The ultimate guide to surfing North Devon
What’s not to love about surfing in North Devon? Fun, rippable, friendly (sometimes gnarly!) waves year-round make this place a stand-out destination for surfing in the UK. So much so that it was recently awarded world surfing reserve status, alongside popular destinations such as the Gold Coast, Australia, and Malibu, California! Let’s find out what’s going on in North Devon that makes this place pop!
NORTH DEVON SURF SPOTS:
Woolacombe & Putsborough
A 2-mile stretch of beautiful beach with Woolacombe at the north end and Putsborough at the south. Find yourself in plenty of space with peaks running up and down the length of the bay! The south end, Putsborough, really does its thing during big, SW storms as the headland offers protection from the wind and squalls, which equals an awesome sheltered spot for winter! Woolacombe is fantastic during the calmer, warmer summer months as it’s a strong swell magnet and provides something for everyone, with stronger more powerful waves at low tide and more friendly waves at high. This place is not to be missed! Optimal conditions for Woolacombe are west and southwest swells combined with easterly winds for those classic North Devon surfing days.
Croyde
A real gem of a surf spot, Croyde Beach offers serious waves for those up to the challenge! Heavy rip currents and powerful waves create real risk at this beach but the reward of an unforgettable tube ride is there for those willing to go for it! It is advised for advanced and professional surfers to jump in at low tide when the waves are at their most hollow and for beginners to utilize the more friendly waves at high tide. Croyde breaks under a large spectrum of swell directions from northwest to southwest and again, loves those easterly winds.
Saunton Sands
The longboarder’s dream! Moving further south now beyond Woolacombe and Croyde we have the long, picturesque, and relaxing, Saunton Sands! Unlike Croyde, this beach has a very soft gradient (it is a long, flat beach as opposed to a smaller, steeper beach), which helps to produce more soft and gentle surf. This makes it great for longboarders looking to cruise and work on their hang tens, and for those learning to surf. Those qualities combined with the northern headland giving surfers protection in northerly winds make Saunton a destination not to be missed!
Westward Ho!
We have only gone and saved the best ‘till last! Home of the legendary Sandy SUP & Surf School 😉, Westward Ho Beach is a haven for those learning to surf. Soft, easy, playful waves are what you will find upon venturing to Westward Ho. Class waves all year round and a long, quiet beach means that finding a peak for yourself is all a part of the deal here. The south end of Westward Ho offers a sheltered wave in southerly winds and the north end (Sandymere Beach) is the mother of all swell magnets, often having fun, surfable waves when there are none elsewhere, making it a giant hit for summertime surfing! Sandy SUP & Surf offers surf lessons for all ages and abilities here at Westward Ho, contact James for more information & to book a lesson!