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: Thursday 6th 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 south-westerly breeze may become more noticeable later, so remain close to shore and reassess conditions throughout the day.
  • Paddleboarding – Studland, Old Harry Rocks & Lulworth Cove: More exposed than central Swanage Bay, with wind and sea conditions likely to be noticeably stronger around headlands and open stretches of coast. Only suitable for confident paddlers with the necessary experience and local knowledge.
  • Paddleboarding – Kimmeridge Bay: More exposed than Swanage, with changing sea conditions and greater wind exposure. 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: Small, weak swell with inconsistent waves. Limited surfing opportunities.
  • 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. Winds are expected to remain fairly light for much of the day, although they may freshen slightly during the 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°C.

Sun, Tide & Conditions – Swanage Bay

Sunrise: 5:41am · Sunset: 8:46pm

Water Temperature: Approximately 20°C · Air Temperature: Around 16–23°C

Wind: Light south-westerly breeze through the morning, becoming a little fresher during the afternoon. Surface movement may increase slightly later in the day.

Tides: High 2:14am · Low 8:27am · High 1:49pm · Low 8:51pm

Outlook – Next 48 Hours

Thursday: Sunny with light winds and warm temperatures. Good paddleboarding conditions throughout much of the day, particularly during the morning.

Friday: Remaining warm and dry with plenty of sunshine. Generally favourable conditions are expected inside Swanage Bay, although continue to monitor the afternoon breeze.

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.