Mawgan Porth Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Mawgan Porth. I’ll be straight with you – it’s a rough run for a good while. The whole first part of the forecast is a write-off. From Sunday the 30th of August right through to the 11th of September, the wind and weather are just making a mess of things. You’ve got fresh cross-onshore winds, lumpy and choppy conditions, and all the swell is being blown out. There’s a heap of energy in the water – up into the four-digit figures on the 4th of September (1465) – but it’s all wind-affected, short-period junk. That’s not for paddling; if anything, that’s a kite surfer’s window with that strong breeze and big lump. So, brace yourselves for a gap of nearly two weeks with absolutely nothing worth getting wet for.

Now, ‘Mawgan Porth’ is a river break, beginner-friendly when it’s clean, and it’s fairly exposed to the west-northwest, which is its optimum swell direction. The water temperature is about average for this time of year – nothing unusual there.

Things finally turn around on Saturday the 12th of September. That morning is the real standout. The wind swings around to a light cross-offshore from the SSE, only 6 mph, and the conditions are described as ‘clean’. You’ve got a solid 8 ft swell rolling in from the west-northwest with a period of 10 seconds, giving you a combined moderate wave energy (1001). That’s proper groundswell, with some good shape and power. The break is listed as ‘inconsistent’ though, so don’t expect it to be pumping non-stop, but the sets that come through will be well worth it. Crowds are possible here, so get down early. The difficulty is beginner-level, but that size is pushing it for learners – it’s more of an intermediate and above session.

Following that, Sunday the 13th of September morning is another highlight, but it comes with a big caveat. The swell bumps up to 10 ft from the west-northwest with a 10-second period, giving you very strong wave energy (1710). That is serious size – only for experts. The wind is offshore from the east at 16 mph, keeping the faces clean, but at that height it’s going to be a beast. Long period and big at a river break can mean it’s a bit tricky too, but for the brave, it’ll be a special session.

Monday the 14th of September is a nice way to finish the run. The swell drops back to a much friendlier 5 ft from the west, with a gentle offshore easterly breeze at 9 mph and clean conditions. It won’t have the power of the weekend, but for a quiet, clean paddle with good shape, that’s a lovely way to start the week. Crowds are still possible, but it’s a Monday so you might get lucky.

So, to sum it up: a long, frustrating wait, but the second weekend and that Monday offer some real quality. The clear best is the Saturday morning the 12th of September – solid size, good period, no wind messing it up. It’s been a while coming, but it’ll be worth it.

Rusty.

Read more