Saunton Sands
United Kingdom · Atlantic Europe
Right now
OvercastWind and swell direction
Swell: 0.3m W
Wind: 10 km/h NNE (cross-onshore)
Beach faces: NW
Cross-onshore wind. Wave faces are getting chopped up, conditions are average.
Swell direction is a decent angle for this beach.
Today hour by hour
Updated 08:40Expected crowds
Prediction model v16amDawn patrol territory
7amMidweek quiet
Next 7 days
Forecast via Open-MeteoWhat to pack
- 4/3mm wetsuit recommended for 12°C water.
- 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
0.4m swell at 7s on a short period. Onshore wind creating some chop. Water temperature 13°C.
AI-generated summary for Saunton Sands. Always check local reports before heading out.
Forecast accuracy at Saunton Sands
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 6pm (score: 2). 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 08:40
Daily score breakdown
This week is looking about average for late April.
Comparing the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Saunton Sands.
What's driving it
Recent form
Last 4 days of logged conditions.
About Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is an expansive, highly accessible beach break located on the North Devon coast of the United Kingdom. The bathymetric profile is characterised by an exceptionally gradual gradient of fine silica sand, which dissipates incoming wave energy slowly rather than forcing an abrupt, pitching break. As westerly Atlantic groundswells push up the Bristol Channel, they filter across this flat platform, generating long, predictable lines. An easterly offshore wind is required to groom the wave faces and prevent disorganised chop. The wave mechanics typically produce soft, spilling lefts and rights that offer extended rides, making it highly conducive to basic trim, pop-up practice, and longboarding. Because the energy is spread across a massive stretch of beach, it disperses crowds and minimises localised hazards like severe rip currents. While larger winter swells can create steeper sections, the predominantly forgiving nature of the sandbars universally classifies Saunton Sands as an ideal, low-risk training ground for beginners and intermediate longboarders seeking reliable, extended walls.
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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 Saunton Sands. 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 Saunton Sands?
Check our timing score heatmap above for a week-by-week breakdown combining surf conditions with crowd pressure.