Scratby Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get real about this stretch we’ve got coming up at Scratby. I’ve looked over the numbers, and I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – this is a tough run for surf.

The Big Picture

We’re looking at a 16-day window starting now, and the first thing you need to know is that there’s no surf on offer for the first few days. The water is sitting at 65°F, which is much warmer than you’d expect for this time of year – that’s a 5°F anomaly, so don’t expect a wetsuit to be your main problem. The problem is that the waves are just not happening. The first four days of the forecast are a total write-off, with combined swell energy at zero.

The First Chance (Late in the first week)

We finally see a pulse of energy roll in on the afternoon of Sunday, July 19th. A 5ft to 6ft swell from the north, with a period of 9 seconds. The combined energy hits 421 (moderate), but the wind is a fresh 19 mi/h from the NNW. That’s a cross-offshore wind, which keeps the surface clean, but it’s a battle. The break is Scratby, a beginner spot that’s inconsistent and only fairly exposed to the north. The swell direction is N, which is exactly what it’s looking for, but 6ft is a bit much for beginners – it’s more of a fun-sized wave for an intermediate who doesn’t mind the wind. This is probably the best on offer for the whole run, but it’s not a standout by any stretch.

The Mid-Week Lull

After that, the energy drops off fast. Monday (July 20th) sees a 4ft N swell with a short 7-8 second period, but the wind goes cross-shore at 12-16 mi/h, creating a lumpy, cross-chop. It’s just not worth paddling out for. The rest of the week into the weekend is a slow bleed of even smaller, weaker swells with messy wind. The combined energy levels are low, often below 100 (weak). The period drops to 6 seconds, which is just windswell – no power, no shape.

The Second Week (August 1st & 2nd)

Heading into the second week, we get a tiny bump. On Saturday, August 1st, a 6ft N swell arrives with an 8-second period, making the combined energy a moderate 355. But look at the wind: 19 mi/h from the NE, which is a cross-onshore wind. This is going to be lumpy, choppy, and generally unpleasant. At 6ft, it’s too big for a beginner, and with that onshore wind, it’s only worth a look for an expert who wants to get tossed around. By Sunday, August 2nd, it’s already dropping back to 3ft with the same onshore wind, so it’s a washout.

The Verdict

Honestly, there’s no day here I’d call a true standout. The closest we get is the afternoon of Sunday, July 19th, with a clean 5ft to 6ft north swell, but that fresh cross-offshore wind is a bummer. After that, it’s a long stretch of garbage. For a spot that’s inconsistent and needs a specific north swell, this is a pretty normal blank run. The forecasts can change, but right now, I’d hang up the board for a bit.

Rusty.

Read more