Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge is Dorset's premier reef break--a powerful right-hander that peels off Broad Bench headland when strong SW groundswell wraps around the south coast.
Kimmeridge surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 260°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 330° - 30°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Kimmeridge?
Kimmeridge is a reef break in Dorset, UK, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Kimmeridge?
Kimmeridge picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3.6m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 3m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Kimmeridge?
A N wind is dead offshore at Kimmeridge, and anything from the NNW round to the NNE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Kimmeridge?
Kimmeridge is at its best around the mid to high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Kimmeridge?
The most reliable run of swell at Kimmeridge comes Sep to Feb. There's a second window in Mar to Apr too.
How cold is the water at Kimmeridge?
The water at Kimmeridge averages around 12°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Kimmeridge good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. MOD firing range--access restricted when red flag flying. Very shallow reef. Check firing times.
How do I get to Kimmeridge?
The nearest airport on our list is BOH, then it's roughly a 50-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Kimmeridge?
The closest breaks we track are Freshwater Bay (45 km) and Compton Bay (48 km), handy when Kimmeridge isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Apr
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Freshwater Bay
Isle of Wight's best - Hollow right over rock - Ferry access adventure
Compton Bay
Isle of Wight's surf beach - Three sections - Ferry adventure
Siouville
🌊 Norman surprise • Quality reef • D-Day region waves
Bantham
Devon rivermouth - Deceptively powerful - South coast gem
Sandy Bay
Welsh wedge • Bristol Channel pulse • Tide-critical bodyboard wave
Lynmouth
Devon's fickle left point - Cliff access only - Needs size to fire