Paignton Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for our local stretch.

Well, I’ve got to be straight with you – the next 16 days look like a real dry spell. We’re looking at a long, quiet patch with barely a ripple worth getting wet for. The first proper chance of a wave doesn’t show up until Tuesday the 11th, and even then, it’s nothing to write home about. From now until then, it’s flat, so don’t bother checking the cam.

We’ve got one break on the radar: Paignton. It’s a fairly exposed beginner spot, and it’s inconsistent at the best of times. The water is sitting at 66°F – that’s a solid 4°F warmer than usual for this time of year, so the ocean feels like a bath, but that’s about the only good news.

Tuesday morning the 11th brings a tiny 2ft easterly swell with a short, weak 4-second period, and the wind is straight onshore. Combined energy is a measly 9, so it’s barely a bump. The afternoon picks up a little to 4ft from the east, period still a short 5 seconds, but the wind is smashing it onshore. The energy climbs to 77, but it’s going to be a messy, closed-out shorebreak. Not for beginners, and honestly, not for anyone who likes their hair dry.

Wednesday the 12th morning sees a similar 4ft easterly swell, period up to 7 seconds, and the energy hits 123 – that’s moderate, at least. But again, the wind is onshore from the ENE. It’s still poor. The afternoon drops back to 3ft with a 6-second period and energy of 59. Still onshore wind. This is a beach setup, and with the wind ruining it, this is looking more like a kite session than a surf one.

Thursday the 13th is smaller, 3ft in the morning and 2ft in the afternoon, with light cross-onshore and cross-offshore breezes. The energy is only 40 and 18. It’s clean in the afternoon, but there’s just no power in the water.

The whole run from the 14th through to the 21st of August is a mess of tiny, weak, or flat conditions. There’s a little spike on Friday the 21st of August: 4ft from the east, 6-second period, and the energy gets up to 98. The wind is a clean cross-off in the afternoon, which is the best we’ll see. The forecast says “surfable waves but very ordinary conditions.” Honestly, that’s the highlight of the whole 16 days. It’s not a standout, but if you’re desperate, that Friday afternoon at Paignton might just give you a few grovelly ones.

Beyond that, Saturday the 22nd is back to tiny glassy 1ft bumps, and the final days of the forecast are flat again.

So, to wrap it up: there’s nothing big on the horizon. No standouts, no swell of note. The best chance for a paddle is probably Friday the 21st of August in the afternoon, if the cross-off wind holds. But keep your expectations low. It’s a quiet period, and sometimes that’s just how it goes around here. Forecasts can change, but for now, it’s a waiting game.

Stay patient,
Rusty.

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