Welcome to our daily update page for paddleboarding conditions across the Purbeck coast

Safety

We monitor tides, swell, wind and weather so you don’t have to — from Swanage and Studland to Kimmeridge, Lulworth, and Durdle Door.

Check below for today’s summary, and head out with confidence.

Today’s Coastal Conditions – Purbeck & Dorset Coast

Updated: Tuesday 4th August 2026

Latest live conditions for paddleboarders, swimmers and coastal visitors, based on live webcam observation and current local coastal forecasts.

  • Paddleboarding – Swanage: Calm and sheltered this morning, with smooth water and only a slight surface ripple visible across Swanage Bay. Good conditions for beginners, families and first-time paddlers. A light breeze may freshen later, so remain close to shore and reassess conditions throughout the day.
  • Paddleboarding – Studland, Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door: More exposed than central Swanage Bay, with wind and sea conditions likely to be noticeably stronger around headlands. Only suitable for confident paddlers with the necessary experience and local knowledge.
  • Paddleboarding – Kimmeridge Bay: More exposed than Swanage, with changing sea conditions and more noticeable swell. Check conditions carefully on arrival and leave longer coastal paddles to experienced paddlers.
  • Swimming – Swanage: Calm water with gentle movement at the shoreline. Good swimming conditions this morning. Swim within the designated bathing area and remain aware of paddleboarders and other water users.
  • Surf – Swanage: Flat with virtually no rideable surf. Not suitable for surfing today.
  • Surf – Kimmeridge: Some small swell is forecast offshore, although conditions remain inconsistent. Limited surfing opportunities with mixed quality.
  • Surf – Bournemouth & Boscombe: Small, weak waves with little consistent surf. Poor conditions for most surfers.

Summary:
Swanage Bay is looking calm and sheltered this morning, with the live webcam showing bright sunshine, excellent visibility and only a slight ripple across the water. These are good conditions for beginner paddleboarding and swimming inside the bay. Forecast winds remain fairly light, although they may become more noticeable later this afternoon. Beginners should remain close to shore and continue to monitor conditions throughout the day. High UV levels are expected, so wear sun protection and carry plenty of drinking water.

Water Quality – Swanage Bay

Official Bathing Water Classification: Excellent for Swanage Central Beach.

Live Water Quality Check: No pollution alerts are currently reported. Continue to check Wessex Water Coast & Rivers Watch before entering the water, particularly after heavy rainfall.

Water Temperature: Approximately 20.6°C.

Sun, Tide & Conditions – Swanage Bay

Sunrise: 5:39am · Sunset: 8:48pm

Water Temperature: Approximately 20.6°C · Air Temperature: Around 16–25°C

Wind: Generally light this morning with a gentle breeze becoming more noticeable during the afternoon. Surface movement may increase slightly later in the day.

Tide: Low 3:44am · High 9:24am · Low 4:00pm · High 8:00pm

Outlook – Next 48 Hours

Tuesday: Warm and sunny with light winds and calm conditions inside Swanage Bay. Good paddleboarding conditions throughout much of the day, with beginners remaining close to shore.

Wednesday: Remaining dry, sunny and becoming hotter. Very good paddleboarding conditions are expected during the morning before the hottest part of the day.

Conditions can change quickly. Always assess the sea state on arrival, remain within your ability, wear a buoyancy aid and stay close to shore at all times.

Sources: Live Swanage beach webcam observation, Swanage Pier tide information, UK Met Office coastal forecast, Surfline, Surf-Forecast, RNLI safety guidance, Environment Agency bathing water information and Wessex Water Coast & Rivers Watch.