Runswick Bay
United Kingdom · Atlantic Europe
Right now
DrizzleWind and swell direction
Swell: 1.0m N
Wind: 15 km/h ENE (cross-onshore)
Beach faces: N
Cross-onshore wind. Wave faces are getting chopped up, conditions are average.
Swell is arriving at a great angle for this beach.
Today hour by hour
Updated 10:17Expected crowds
Prediction model v15amDawn patrol territory
7amMidweek quiet
Next 7 days
Forecast via Open-MeteoWhat to pack
- Cold water (10°C). 5/4mm wetsuit, booties and gloves.
- Small waves expected. Longboard or fish to make the most of it.
- Strong winds on some days. Check the forecast each morning.
Today's briefing
1.4m swell at 9s. Moderate winds. Water temperature 10°C.
AI-generated summary for Runswick Bay. Always check local reports before heading out.
Forecast accuracy at Runswick Bay
Not enough data yet. Log a session to help build the accuracy score.
Best time to go
No great windows in the next 2 days
Best available option is Today around 7am (score: 22). Conditions are below the Good threshold but may still be surfable.
Nearby spots right now
Crowd report
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Session journal
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Create free accountTide
Approximate modelSwell forecast
7-day forecastWater quality
5 nearby outfallsUpdated 10:17
Daily score breakdown
This week is looking well above average for late April.
Comparing the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Runswick Bay.
What's driving it
Recent form
Last 3 days of logged conditions.
About Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is a highly sheltered, right-hand point break located on the rugged North Yorkshire coast. The bathymetry consists of an uneven shale and boulder reef that extends from the prominent northern headland. Because the bay is deeply recessed, it requires a massive, long-period northerly groundswell-typically generated by intense Arctic low-pressure systems-to refract around the point and enter the surfing zone. When these specific parameters align, the wave breaks with a steep, rapid take-off that transitions into a fast, workable wall. A south-westerly offshore wind is essential to groom the wave face and maintain structural integrity. The wave mechanics offer excellent carving sections, but the ride often terminates abruptly over shallow, exposed rocks on the inside. Due to the requirement for extreme weather systems to activate the break, alongside the hazards of a submerged boulder field and cold-water conditions, Runswick Bay demands solid ocean awareness. It is best suited for intermediate to advanced cold-water surfers who can navigate tight take-off zones and read shifting rock-bottom peaks.
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Create Profile →Frequently asked questions
How often is this page updated?
Current conditions refresh every 6 hours when the cron runs. Hourly data updates every 30 minutes. The 7-day forecast, luck factor, and packing notes are all pre-computed at the same time.
What is the luck factor?
We compare the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Runswick Bay. The delta tells you whether conditions are shaping up better, worse, or about the same as a typical late April.
How is 'best session' picked?
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Where does the data come from?
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Does the score capture local knowledge?
Honestly, no. Every break has tide windows, swell directions and reef contours that a global model cannot see. Treat the score as a starting point, then check a local cam.
When is the best time to surf Runswick Bay?
Check our timing score heatmap above for a week-by-week breakdown combining surf conditions with crowd pressure.