Gwithian Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, grab a coffee, let’s have a look at what Gwithian’s got cooking for us in Cornwall, up to mid-August.

First thing you need to know, mate: the water’s sitting at about 65°, which is a touch warmer than we usually get this time of year – not a big deal, but a nice little bonus if you’re in a spring suit.

Now, don’t get your hopes up for the next little while. We’re looking at a proper flat spell. From Wednesday the 29th all the way through to Thursday the 6th of August, it’s just tiny, messy, onshore slop. The combined swell energy is barely getting out of the double digits – like 72, 56, even down to 17 – and with that onshore or cross-onshore wind, it’s a write-off. You’d be better off doing some rock pooling. That’s a solid week-plus of nothing doing.

Then, things get a bit weird on Friday the 7th. We get a sudden jump in swell height, with the afternoon hitting 10 ft from the west-southwest, and the energy jumps right up to 1247 – that’s serious power. But it’s onshore, straight on the beach, and the period is a short 9 seconds. That’s a lumpy, closed-out mess for all but the most experienced crew. It gets a marginal call, but honestly, unless you’ve got a big-wave gun and a lot of bottle, I’d sit that one out.

The real standout, and this is your only proper shout for the whole 16 days, lands on Saturday the 8th of August. Morning session is where it’s at. We’ve got a clean 7 ft swell from the west, with a period of 8 seconds. The combined energy is a solid 816 – that’s moderate, but thumping for Gwithian. And here’s the kicker: the wind is glassy, dead calm from the northeast. It’s going to be clean, lined up, and absolutely cracking for those of you who can handle a head-high plus wave. It’s a bit much for beginners though – over 5 ft. It’s a consistent spot, which is rare for this window, so grab it. Afternoon drops off a bit to 5 ft, and the wind goes cross-shore, so the morning is your golden ticket. Crowds are often here, so get down early.

After that, Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th drop back to 3-4 ft with a moderate offshore wind from the east and northeast – clean waves, but pretty ordinary, just small fun stuff. The energy drops back below 200. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about.

The rest of the run into the second week gets messy again with fresh winds and lumpy conditions, so don’t hold your breath. The only real standout is that Saturday morning, the 8th of August. Circle it.

Rusty.

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