Salcombe Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what Salcombe's got cooking for us over the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, mate, it's a bit of a tough stretch ahead. We've got a long dry spell to start, and most of what comes through is pretty average. The water is much warmer than normal for this time of year, sitting at 64°F, which is a solid 4°F above average – that’s a notable difference for a dip.

The first real chance of anything rideable doesn't show up until the 17th of July, Friday morning. Before that, it’s a write-off: strong cross-shore winds, heavy chop, and messy conditions through the weekend and into the start of the week. The swell jumps up on the 11th, with a lumpy 6ft from the east, but with a short, weak period of 6 seconds and fresh cross-shore winds, it’s just not worth the paddle. The energy is moderate at best (265).

We get a bit of a tease on the 16th of July, Thursday, with glassy conditions but next to no swell – just 0.3ft of weak, long-period (12 seconds) stuff. That’s not going to push you anywhere.

The standout window finally opens on Friday the 17th. The morning offers the best conditions we’ve seen: clean 5ft swell from the WSW, with a moderate offshore wind from the NW (12 mph). It’s a moderate-energy swell at (189), but the clean, offshore wind will make for some fun, rideable lines. This is your best bet for the whole outlook. Afternoon holds up okay too, but the wind swings more cross-off and picks up (19 mph), so get on it early.

Saturday the 18th keeps the good wind going – offshore breeze from the WNW at 12 mph – with a consistent 4ft from the west, period hanging around 9 seconds. The energy is moderate (268). It’s not pumping, but it’s clean and surfable. For a point break or reef setup, that west swell direction and longer period would be a bonus, but here the setup is sheltered.

After that, the surf fades quickly. Sunday the 19th sees smaller waves (3ft) and a fresh offshore wind, so there’s a bit of life in it for the small-wave crew, but nothing to get excited about. The rest of the second week dribbles out with tiny, weak swells and clean but unremarkable conditions. The 24th of July shows a tiny bit of long-period (13 seconds) groundswell, but at just 1ft, it’s barely a ripple.

Overall, it’s a long, lean period. Don't get your hopes up for the first week; just sit tight. The real call is Friday the 17th morning. If you can get out then, you’ll score the best of a pretty average offering. Get it while it lasts.

Rusty.

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