Happisburgh Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, it’s Rusty here. Let’s cut straight to it: this 16-day stretch for Happisburgh is a tough watch. We’ve got a real flat spell ahead, and I wouldn’t get the wax out any time soon if I’m being honest.

For the first chunk, right through until the end of the third week of August, it’s a complete write-off. From Wednesday the 12th right through to Sunday the 23rd, the wave heights are tiny, the energy is weak, and the wind’s mostly junk. We’re talking swell heights under 3 ft with combined energy often below 100 (just 70 on the first morning, dropping into the teens and twenties), and a short, weak period mostly around 4-6 seconds. That’s windswill, not surf. The water’s sitting at 67°F, which is 4°F warmer than it should be for this time of year – that’s notably above average, folks, so if you’re a novice just wanting a warm splash, it is what it is. But for riding waves? Nothing doing.

We do get a little pulse showing up around Monday the 17th, with the morning showing 4 ft of swell from the north at 6 seconds and combined energy hitting 109 (moderate). The wind is cross-offshore though, and it’s clean, but with that short period and low score, it’s still a very ordinary, weak offering. The real disappointment is that the waves are just too poor to recommend.

Now, the only glimmer in this whole outlook is about a week and a half away, on Thursday the 20th of August. The morning push shows 6 ft of north swell, period still a bit short at 8 seconds, but energy jumps to 476 (strong). That’s the only window with any real weight behind it. Wind’s cross-off and from the northwest, keeping the surface clean. The afternoon holds 6 ft with energy at 405. This is getting a bit meaty for the average punter – over 5 ft, so it’s not a beginner wave. The size and energy suggest it’s more for experienced surfers who know the bank situation.

The day after, Friday the 21st of August morning, we get an interesting window: 4 ft of north swell, 8 seconds, combined energy at 161 (moderate), and the wind goes glassy. Absolutely dead calm. That’s a rare chance for a clean, if somewhat weak, session.

For a break that’s listed as Happisburgh (Norfolk, United Kingdom), it’s a beach setup with inconsistent waves. Given the mostly onshore or cross-off winds and the generally weak, short-period swell we’re seeing, this is a place best left for the kite surfers when the north wind really kicks in. For paddlers, it’s a long wait for a very short, unremarkable window late in the month.

Overall, the only date that sticks its head up as a potential, and I mean *potential*, standout is Thursday the 20th for the bigger north swell, but keep your expectations in check.

Rusty.

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