Paignton Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s on the table for Paignton. I’ve gotta be straight with you – this is a tough one. The whole 16-day window is looking pretty grim. The only real chance of getting wet comes around Wednesday, August 12th, and even then, it’s ordinary at best. The rest of the time is a total write-off, with nothing but flat spells and poor surf conditions dominating the stretch.

Starting off, from the very beginning and through the first week, there’s almost nothing to work with. The first week of August is a total bust. Early on, Sunday the 2nd has a tiny 1ft swell from the ENE with a short 3-second period, and it’s cross-on, making it messy. The combined energy is a measly 5 – super weak. Water temps are sitting at 67°, which is a whopping 5° warmer than usual – very unusual for this time of year. Monday the 3rd isn’t any better with a 3ft swell from the east, still a pathetic 6-second period, and energy at just 48. The wind is onshore, so it’s junk. Tuesday through to the following Monday are all flat – zero swell, no surf. The wind does go glassy and offshore at times, especially on the morning of Friday the 7th, but with no waves to clean up, it doesn’t matter.

The only period that offers any hope is around Wednesday, August 12th. On the morning of the 12th, we get a 5ft swell from the east with a 6-second period, and the combined energy bumps up to 170 – moderate energy. The wind is cross-off from the NNW at 6 mph, so it’ll be clean. The afternoon holds similar conditions with a 5ft swell and 125 energy. The guidance says the only break, Paignton, is a beginner-friendly spot that’s inconsistent and only sometimes gets crowded. The swell direction is from the east, matching the optimum direction of east. It’s surfable, but the conditions are described as very ordinary. The 5ft morning swell is on the bigger side for beginners, but with clean conditions, it’s doable. The short 6-second period means the waves won’t have much punch, and it’ll be a bit weak. Still, if you’re desperate, this is your best shot.

After the 12th, it drops off again. Thursday the 13th has a small 3ft swell, but it’s cross-on, so it’s messy. Then it’s back to flat spells from Friday the 14th all the way through to Monday the 17th. The wind goes offshore again on the weekend of the 16th, but with zero swell, it’s just a clean, flat ocean.

So, to sum it up: the standout is the morning of Wednesday, August 12th at Paignton. It’s the only time you’ll find rideable waves, even if they’re ordinary. The rest of the 16 days is a long, flat gap with no surf to speak of.

Rusty.

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