Paignton Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's be straight with you – the next couple of weeks are looking pretty grim for a proper surf. We've got a long stretch of flat, weak conditions ahead. It’s one of those times where you’re better off finding another hobby for a bit.

Looking at the whole 16-day window, we’re staring down a lot of nothing. The first real pulse of energy doesn’t even show up until Saturday the 22nd, and even that’s a bit of a tease. So yeah, we’re talking about a solid week-plus of pretty much no waves to start.

For the first stretch, from the 12th through the 21st, it’s basically a desert. Swell heights are barely a ripple, if there’s anything at all. The energy readings are pathetic, mostly single digits or even zero. You’ll see some west-northwest and north winds offering clean conditions, but with nothing to push, it’s just flat and glassy. It’s the kind of setup that will have you questioning why you even brought your board. There might be a tiny pulse on the 16th, but it's pure slop with a cross-shore wind chopping it up. Not worth the paddle out.

The only spot with any glimmer of hope is Paignton, but it’s a beginner spot that’s inconsistent at best. The water temp is a notable 67°F, which is a good 5°F warmer than normal for this time of year, so you won’t need a thick suit.

Then, on Saturday the 22nd, things finally get interesting. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best we’re going to get. In the morning there’s a little 4ft east swell, but the period is a short 5 seconds. The combined energy here is a weak 83, so it’s not exactly powerful, but it’s something. The wind is offshore from the west at 12 mph, which will keep the surface clean. This is your standout window, but it’s for the more experienced crowd – that 4ft is about the limit for the beginners. The afternoon sees the wind pick up to a fresh 19 mph from the west-northwest, blowing hard offshore, but it might just be too much wind to make it enjoyable.

After that little pulse on the 22nd, it’s back to the flat spell. A bit more energy shows on Sunday the 23rd, but it drops right back off into nothing for the rest of the week. We’re talking the 24th through the 27th with clean, offshore winds but just no swell to speak of.

So here’s the deal: if you're a beginner, this whole two weeks is a write-off. For the rest of you, your one shot is the morning of Saturday the 22nd. It’s not a classic, but it’s all we’ve got. It’s a long-range call, so don’t hold your breath, but keep an eye on it.

Stay salty.

Rusty

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