Tenby (South Beach) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Rusty here.

Right now, and for the next week and a half, it’s pretty much a write-off for a proper surf at Tenby (South Beach). We’ve got a long, dry spell on our hands from now all the way through the 22nd of August. The waves are just too small, the energy is weak – under 100 (combined swell energy) most days – and the conditions are messy. The water temperature is sitting at 66°, which is a good 5° warmer than what’s normal for this time of year, so it’s notably warm, but that doesn’t help the surf. For days on end, it’s just poor surf conditions. The wind is all over the place, mostly onshore or cross-onshore, and when it does go offshore, there’s just no swell to work with. You’ll be looking at ankle-biters to knee-high slop.

Now, if you’re patient, the real story starts to shift on Sunday the 23rd of August. Overnight into that Sunday morning, the swell finally kicks in. We’re looking at a 8ft SW groundswell, 8-second period, and the combined energy jumps to 739 (moderate energy). The wind is a clean cross-offshore, which is a big positive. This is the kind of day that could offer some solid, punchy waves, but at 8ft, it’s going to be too much for beginners – you’ll want some experience under your belt. The swell direction is coming from the SW, which is right on the money for this break’s optimum.

But don’t get too excited just yet. That Sunday afternoon, the wind swings into a strong cross-onshore at 25 mph, turns it into a messy, choppy mess. So the window is narrow.

Then, Monday the 24th of August brings the biggest swell of the whole forecast: a big 12ft WSW groundswell, 10-second period, with very strong energy (2430). The wind stays cross-offshore. This is expert territory only – that size is no joke. It’s going to be a heavy, powerful beast. The swell direction is a touch more westerly, which is still good for Tenby, but the size will make it a handful. After that, it slowly drops back down to around 8ft on Tuesday the 25th, with stiff cross-offshore breezes.

So here’s the deal: if you can wait, the standout is the morning of Sunday the 23rd of August. That’s your best chance at a clean, solid session with a 8ft SW swell and clean offshore wind. It’s not perfect, but it’s the one to aim for. Monday the 24th is for the brave ones only. Expect crowds to be possible, as this is the only real surf in weeks.

Rusty.

Read more