Crantock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's take a look at what's cooking at Crantock over the next couple of weeks.

I gotta be honest, the outlook is a bit of a heartbreaker. We've got plenty of swell coming through, but the wind just won't cooperate for the vast majority of the time. The wave energy is all over the shop, and for a spot like this, it's going to be a case of picking your moments. The first real chance to get a decent wave isn't until the 5th of September.

The early part of the run, from the 2nd to the 4th, is a complete write-off. We've got a fresh cross-shore wind blowing at 19 mph on the 2nd, with a lumpy 6ft cross-chop from the WSW. The combined energy is a weak 360. Not worth getting wet for. The 3rd and 4th are more of the same, with onshore winds and choppy, poor surf, even though the swell bumps up to 7ft on the Friday morning (energy hitting 617 – moderate). The water temp is a touch warmer than normal at 64°, but that won't help the surface.

The first real window of opportunity comes on Saturday the 5th of September. The morning is looking good: a light cross-shore breeze from the WSW at just 3 mph, with a clean 4ft swell from the west. The period is a nice and long 11 seconds, which is proper groundswell. The combined energy is moderate at 403. This is a classic groundswell, so it might be a bit fat and straight at a beach break, but for a river mouth like Crantock, it can wrap in nicely. It's marginal, but it's the best we've got. The afternoon sees the wind swing cross-onshore, so get out early.

Sunday the 6th is a funny one. The wind is offshore from the SE at 19 mph, so the surface will be clean, but the swell is tiny, only 2ft. The energy is a paltry 63. You'll be on a log or a foamie, and it's a session for the beginners or the super keen. The 9-second period will keep it from being totally gutless, but it's small.

After that, we're back into the wind. Monday the 7th sees a 7ft to 8ft W swell with a strong cross-onshore wind (16-19 mph) and energy climbing to 1079. That's strong wave energy, but it's going to be a complete mess – lumpy and choppy. Tuesday the 8th is similar, with a 8ft swell and fresh cross-onshore winds.

From the 9th to the 11th, it's more of the same: decent swell sizes (4ft to 8ft) but with onshore and cross-shore winds that will keep the surf poor. The energy stays moderate to strong, but it's all blown out.

The 12th of September (Saturday) offers a brief break. The morning has a gentle cross-offshore breeze from the SW at 9 mph, and a clean 3ft swell. The energy is a low 104, so it's surfable but very ordinary. Not a standout, just a chance to get wet in clean but small surf.

The final week, from the 13th to the 17th, is a real struggle. The wind is strong, often gale-force on the 16th, with messy conditions. The swell is small, dropping to 2ft, with energy barely hitting 58. The 16th is a complete washout with a 40 mph gale cross-onshore. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing.

The Best on Offer: The standout window is the morning of Saturday, September 5th. It's your best bet. A clean 4ft west swell with a long 11-second period and a near-flat cross-shore breeze. It's a classic groundswell setup for a river mouth. The other flicker is the morning of the 12th, but it's very small. Don't hold your breath for the rest.

Rusty.

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