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June 4th, 2020 | By: Matthew Williams
Devon has some of the UK’s best surf beaches and a beautiful coastline to explore. It may not be as well known as neighbouring Cornwall for world class surf beaches, but the waves in Devon are just as good, especially on the northern coast! Whether you are a beginner looking for your experience on the waves or a seasoned pro, you will find the ideal conditions in Devon. Below we have narrowed down a list of some of our favourite surf spots in Devon. Read on and discover your next holiday destination!
Rated as one of the best beaches for surfing in the world, Croyde Beach is not to be missed! It is located in a small bay on Devon’s north coast and is a sand beach backed by sand dunes and flanked by Baggy Point. The waves here are consistent all year round and have become very popular with all levels of surfers. Croyde is well-known for it’s A-frame barrel waves at low-tide and during the winter months it has fantastic swells. If you want to make the most of your time at Croyde Beach, check out the sessions offered by Surf South West. They have been running since 1996 and are one of the first surf schools in the UK and the first and largest on Croyde Beach, so they know their stuff! No matter your ability level, Surf South West can teach you something new whether you are looking for private or group lessons. Their professional tutors will ensure you are well looked after and will provide you with all the equipment you need. Head to Croyde for an unforgettable adventure on the waves with Surf South West!
Another great Devon surf spot is the 3-mile sandy beach at Woolacombe. The beach enjoys unbroken breakers from the Atlantic crashing onto its shores, fantastic peaks in the summer and great waves at low tide. It is a favourite with families and surfers alike with ideal waves for beginners and intermediates. It is popular with longboarders and bodyborders with the ultimate waves to be had during the west and northwest swells. If you are skilled and up for a challenge you can check out Coombesgate beach to the north of Woolacombe. This beach is quieter and has great barrels, but under certain conditions there are dangerous rocks and a strong rip current. Make sure to do your research and stay safe!
Saunton Sands
This huge beach is part of Devon’s golden coastline and is backed by the Braunton Burrows UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is a beautiful beach with slow, long waves ideal for beginners to find their feet and hop up onto that board. Be aware of the strong rip current near the cliffs though! Saunton is a favourite with long boarders, especially at low tide when conditions are at their best. The beach can get busy on weekends but there is plenty of space for everyone and even free parking if you come early in the morning or late in the evening. While your there, make sure to explore Crew Point for some breath-taking views of the coast.
If you are looking for a quieter beach with some great surf, then the 3 miles of Putsborough’s sands are ideal. This beach to the south of Woolacombe has its best waves between mid and high-tide and can get even bigger waves than its neighbour. Putsborough is protected by Baggy Point and is also popular with swimmers and those looking for a spot of relaxation on the beach. There are great conditions for both the surf beginner and the veteran, but it is best to surf this beach with local advice! There is a strong rip current to the south near the cliffs which can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use it.
Putsborough Beach
While the surfing conditions may be a bit less reliable, Westward Ho! is perfect for beginners. The long beach is an often-overlooked surf location but offers some great left and right-handers with slow waves ideal for those still finding their feet. Westward Ho! is a pretty sand beach backed by large pebbles and is rich in rock pools and places to explore. It is popular with families with plenty of different activities including some fantastic surf schools offering tuition and equipment. You will find all the facilities you could need and get to discover a gorgeous slice of Devon’s coastline!
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.