Staithes Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Staithes over the next 16 days. I’ll level with you straight away – it’s a slow start. We’ve got a real lull to kick things off, and it’s going to take a while before we see anything worth paddling out for.

The first solid chunk of the forecast is a write-off. From now through to the early part of August, the swell is tiny – we’re talking 1ft to 2ft of short-period slop, mostly from the north or north-west, with mixed winds. The energy is weak (17 to 35 combined energy), and the wave comments are all “poor surf conditions.” It’s a grumpy start. You’ll be staring at a flat lake for days. This gap runs right through until the 3rd of August.

Then, around the 4th of August, things start to stir. Tuesday morning brings a jump to 6ft from the east with a moderate 7-second period, but the wind is cross-off from the south-east, and the energy climbs to 323. It’s still only a marginal call – the comment says “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions.” Tuesday afternoon looks a touch better: 5ft from the east-north-east, glassy conditions, and 220 energy. Still, it’s only “surfable waves but very ordinary conditions.” Not a standout, but it’s a sign of life.

The real spark – and the only true standout in this whole outlook – hits on the 10th of August. Monday afternoon brings a solid 6ft swell from the north, with an 8-second period, and the energy jumps to 410. Winds are light from the south-east, so it’s cross-off and clean. The wave comment says “expect good surf conditions.” That’s the one to circle on your calendar. Tuesday the 11th of August morning keeps it going with 5ft from the north-north-east, offshore winds from the south, and 284 energy. That’s clean, glassy, and lined up. For a reef break that’s inconsistent and often crowded, this is the window where the quality matches the potential.

A word of caution: Staithes is a reef, and it’s inconsistent. It doesn’t break often, so when it does, it’s a special treat. Crowds are often a factor here. The water temperature is sitting at 62°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – a nice little bonus if you’re paddling out.

After that, the pulse fades again. The 12th of August sees a drop back to 4ft with poor onshore wind, and the energy falls off to 231. The 13th and 14th are back to tiny, glassy slop with 1ft to 2ft. The final weekend of the 15th is flat again – 1ft, onshore, and not worth the walk.

So, bottom line: if you’ve got patience, the 10th and 11th of August are your best bet. That Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning are the only real standouts in this 16-day stretch. The rest is a waiting game. It’s not a classic run for Staithes, but when it fires, it’s worth it. Keep an eye on the wind, and don’t expect consistency.

Rusty.

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