Croyde

Croyde is one of the best beach breaks in the UK with well shaped, powerful waves breaking over defined sandbanks. It can be surfed on all tides, although it is famous for being very heavy at low tide with the occasional barrel!

The quality of the waves means that competition can be intense with hundreds of good surfers in the water. Croyde is best suited to intermediate to experienced surfers, with beginners taking advantage of the many local surf schools which operate safe, controlled surf lessons. Croyde Surf Club runs training sessions and regular competitions. Many of the club members compete at regional, national and European level.

There are several car parks in the village, starting with ‘Downend' car park as you enter Croyde from Saunton. Drive through the village and there is parking near Ruda Holiday Park with a National Trust car park a little further on. This truly is a surfing community, with many surf shops, pubs and bars catering for surfers. See all Croyde accommodation

Putsborough

The first view you get of the ocean on your way down to Putsborough is breathtaking. The huge headland on your left offers some protection from the prevailing South Westerly wind, so Putsborough is a good bet when the wind picks up and blows out the other beaches.

The waves can be excellent, but they do tend to die away at low tide. As the tide pushes in, the waves pick up and can become big and powerful towards high tide when you need to watch out for rocks. The beach is safe, although there can be strong currents near the headland. There is currently no lifeguard cover. Putsborough can get a bit busy when the other beaches are not surfable due, but to size or wind, but it is generally a relaxed place to surf. There car park has good facilities such as a cafe, toilets and shop. See accommodation near Putsborough

Saunton Sands

Saunton is generally a mellow wave, ideal for longboards and beginners, and can offer very long rides over a sandy bottom. There is a rip current that flows out to sea along the rocks at the North end of the beach which can be used by experienced surfers to get ‘out back'. The headland offers some protection from Northerly winds, but it works best on easterlies.

The atmosphere is generally relaxed and fun, although when the waves are good it can get crowded and more intense. There is a very talented local crew here and competitions are often organised by the local surf club ‘Hotdoggers'.

There are no RNLI lifeguards on duty at Saunton, although the local Surf Life Saving club have begun limited beach patrols on summer weekends. The only parking here is the Saunton Beach car park which can get very busy in summer. Arrive early to avoid queues. There are good facilities near the beach, with cafes, surf hire and surf schools. See accommodation near Saunton Sands

Westward Ho!

Westward Ho!  is known for it's mellow waves and laid back atmosphere and is an ideal beach to learn to surf. It rarely gets strong currents and the waves are suited to bigger boards like minimals and longboards. When the surf is big, the paddle out is very long indeed and only the most accomplished surfers can make it ‘out the back'. Beginners can stick to the inside catching smaller ‘re-formed' waves.

The surfing community here is mixed and always friendly. Surfers are joined by kitesurfers and windsurfers when the wind picks up and the beach is easily big enough to accommodate everyone.
Surf near the town, parking in the town's ‘Slipway' car park or head into Northam Burrows and follow the pebble ridge along until you find a spot that suits you. Surfers often park near the lifeguard hut at the far end of the pebble ridge for ease of access. Lifeguards are present during the extended summer season. See all Westward Ho! accommodation

Woolacombe

As a surfer, the excitement begins with the drive down into Woolacombe. The panoramic view means that you can see the swell lines marching into the beach and observe the whole set up to plan your surf. Head for the main car park by the beach. The beach is massive, but it can get busy in peak season so just head south and walk for a while to find uncrowded waves.

The beach is fairly safe and ok for beginners, but do watch out for rip currents and don't go near the rocks at the North end. There is a smaller cove to the North of Woolacombe called Barricane Beach. This can offer great waves, but is for experienced surfers only due to rocks, powerful waves, strong currents and competition in the water.

There are lifeguards on duty for the extended summer season and several surf schools offering lessons for beginners and improvers. Woolacombe has a very vibrant surfing community with plenty of surf shops, bars and cafes. The local surf club ‘Woolacombe Boardriders' holds regular competitions and there are some very talented up and coming youngsters! See all Woolacombe accommodation