Gwithian Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s lined up for Gwithian.

To be blunt, the first week is a bit of a write-off for a proper surf. We’ve got a long stretch starting from Friday 17th July right through to the end of the month where the swell is tiny, the wind is mostly cross or onshore, and the wave comment is consistently “poor surf conditions”. It’s not looking good for a paddle. The water temperature is sitting at 63°, which is about 2° warmer than usual for this time of year – nothing too wild, but pleasant enough if you’re in a wetsuit. The combined swell energy is weak, barely cracking 100 (36) for most of the early days, so there’s just no real push.

The first real sniff of something happens Sunday 19th July morning. The wind swings to an ESE offshore at 16 mph, which will clean things right up, but the swell is a meagre 3 ft from the north with a short period of 6 seconds. It’s not going to be punchy, but for a beginner looking for a groomed little wave, it might be the best of a bad bunch. The crowds are often there, so expect company.

From Monday 20th through to Tuesday 28th July, it’s a messy mix of cross-shore and cross-onshore winds, with the swell height slowly creeping up but never really getting clean. The wind is mostly from the north, which is a bit awkward for Gwithian given its optimum is from the WNW. It’s just not lining up.

Now, we get to the standout. The best window of the whole 16-day forecast is Monday 27th July morning. The swell is a solid 7 ft, pushing up from the WNW with a period of 7 seconds, and the combined energy is a strong 350. The wind is onshore from the NW at 16 mph, so it’s going to be a bit lumpy and blown-out, but that’s the biggest and most powerful swell we’ll see. This is strictly for experienced surfers only – 7 ft is too big for beginners. The energy is moderate, but it’s the most potent spell of the run. The following Tuesday morning, 28th July, also holds some size at 6 ft with the energy jumping to 568, still cross-onshore, but it’s big and moving.

For the first week of August, Saturday 1st August morning sees a 5 ft WNW swell with a moderate energy of 177, but the wind is still cross-onshore from the NNW. It’s a step down from the big stuff, but still one of the better options if you’re desperate for a wave.

Honestly, for the first 10 days, the only half-decent shot is that Sunday 19th July morning with the clean offshore wind, but you’ll be on tiny waves. The real power arrives on the 27th and 28th July, but it’s not clean. If you’re a kite surfer, that entire period from the 22nd July onwards, with the strong cross and cross-onshore winds and building swell, looks far more interesting than a paddle.

Stay patient, and keep an eye on the forecasts.

Rusty

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