West Wittering Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get this out there. Honestly, looking at the next couple of weeks, it’s pretty bleak for a while. We’ve got a real dry spell on our hands, so don’t be in a rush to wax up just yet. The surf just isn’t there. It’s looking like a good time to sort out your gear or check the tides for something else, because the ocean’s gonna be flat and pretty useless for a good stretch.

The first real chance of anything rideable doesn't show up until Saturday, August 22nd. That’s a long way off. We're talking over a week of nothing but knee-slappers and closeouts. The good news is that when it does finally show, it’s not a total loss. There’s a bit of a pulse of energy coming in that day, with the swell building through the afternoon. It’s small, but it’s something. Saturday morning looks like the pick of the weekend, with lighter winds and cleaner conditions. The swell direction is coming from the southwest, which is pretty standard for West Wittering. It won't be big, just around 3ft to 4ft, with a weak period of only 4 to 5 seconds. That means it'll be a bit soft and crumbly, not a lot of push. But compared to what we’ve had, it’ll feel like a win.

Then Sunday the 23rd keeps that little bit of life, with similar sized swell in the morning, but the wind swings onshore in the afternoon, so get your waves early if you can. The energy is still weak, but at least it’s something to bob around in.

Now, about West Wittering itself. It’s a beach and groyne setup, and it’s a sheltered spot, so it needs a decent swell to wrap in. Because it’s inconsistent, you’ll be waiting around for sets. The water temperature right now is a notable 70°, which is a whopping 8° warmer than usual for this time of year. That’s a big deal, so you can get away with a thinner suit or even just boardshorts if you’re brave.

The long-range stuff for the final few days of the window is still looking pretty poor. The swell tries to show up on Monday the 24th, but it’s weak and short-period. Don’t expect much. The whole window is just a battle against small, weak swell. The 22nd and 23rd are the only days I’d even consider paddling out, and even then, keep your expectations low. It’s about getting wet, not about getting shacked.

So, mark your calendar for the 22nd, keep an eye on the wind, and don’t hold your breath for anything epic. It’s a waiting game.

Until next time, Rusty.

Read more