Surfing in North Devon

If you have made it this far through our website, and you are reading this, then the chances are you are fully aware of how fickle the English surf can be. Given the position of the British Isles on our beautiful planet, surf conditions can be a little ‘hit or miss’

However, on its day our North Devon beaches, and in particular Croyde, can be as good as any beach break in the world. Given the water temperatures, and the winter dress requirements of neoprene headgear, gloves and boots, (rendering the fully kitted surfer resembling something similar to the gimp from Tarntino's 'Pulp Fiction'), it does make absolute sense to give every effort in seeking the very best waves which the English coastline can serve up.

Furthermore, if you wish to improve your surfing technique, wave score and general stamina, it is vital that you are regularly exposed to quality surf.

North Devon’s coastline provides such conditions. Indeed Croyde is arguably the UK’s  best surf beach break.

The North Devon coastline has long been known for its rugged beauty, sandy beaches and cliff walks, but it has also been exploited for its surf since the mid 1960’s.

The North Devon coastline benefits from Atlantic swell, the water on our shores being serviced via the North Atlantic Drift of the Gulf Stream. This provides winter average temperatures of 8-10 Deg C. The very best swells are usually during the early autumn. Predominantly, the wind direction is south westerly. Temperatures can rise in the summer months to 16-17 Deg. Celsius, although consistent solid groundswells are a rarity during the summer months.

To pick up the full Atlantic Swell beach orientation is to be West facing, (Croyde), and when an offshore Easterly wind is blowing, concurrent with decent swell the surf can be nothing short of epic.

In general terms the beaches including Croyde are busy during the summer months. The large beaches of Woolacombe and Saunton offer more space for the surfer to catch the waves; however both offer a gentler wave and as such are more suited to learners.

Woolacombe and Croyde are patrolled by the RNLI, and Saunton has no lifeguard protection. With one exception, most are generally safe. However, Croyde can produce significant rips with the shifting banks, and low tide Croyde, with any significant swell is not for beginners and in reasonable conditions is best left to the experienced waterman. Croyde low tide has claimed many lives and significant injuries, even to gifted and talented surfers, are not exceptional. The tidal range is extremely large as the flow forms part of the Bristol Channel. As a result the water quality is rarely crystal clear. The sediment being stirred by the vast mass of ocean moving in and out of this inlet twice a day.

Usual rules apply, if you are at a new beach, study the conditions and wherever possible speak to local surfers before you paddle out. On this subject, in general you will find the local dedicated surf posse of Croyde and surrounding beaches a fairly amiable bunch. You will very occasionally hear of an act of localised tribal abuse....'localism'...as it is affectionately known. But given the ever increasing and huge numbers of strangers who descend on Devon’s surfing Mecca, it is hardly surprising. Make sure you are aware  of the surfing code...etiquette costs nothing, and you will gain the respect of  local wave riders.

Saunton

Saunton is extremely popular amongst the longboarding fraternity, and it is the home beach of the Hotdoggers Club.

The beach is approximately 4km long, and gently shelves providing perfect conditions for learners. Given its size, you will always manage to find a wave, although the best peaks at the Northern protected end of the beach offer the best quality waves and tend to attract the more experienced and gifted boardriders. This Northern end also has a fantastic rip which acts as a conveyor and makes paddling out an absolute breeze. Even the more rotund and unfit surfer can achieve ‘out-back’ status, although at times this can be frustrating for locals. It is offshore with an Easterly wind, and works at all stages of the tide.
The beach is accessed from the Saunton Rd B3231, which is the road which runs from Braunton to Croyde, and is a right hand turning signed just prior to the Saunton Sand hotel. This is a private car park, and charges vary but in the summer months can be a rather extreme £5 per day.

Croyde

This is the primary surf spot in Devon, and arguably in the UK. It is also extremely popular amongst families looking to holiday in a safe environment with beautiful sandy beach and dune complex. As a result in the summer months the village can get crowded, and the water also.

With good swell and easterly offshore winds, Croydes waves are similar to Hossegor France and produce fast and hollow waves. These are also very heavy. They produce lefts and rights and at Low tide is one of the best beach breaks in the UK period.

The peaks move and are dependent upon the shifting sand banks. The position of which also affect the shape and quality of the wave, as the angle presentation to the swell direction is varied. The beach is again accessed via the B3231, past Saunton and into Croyde village. Car parking is provided at both Downend, as you enter the village, and also at Baggy carpark, which is within the Bay. Prices fluctuate depending on swell size and time of season!

The village has a delightful selection of après-surf bars, cafes, and surf shops which give the whole village a vibrant, surf orientated, friendly feel, and the quality of the surf means the visitors are not all from the UK, which makes for a chilled out yet cosmopolitan feel to the nightlife.

Check out Croyde's very best, most experienced and longest established surf school

Putsborough

This is another beach break just north of Croyde which has both lefts and rights, and effectively joins to woolacombe at its northern extreme. Because of its Geology, the beach is somewhat protected from the prevailing south-westerly winds by the cliffs above. This makes for a ridable wave when blown out conditions exist elsewhere.

Generally the wave is ideal for learners, although the waves do require a reasonable paddle to reach, and a rip is prevalent at the southerly end next to the rocks. The beach is accessed through Croyde via a country lane, and in the summer months the car journey although only a mile or two can prove extremely tenuous, (as anybody who has been stuck on the North Devon lanes can confirm).

Woolacombe

This is a beautiful golden sandy beach which joins at Putsborough northerly perimeter and extends approximately 4km. It again has lefts and rights with a series of peaks, and working throughout the tidal range is ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Rather like Saunton, the beach is huge, and no matter how crowded, you are always able to find a peak for you and your friends to share amongst yourselves. The beach is accessed via Braunton on the B3343 and is signed also from Croyde via the B3231. Car parking is provided within Woolacombe village on both the seafront and also a Marine Drive. Parking varies from £3-6 daily depending on season.