Salcombe Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s see what we’ve got here. Honestly, for Salcombe, the whole 16-day window is a bit of a struggle. The guidance says the break is inconsistent and always crowded, and looking at the numbers, there’s really nothing that stands out as a proper session. The good news is that sometimes these shelteblack spots can surprise you, so don’t write it off entirely.

We kick off on Tuesday the 14th with a 6ft easterly swell, but that’s coming in at a short period of 7 seconds and a stiff 22 mph crosswind. The combined energy is only 326 (moderate), and the water is a very unusual 66°—that’s over 5° warmer than average for this time of year. Still, the wave comment says “poor surf conditions,” so it’s not worth paddling out.

Wednesday the 15th through the weekend is a write-off. Swell drops off to nothing—like 1ft to 2ft with weak energy readings of 18 to 28—and the wind is messy. There’s a gap of several days here with no real surf on offer.

Now, there is a little glimmer on Monday the 20th. The morning shows a 4ft easterly swell (6-second period) with glassy conditions—wind is only 3 mph from the ENE, dead calm. Combined energy is 110 (weak). It’s small and weak, but glassy is glassy, and sometimes you can make the most of it. Expect that the crowds will be inevitable at Salcombe.

The middle of the week, Tuesday the 21st, sees the swell build back to 5ft, but it’s paired with 22 mph crosswinds and a lumpy chop. Not good.

By Wednesday the 22nd, we’re looking at a 8ft easterly swell with a 7-second period and strong energy of 564 (moderate). However, the 16 mph cross-onshore wind ruins it. That size is getting too big for beginners, and with the wind, it’s messy.

The real hope, if you can wait, is Sunday the 26th. The morning brings a 3ft west swell with a long 12-second period and clean offshore winds from the northwest at 16 mph. Energy is 218 (moderate). That’s a proper clean groundswell. Then the afternoon stays clean with a 3ft swell, 11-second period, and fresh offshore wind. That’s the closest we get to a standout in this entire forecast.

Monday the 27th also looks promising but more uncertain. A 5ft west swell with 10-second period and 19 mph cross-offshore wind. Clean, but the size might be a bit much for a mellow day. Energy jumps to 620 (moderate-strong).

After that, the end of the window on the 28th and 29th sees bigger swell—up to 8ft—but with cross-shore winds and choppy conditions. The 29th afternoon has a strong breeze and 6ft swell, but it’s just not coming together.

So really, if you’re keen, aim for the 26th or maybe the 27th. That’s your best chance for a clean wave at Salcombe, but keep your expectations in check—it’s an inconsistent spot.

Rusty.

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