

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