Port Isaac Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks down at Port Isaac.

First thing you need to know: the water is sittin' at a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, 64°F to be exact. That’s a nice little bonus if you’re paddling out without a full suit.

Now, for the bad news. We’re lookin’ at a proper dry spell to start. From now, right through the end of July and into the first week of August, it’s a total write-off. There’s just no surf worth paddling out for. The swell is tiny, the period is short, and when there is a little pulse of energy, the wind is either cross-on or onshore, choppin’ it all up. The wave comment says it all: "poor surf conditions" day after day. We’re talkin’ a solid 12-day gap with nothin’ to recommend. It’s a long stretch of flatness, but it happens here.

Then, on the 7th of August, Friday afternoon, we finally see a little life. The swell bumps up to 5 ft from the WNW with a period of 6 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to 132 (moderate). But don’t get too excited – the wind is a cross-on 12 mph from the NW, makin’ it choppy. Still, it’s the first sign of something after all that quiet.

The real standout comes on the 8th of August, Saturday morning. Now we’re talkin’. A solid 7 ft swell out of the WNW with an 8-second period. The combined energy is 540 (strong to very strong). This is a proper swell. However, the wind is a cross-on 12 mph from the NE, so it’s gonna be lumpy and a bit messy. Because it’s over 8 ft, this one is strictly for the experienced crew. Beginners, stay on the beach for this one. The size and the onshore wind will make it a beast.

Saturday afternoon the swell eases back to 6 ft, WNW, period 7 seconds, energy 319 (strong). Still big, but the wind goes onshore from the NNW at 16 mph, so it’ll be a bit of a washing machine.

Sunday the 9th is still in the mix, with a 4 ft WNW swell, but those winds are fresh and cross-on, makin’ it lumpy. Not the best.

After that, the swell fades again. By Monday the 10th, we’re back to ankle-biters.

But hold on. Lookin’ way out to Tuesday the 11th of August, we get a little glimmer. A tiny 2 ft swell from the WNW, but the wind goes glassy from the SSE. The water will be like a mirror. That’s a rare treat, but the waves are small. Wednesday the 12th, afternoon, glassy again with a 3 ft swell from the WNW. That’s your best bet for a clean, fun session, but don’t expect barrels.

So, to wrap it up: the first week and a half is a bust. Saturday the 8th of August is the big one for the experts, but it’ll be a battle with the wind. The glassy days on the 11th and 12th are the best chance for a clean, cruisy paddle for everyone else.

Keep your eyes on the forecast, it could change for the better.

Rusty.

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