Paignton Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here, looking at the Torbay forecast over the next couple of weeks. Honestly, it's a real tough stretch for us. We're looking at a long, dry spell with basically nothing doing for the first nine days. From the 7th of September right through to the 15th, the combined swell energy is a big fat zero (0), and the guidance is rating it all as poor surf conditions. That's a lot of flat days to sit through.

The first proper sign of life comes in on the 16th of September. Wednesday morning at Paignton, we might see a tiny, weak little pulse come in from the northeast, only 1 foot. The period is a super short 2 seconds, so it's not going to have any push. The combined energy is a measly 1, so it's practically nothing. The wind is a gentle cross-shore, but it's just not enough for a paddle. Wednesday afternoon goes glassy with a 1 foot swell from the east-northeast, but the period is still a poor 3 seconds, and the energy is only 2. It's clean, but tiny.

Things get a little more interesting on the 17th of September. Thursday morning at Paignton, we finally see a 3 feet swell from the east, with a period of 5 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 54, which is weak but a step up. The catch is we have a light cross-onshore wind from the east-northeast, which will put a bit of a bump on it. It's still borderline, but it's the best we've seen in over a week. Thursday afternoon is similar, 3 feet from the east, but the wind swings more easterly and picks up, making it a bit choppy. The water temperature is 66° and is running much warmer than normal for this time of year, which is a nice little bonus if you're having a paddle.

The 18th of September is similar in size, with a 3 feet swell from the east-southeast in the morning, but the wind is a moderate onshore breeze at 16 mph, making it choppy and messy. The afternoon drops off to 2 feet. After that, it fades again, with a few 0.7 feet and 1 foot bumps but nothing worth getting excited about.

There's a slight uptick right at the end of the forecast. On the 21st of September, Monday afternoon, we have a 2 feet swell from the northeast with a 3-second period. The wind is offshore from the west-southwest at 19 mph, so it will be clean, but the swell is just too small and weak (combined energy of 5) to do anything with. The 22nd of September is more of the same, with a tiny 1 foot to 1 feet east swell and clean, fresh offshore winds.

So, the standout on offer? It's a slim pick, but I'd have to say the 17th of September. That's the only day that pushes over 3 feet of swell. Thursday morning at Paignton is the best bet. The 3 feet east swell, with a 5-second period, is weak but rideable. The cross-onshore wind will keep it a bit bumpy, but it's the only window with any real energy. The rest of the 16-day window is a write-off. It's a tough one, but that's the coast for you. Stay optimistic, it can't stay this flat forever.

Rusty.

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