Kimmeridge Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab a cuppa, because I’ve been staring at Kimmeridge Bay out in Dorset and, well, it’s a bit of a tough one to write about. To be honest, for the next week and a half, there’s almost nothing to get excited about. We’re looking at a proper flat spell from now through to around the 24th of July. Days and days of tiny, weak slop with combined swell energy barely registering, often just a few measly points. The water is about 66°F right now, which is a full 6°F warmer than usual for this time of year – that’s really unusual, almost like a warm bath, but it’s not much help when there’s no waves to enjoy it in.

The first real blip of interest shows up on the morning of Friday, the 24th of July. That’s when a bit of a pulse arrives. We’re looking at a 5ft swell from the southwest, but the period is a short 6 seconds, so it’s all wind swell, and it’s coupled with a fresh cross-onshore wind from the southwest blowing at 12 mph. The combined energy climbs to 121 (moderate), but the wind is going to make it choppy and lumpy. It’s a reef break that’s very consistent, but with that wind, it’s going to be a messy, blown-out affair. The best you can hope for is a few closeouts on the inside. Honestly, with that fresh cross-onshore wind and lumpy conditions, it might be more fun for the kite crew than us paddle surfers. The afternoon gets even worse with a 6ft swell and 19 mph winds – that’s getting into expert-only territory for size, but the wind is just too strong.

The morning of Saturday, the 25th of July, is a slight improvement, but it’s still a struggle. The swell drops to 4ft from the southwest at 6 seconds, so the energy is faint (109). The wind is still a cross-onshore from the southwest at 12 mph, so it’s still choppy. It’s not a total washout, but it’s not a day to call your mates about. The afternoon sees that swell bump back up to 5ft, but again, the wind is on it.

The standout, if you can call it that, is the morning of Friday the 24th. It’s the only window where the swell gets above 3ft and the energy is at least moderate. But you have to be realistic – it’s not a clean, classic Kimmeridge day. The crowds here are often present, so you’ll have company in the chaos.

So, for the next ten days, don’t even bother. Put the board away and watch the tide come and go. Then, from the 24th, you’ve got a couple of days of marginal, wind-affected surf. It’s not a total blank, but it’s a long way from good. Forecasts can change, so keep an eye on it, but right now, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

Read more