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

Safety
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: Monday 4 May 2026

Latest live conditions for paddleboarders, swimmers, and coastal visitors, based on real-time webcam observation and local coastal data:

  • Paddleboarding – Swanage: Calm with light surface ripple (~0.1–0.3 m / 0.3–1 ft). Gentle wind influence. Good conditions for most abilities, particularly through the morning.
  • Paddleboarding – Studland, Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door: Sheltered and smooth. Favourable for relaxed paddling and coastal exploration.
  • Paddleboarding – Kimmeridge Bay: Slight background movement (~0.4–0.7 m / 1.5–2.5 ft). More exposed but manageable for experienced paddlers.
  • Surf – Swanage: Flat (<1 ft). No surf.
  • Surf – Kimmeridge: Weak (~1–2 ft). Low energy and inconsistent.
  • Surf – Bournemouth & Boscombe: Small (~1 ft). Limited and not well formed.

Summary:
A calm and settled Bank Holiday Monday across Swanage Bay with light surface movement and minimal wind. Conditions are favourable for paddleboarding, particularly earlier in the day, offering a stable and accessible environment for most users before any increase in wind later on.

Sun, Tide & Conditions – Swanage Bay

Sunrise: 05:37 am · Sunset: 20:31 pm

Water Temp: ~10–12 °C · Air Temp: ~12–19 °C

Wind: Light SW to variable, ~4–10 knots.

Tide: Low ~10:15 am · High ~16:20 pm · Low ~22:25 pm

Outlook – Next 48 Hours

Monday: Light winds and settled conditions. Good window for paddling.

Tuesday: Similar pattern expected. Generally favourable conditions.

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

Sources: Live Swanage beach webcam observation, Swanage pier wind data, UK Met Office coastal forecast, Surfline and Surf-Forecast regional data, and UK tidal predictions for Swanage Bay.