Crooklets-Bude Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s take a look at what’s on offer here.

To be straight with you, this 16-day window is a bit of a bummer. There’s nothing here that’s going to get you buzzing. The first proper surf recommendation doesn’t even show up. We’re looking at a long stretch of tiny, weak waves and mostly poor conditions. The combined wave energy barely gets going, and most days the swell is just too small and the wind is either too strong or blowing the wrong way. I’d say we’ve got a solid gap of no real surf for the first two weeks, then a little pulse of energy right at the tail end that might be worth a look, but even then it’s not a standout.

The only spot in the frame is Crooklets-Bude, a beginner-friendly beach break that’s fairly consistent and exposed to west swell. The water temp is about average for the time of year, nothing unusual there.

Let’s run through it. On Friday the 10th, we get a small 3ft west swell at 9 seconds, but with an easterly offshore wind in the morning, it’s clean. The combined energy is weak (104) though, so it’s not exciting. That afternoon, the wind shifts and the quality drops right off. Saturday the 11th, the swell drops to 2ft – still clean in the morning with a strong offshore wind, but the period is short and wave energy is low (62). That’s not worth paddling out for. Sunday the 12th through to Sunday the 19th, the swell is mostly 1ft or less, with very weak energy (often under 30). The wind is often strong offshore or cross-shore, which keeps the surface clean but the waves are too small to do anything with. There’s a few glassy moments on Thursday the 16th and Wednesday the 22nd, but again, swell height is 1ft or 1ft – basically flat.

Then, on Friday the 24th, the swell finally starts to show some life. The afternoon sees a 4ft west swell at 9 seconds, with moderate wave energy (194). The wind is onshore though, so it’s going to be messy. Still, it’s the first real bump in size in weeks. The next morning, Saturday the 25th, we have a 3ft west-northwest swell with a short period (6 seconds) and moderate energy (121), but the wind is cross-onshore and choppy.

So, the only real standout here is the afternoon of Friday the 24th of July. That 4ft west swell with moderate energy (194) is the most size we get. But the onshore wind is a real killer. For a beginner spot, that’s not going to be fun. For more experienced surfers, it’s still not worth a special trip. The break is a beach, so with that onshore wind and short period, it’s going to be a sloppy, lumpy mess. Honestly, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Bottom line: Don’t plan your week around this. The first two weeks are a write-off. The only half-decent pulse is on the 24th, but it’s not clean. Forecasts can change, but as it stands, keep the board in the car and check back later.

- Rusty

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