North Devon Scene
A surfer’s paradise
All watersports, especially surfing, are hugely popular
in North Devon. Here, Trev Toes Lumley, from Eyeball Surfcheck,
provides a guide to the best local surf breaks
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| • Croyde Beach |
Croyde Beach
Considered one of the best beach breaks in the country. Works
best around low tide when the sand banks, rips, and general
shape of the beach help create ‘A’ frame peaks.
The waves are fast, heavy and hollow at low tide, for more
advanced surfers only! The waves at Croyde, generally, break
closer to the shore than most beach breaks in the UK. Mid
to high tide offers a fuller more mellow wave.
• Best time to surf: 1-2 hours before low tide (if spring
tides), low tide, or on the pushing tide for neap
tides. But, like any beach break, this depends on the conditions,
sand banks, etc
• Best wind direction: Light offshore east and north
easterly, although south easterly is also off-shore,
but can start to get a slight side chop
• Hazards: Strong rips at low tide and it gets very busy.
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| • Putsborough Beach |
Putsborough Beach
Located at the far end of Woolacombe Beach, Putborough has
good amenities and access from the car park. ‘Puts’,
as it’s known, can be a bit fickle on the dropping tide
but can be really good on the push. Excellent shelter from
the headland on south westerlys and sometimes westerly winds
• Best time to surf: On the pushing tide
• Best wind direction: South westerly, sometimes westerly
and easterly
• Hazards: Rips at low tide
• Notes: Can be the best bet if high winds make other
spots unsurfable.
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| • Combesgate Beach |
Combesgate Beach
Located to the right of Woolacombe’s main beach. It can
get shelter from northerly winds, barrels at times when the
banks are set up. Good at winter time.
• Best time to surf: Can only be surfed at low to mid
tide due to the rocks
• Best wind direction: Light/off shore
• Hazards: Mainly rocks and rips at low tide.
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| • Saunton Beach |
Saunton Beach
A huge beach over three miles long, sheltered from the headland
in north-north westerly winds. A nice slow wave with some
massive long rides to be had on the right day. An ideal place
for beginners or longboarders. Avoid low tide as the walk
is long!
• Best time to surf: Mid to high tide
• Best wind direction: Light/off shore
• Hazards: Rips at low tide.
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| • Woolacombe Beach |
Woolacombe Beach
Known as ‘Main’ beach this is the right hand part
of the three mile stretch of sand. It surfs well on all stages
of the tide and is popular all-year-round.
• Best time to surf: Low to mid tide
• Best wind direction: Light/off shore
• Hazards: Rips at low tide and it gets busy with other
users
• Notes: Excellent beach for any ability, boardhire is
available nearby.
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