Croyde Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. I gave the numbers a good look for Croyde over the next couple of weeks, and I gotta be straight with you – it’s a rough stretch. This is one of those times where the forecast just doesn’t want to play ball. The first real chance at anything rideable doesn’t show up until the 27th of August, and even then, it’s barely on the radar.

Let’s walk through it. Right now, through the middle of August and all the way to the 26th, it’s pretty much a flat spell with poor conditions. We’ve got small, weak swell – mostly under 3ft – and the wind is all over the place, almost always onshore or cross-onshore, chopping up what little bump there is. Honestly, for a solid 12 days, there’s nothing worth paddling out for. The combined swell energy stays really low, hanging around the 20 to 168 mark (weak to barely moderate), and the water’s about 66°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year.

Now, the wait might be worth it for the brave few who can hold out. On Thursday the 27th of August, things finally start to look a little more interesting. We see a pulse of swell from the SSW at around 4ft to 5ft, with a short period of 5 to 6 seconds. The wind is light from the SSE to S, giving us a clean, cross-offshore flow. The combined energy climbs to 120 to 152 (moderate). It’s not world-class, but it’s surfable – the clean conditions will make a big difference. Croyde is very consistent here and exposed to swell, so when it comes, it’s usually got some push.

Then comes the big story – Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th. The models are showing a serious spike. On Friday morning, a 16ft swell from the WSW with a solid 12-second period hits, and the combined energy jumps to a massive 6,343 (very strong). The wind is howling from the ENE at 31 mph, but it’s cross-offshore, keeping the surface clean. Here’s the catch – this is way too big for Croyde. 16ft is expert-only territory, and the forecast even flags it as too big for this break. Saturday eases slightly to 13ft from the west, 10-second period, still with clean cross-off winds from the NNE at 16 mph, but again, it’s for the pros only. The energy remains monstrous at 2,823.

So, what’s the standout? The 27th of August is your best bet for a normal surfer. It’s not a big day, but with clean conditions and chest-high-ish waves, you can actually get a few rides. The 28th and 29th are just too much swell for most people – that’s more of a spectacle than a session unless you’re charging on a big gun. Be aware that Croyde can get crowded here, and on any decent day, expect company.

No other breaks to compare here – this is all just Croyde. It’s been a long dry spell, but the end of the month promises some serious energy, if you can handle it.

Stay patient, or get ready for a wild ride. Rusty.

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