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Surfers are always on the lookout for consistent, powerful waves that can provide an exhilarating ride. With a wide range of incredible surf breaks suitable for surfers of all levels, the UK’s surf scene is thriving. Surfing destinations UK – everything from Cornwall to Northern Ireland, and Wales to Scotland, the British coastline offers diverse and exciting surfing opportunities aplenty. On the right day, the waves here in the UK can be as good as anywhere else in the world. You just have to know where to look…
From beach breaks to rocky reefs and gnarly point breaks, the UK has a vast choice of different waves to get the adrenaline pumping. With 11,000 miles of coastline and some of the largest and cleanest swells in Europe, the UK is widely recognised as a top surfing destination to score epic waves with minimal crowding (especially in winter).
Every surfer dreams of surfing endless waves without the hassle of avoiding other surfers, and uncrowded waves are a blissful reality of surfing in the UK in winter. Even some of the most crowded UK beaches in the summertime become empty surf havens out of season. Whilst water temperatures can be chillier, surfing in the UK during winter months when bigger swells become more commonplace provides some of the best waves in the world.
There’s great camaraderie among surfers in the UK thanks to its vibrant surf communities and rich surfing history. One of the unspoken rules of the surfing world is that you don’t share knowledge of ‘secret spots’. These secret spots are magical because they represent the last vestige of old-time surfing – perfect waves with only a few surfers out in the water. Here we explore some of the top surfing destinations in the UK, with (hopefully) no secrets revealed…
The Cribbar, located at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, is famed for being the UK’s most notorious big wave spot. This legendary reef break is not for the faint-hearted; it’s where the UK’s surf community gathers to witness and ride some of the largest waves the country has to offer. The Cribbar is known for its powerful, towering waves that can reach heights of over 20 feet (6 meters) on the biggest swells, providing a formidable challenge to even the most experienced surfers.
The wave breaks over a rocky reef just off the headland at the north end of Fistral Beach, generating a fast and heavy right-hander that demands respect for its power and the technical skill required to navigate its steep faces. The Cribbar is best suited for pro surfers who have significant experience in big wave surfing. The conditions here can be perilous, with strong currents, cold water, and the ever-present risk of injury on the reef below, underscoring the need for both physical and mental preparation.
Surfing the Cribbar requires precise timing and conditions. It only comes to life on the biggest swells, typically during the autumn and winter months when the Atlantic Ocean is most active. The combination of a large swell, the right wind direction (preferably offshore), and the correct state of the tide (low to mid-tide is often best) is needed to awaken this giant. Due to its infrequent nature, when the Cribbar does break, it attracts attention from across the surfing world, with surfers and spectators alike flocking to Fistral Beach to witness the spectacle.
Break: Reef break
Best for: Pro
Fistral Beach, nestled in the heart of Newquay, Cornwall, is one of the UK’s most famous surf spots, celebrated for its stunning scenery and consistent surf conditions. This beach is a cornerstone of British surfing culture, hosting numerous national and international competitions that draw crowds and surfers alike to its shores. With its expansive sandy beach and Atlantic swells, Fistral Beach offers a variety of waves that cater to surfers of all levels, from beginners to pros.
Fistral Beach is particularly well-suited for surfers of all abilities. Beginners will find the beach breaks more forgiving, with plenty of surf schools and rental shops available to provide lessons and equipment. The waves here can offer gentle rides on smaller days, making it an ideal environment for those just starting to learn the ropes of surfing. Intermediate surfers can challenge themselves with the beach’s consistently good conditions, working on refining their techniques and tackling larger waves as their confidence grows. For pro surfers, the beach offers the potential for powerful, hollow waves, especially during larger swells, allowing for a thrilling experience as they navigate the beach’s more demanding conditions.
The break at Fistral Beach is predominantly a beach break, with sandbanks that shift throughout the year, offering a variety of wave shapes and sizes. This dynamic nature of the beach break means that the surf can change from day to day, providing a range of conditions that can be playful on some days and challenging on others. The beach is divided into sections, such as South Fistral and North Fistral, each offering its unique characteristics and appealing to different levels of surfing ability.
Break: Beach break
Best for: All skill levels
Croyde Bay, situated in North Devon, England, is another jewel in the crown of the UK’s surfing destinations, renowned for its picturesque village charm and exceptional surfing conditions. This spot is encased by the rugged beauty of the Devonshire coastline, offering surfers not just challenging waves but also stunning natural scenery. The bay’s reputation for powerful, high-quality waves makes it a favoured location for both national surfing competitions and casual surfers looking to enjoy its consistent swell.
Croyde is suited for all surfers. The waves here can be steep and powerful, demanding a good level of skill and experience to navigate successfully. The beach break at Croyde is known for its fast, hollow waves, particularly at low tide, which can provide exhilarating barrels for those with the expertise to tackle them. While beginners might find Croyde a bit daunting, especially on days with larger swell, there are surf schools available that offer lessons and guidance on navigating the bay’s waves, making it possible for novices to get their start in more favourable conditions.
The surf at Croyde Bay is primarily a beach break, with sandbars that create excellent conditions for surfing. These sandbars can change due to tides, swells, and seasonal shifts, meaning the shape and quality of the waves can vary, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to the surfing experience. Croyde’s beach break is highly regarded for its ability to produce a powerful and consistent wave, offering surfers the chance to enjoy some of the best beach break surfing in the UK.
Break: Beach Break
Best for: All skill levels
Thurso East, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a world-renowned surf spot famed for its powerful and consistent right-hand waves. This iconic location draws surfers from across the globe, keen to experience its challenging conditions and the unique setting offered by Scotland’s rugged coastline. The wave at Thurso East breaks over a flat, slab-like reef, providing a fast and barrelling ride that can hold a significant swell, making it a spectacle for those who watch from the shore as well as those in the water.
Thurso East is most suitable for intermediate to pro surfers due to its powerful waves and the technical skill required to navigate the reef bottom. The cold water, strong currents, and the potential for large swells demand respect and a high level of proficiency in wave riding. Beginners might find the conditions at Thurso East intimidating and potentially hazardous, as the combination of cold water and a challenging break can be overwhelming.
Break: Point break
Best for: Intermediate to Pro Surfers
Portrush, located on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a prominent surf spot known for its breathtaking coastal scenery and a range of surf conditions that can accommodate surfers of various skill levels. This vibrant seaside town is not just a hub for surf enthusiasts but also a popular destination for tourists drawn to its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lively atmosphere.
The surfing experience in Portrush is diverse, thanks to its two main beaches, East Strand and West Strand, each offering different types of breaks and conditions suitable for different levels of surfers. East Strand is known for its longer stretches of sand and potentially more powerful waves, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers, especially when the conditions align to produce its best surf. West Strand, with its more sheltered aspect, can offer conditions that are friendlier for beginners and less experienced surfers, providing a safer environment to learn and develop surfing skills.
The breaks in Portrush vary between beach breaks and occasional reef breaks, depending on the location and swell conditions. Beach breaks are more common, with waves breaking over sandy seabeds, creating a variety of wave shapes and sizes that can change with shifting sandbanks and tides. This variability ensures that surfers can often find waves to suit their ability and style, whether they’re looking for a gentle roll to practise on or more challenging conditions to test their skills.
Portrush’s position on the North Atlantic coast means it can catch swells from a wide range of directions, offering surfable waves throughout much of the year. However, it’s also subject to the vagaries of the Atlantic weather, so conditions can be changeable, and surfers need to be prepared for everything from bright sunshine to brisk winds and rain.
Break: Beach break & Reef
Best for: All skill levels
Llangennith, located on the Gower Peninsula in Wales, is one of the most cherished surf spots in the UK, boasting a vast expanse of beach and consistent surf conditions that cater to surfers of all levels. This picturesque beach is part of the first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, highlighting its stunning natural scenery and unspoiled coastline. With its broad sandy beach stretching for miles and facing the Atlantic, Llangennith captures a wide swell window, making it a reliable spot for surf throughout the year.
Llangennith is particularly well-suited for surfers across the spectrum, from beginners to advanced. The beach’s gradual slope and sandy bottom provide gentle, rolling waves ideal for novices, offering a safe and forgiving environment to learn and hone surfing skills. Surf schools and rental services are available in the area, making it accessible for those looking to try surfing for the first time. For intermediate and advanced surfers, Llangennith can produce more challenging conditions, especially with the right swell and wind direction, offering faster and larger waves to test their abilities.
The break at Llangennith is primarily a beach break, with waves breaking over sandbars that shift with the tides and seasons. This creates a variety of wave types and shapes, from mellow spilling waves perfect for longboards and beginners, to steeper, faster sections suitable for shortboards and more experienced surfers. The beach’s wide expanse ensures that there are plenty of peaks to choose from, reducing the crowd factor and allowing surfers to find their own space in the water.
Break: Beach Break
Best for: All skill levels
Porthleven, located on the southwest coast of Cornwall, England, stands out as a distinctive surf spot known for its challenging conditions and powerful waves. This picturesque fishing harbour, the most southerly port in the UK, transforms into a surfers’ haven under the right conditions, offering some of the most formidable waves in Cornwall. Porthleven is not just a scenic spot but also a magnet for experienced surfers seeking the thrill of its renowned reef break.
The surf at Porthleven is best suited for advanced and pro surfers due to its powerful, fast, and often hollow waves. The break here is predominantly a reef break, with waves breaking over a shallow, rocky seabed. This setup can produce right-handers that are both impressive and intimidating, offering long, clean, and challenging rides. The quality of the wave at Porthleven has made it a legendary spot among the UK’s surfing community, but it is not a place for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. The combination of strong currents, sharp rocks, and the potential for large swells demands respect, skill, and a high level of surfing proficiency.
Surfing at Porthleven requires a good understanding of the conditions and timing, as the spot works best on certain tides and swell directions. Ideally, surfers look for southwest to west swells combined with an easterly wind to get the most out of Porthleven’s waves. However, given its exposure, the harbour can also be affected by local wind conditions, which can quickly change the surf’s quality.
The allure of Porthleven extends beyond the adrenaline rush of its waves. The town itself is a charming Cornish community, offering a warm welcome to visitors with its selection of local pubs, restaurants, and shops. The harbour and surrounding coastline also provide stunning views and a peaceful retreat from the intensity of the surf.
Given the challenging nature of the surf and the potential hazards associated with reef breaks, safety is a paramount concern at Porthleven. Surfers are advised to exercise caution, respect the local surfing etiquette, and be mindful of the conditions and their own abilities. For those capable of handling its power and complexity, Porthleven offers a surfing experience that is both rewarding and unforgettable, cementing its status as a bucket-list destination for serious surfers visiting Cornwall.
Break: Reef break
Best for: Advanced – Pro Surfers
The Isle of Lewis, part of the Outer Hebrides off the northwest coast of Scotland, is a remote and rugged destination that offers a unique surfing experience for those willing to brave the elements. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient historical sites, and cultural richness, Lewis is also gaining recognition for its uncrowded, pristine surf spots. The island’s exposure to the North Atlantic swell makes it an enticing location for surfers in search of adventure and solitude amidst nature’s raw beauty.
Surfing on the Isle of Lewis is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, given the often challenging conditions presented by cold water, strong currents, and the remote nature of the surf spots. The island’s beaches, such as Dalmore and Eoropie, can offer a range of conditions from powerful, hollow waves to more manageable breaks, depending on the swell and weather. The variability in conditions requires surfers to have a good understanding of the ocean and be prepared for the unpredictable Scottish weather.
The breaks on the Isle of Lewis are primarily beach breaks, with waves breaking over sandy seabeds. However, the island’s rugged coastline also offers reef and point breaks that can provide thrilling rides for those with the skills to navigate them. The quality of the surf, combined with the stunning scenery and the feeling of isolation, makes surfing here a truly unique experience.
Break: Beach break
Best for: Intermediates to Advanced Surfers
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, situated on the North Yorkshire coast, is a historic seaside town that has grown into one of the premier surfing destinations in the North East of England. Known for its Victorian charm, including the oldest functioning cliff lift in the UK and a long, picturesque pier, Saltburn offers a friendly and welcoming surf scene that caters to surfers of all levels. The town’s beach break is renowned for its consistency and accessibility, making it a popular spot for local and visiting surfers alike.
Saltburn’s surf is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers, thanks to its versatile beach break that can offer something for everyone. Beginners will find the gentler waves near the shore ideal for learning and practicing the basics, with several surf schools and hire facilities available to provide lessons and equipment. Intermediate surfers can enjoy the more challenging mid-sized waves to refine their skills, while advanced surfers can test their abilities on the bigger days, especially during winter swells.
The beach break at Saltburn benefits from a mix of sand and occasional rocky sections, creating a variety of wave conditions along the beach. The main surf area is located in front of the pier, where sandbanks tend to form and provide the most consistent waves. The surf here works on all tides, with low to mid-tide often offering the best conditions. The beach’s orientation allows it to pick up swells from the North and North East, ensuring regular surfable waves, though it is somewhat sheltered from the full force of North Sea swells by the surrounding headlands.
Break: Beach break
Best for: All skill levels
Porthtowan, located on the north coast of Cornwall, England, is a popular surfing destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty and excellent surf conditions. This small village is embraced by rugged cliffs and features a wide, sandy beach that’s part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Porthtowan’s beach is a favourite among surfers, families, and nature enthusiasts for its vibrant local scene and the quality of its waves.
The surf at Porthtowan is well-suited for surfers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The beach break here offers a range of conditions, with waves that can accommodate those taking their first steps in surfing, as well as providing the more experienced with challenging conditions to test their skills. The presence of a lifeguard service during the summer months adds an extra layer of safety for all beachgoers.
For beginners, the smaller days with less powerful waves offer a great opportunity to learn and practice in a relatively safe environment. There are local surf schools and rental shops that provide lessons and equipment, making it easy for newcomers to get started. Intermediate and advanced surfers will find the larger swells, particularly during autumn and winter, a thrilling challenge. The beach can produce powerful, hollow waves that make for exciting surfing when conditions align.
Porthtowan’s surf primarily breaks over a sandy seabed, but there are areas with rocks and reefs that can influence wave formation, adding to the variety of surfing conditions. The beach is known for its consistency, thanks to its exposure to the Atlantic swell, ensuring surfable waves throughout much of the year.
Break: Beach Break
Best for: All skill levels
Pease Bay, located in Berwickshire on the southeast coast of Scotland, is a picturesque and secluded bay that has become a cherished spot among the Scottish surfing community. Known for its beautiful sandy beach framed by cliffs and rolling countryside, Pease Bay offers a serene escape for surfers and beachgoers alike. Its relatively sheltered location captures a good range of swells from the North Sea, making it a reliable spot for surfing throughout much of the year.
The surf at Pease Bay is suitable for a wide range of abilities, from beginners to advanced surfers. The bay’s geography creates a beach break with waves that can accommodate those just starting out, as well as providing more challenging conditions for experienced surfers seeking to refine their skills. The waves here tend to be most consistent and powerful during the autumn and winter months, when the North Sea is more active, but the bay can offer good conditions at other times of the year as well.
For beginners, the gentler waves towards the edges of the bay and the availability of surf schools and equipment hire make Pease Bay an inviting place to learn and enjoy the thrill of catching waves. Intermediate surfers will appreciate the bay’s ability to produce a range of wave sizes and shapes, offering ample opportunity to practise and improve. Advanced surfers can find excitement on days with bigger swells, where the beach break can produce challenging waves requiring skill and precision to navigate.
The break at Pease Bay is primarily a beach break, with waves breaking over a sandy seabed. This creates a forgiving environment for wipeouts and allows for a variety of wave types that can change with the shifting sandbanks and tides. The bay’s orientation makes it capable of catching swells from various directions, although it performs best with easterly swells.
Break: Beach Break
Best for: All skill levels
Whitby, situated on the North Yorkshire coast, is a historic seaside town with a rich heritage, famously associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula and renowned for its picturesque harbour and the ruins of Whitby Abbey. While Whitby may be better known for its cultural landmarks and stunning scenery, it also offers a unique surfing experience, particularly appealing to those looking for a less crowded alternative to the UK’s more famous surf spots.
Surfing in Whitby is suitable for a range of abilities, but it’s especially good for beginners and intermediates. The town’s main surf spot is at Whitby Beach, which stretches from the harbour mouth towards Sandsend, providing a long expanse of sand that can accommodate many surfers without feeling overcrowded. The beach break here produces consistent waves that are ideal for those looking to catch their first waves or improve their skills.
The waves at Whitby Beach are generally gentle and forgiving, making it an excellent place for surf schools to operate and for beginners to get to grips with the basics of surfing. Intermediate surfers can also find challenges on days with larger swells, offering the opportunity to refine their techniques in a variety of conditions. Advanced surfers might find the waves at Whitby less challenging than at other UK surf destinations, but the charm of the town and the beauty of the surrounding area make it a worthwhile visit.
Whitby’s surf conditions are predominantly influenced by the North Sea swells, which can be less powerful and consistent than the Atlantic swells that hit the west coast of the UK. However, the beach can still produce some excellent surf, particularly during the autumn and winter months when the North Sea is more active. The beach is also more sheltered than other east coast spots, which can help to improve wave quality in certain conditions.
Break: Beach break
Best for: All skill levels
Part of the beauty of the uncomplicated sport of surfing is that all you really need to start carving the waves is a surfboard. And maybe some trunks/a swimsuit!
However, for a smooth ride and more enjoyable session, you’ll also want to consider a surf wax suitable for the water temperature of the destination, a leash, fins, and a wetsuit so that you can truly make the most of your time in the water.
As your surfing progresses, you’ll find that you’ll need more than just the basics, and you might want to add a surfboard bag or sock to protect your board, ear plugs and skin protection, and maybe even a Go Pro to record all the action out on the water. If you’re surfing waves with sharp rocks or a reef bottom you may want to consider surf boots too. Depending on the time of year you’re surfing, you might also want to add wetsuit boots, a hood and gloves to your list (fundamental accessories for cold water surfers). Even on cool cloudy days, the sun’s rays can still be strong, so remember sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. And don’t forget a key lock for safely hiding your car/van key when you’re in the water!
When surfing in the UK, the one thing to be most mindful of is the weather. Winter months in the UK are predominantly wet, windy, and cold, with air temperatures dropping as low as freezing from December through to February. Summer months can sometimes be blissfully warm and balmy across the UK, but be ready for anything Mother Nature decides to throw at you as those persistent winds and rain showers often prevail!
When choosing a wetsuit, consider the water temperature and weather conditions for the beach you’re heading to. In chilly water, a full-suit steamer, wetsuit hood, and boots will keep you toasty, while a spring suit or rash vest is ideal for warmer conditions. The average sea temperature in the UK ranges from 6-10 °C in the winter to 15-20 °C in the summer, depending on the region and yearly variation, so do your research before you set off.
Assessing the conditions before you set off is vital to your safety and enjoyment of the water. Surfline is a great resource for checking surf conditions via live webcams, forecasts and surf reports before you set off. It’s also a good idea to check the Surfers Against Sewage website to check sewage/pollution levels at the beach you’re planning on surfing.
Most local surf shops are run by passionate individuals who have spent years riding waves and understanding the intricacies of different surf spots. They can provide valuable insights into local conditions, recommend suitable equipment, and even offer tips on improving your surfing skills. The best surf shops in the UK might even host events, workshops, and gatherings that bring together the surfing community, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
Another feature that defines great surf destinations in the UK, is the availability of local surf schools. Surf schools are instrumental in introducing newcomers to the world of surfing and developing their skills. Surf schools not only offer professional coaching but also create a safe and supportive environment for beginners to learn and progress. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of surfing techniques, ocean safety, and proper etiquette in the lineup. They can guide you to choose the right surf spot based on your skill level and help you navigate through the waves with confidence. As you take your first steps into the world of surfing, a surf school can also help you to interact with fellow surf enthusiasts and potentially make lifelong friends who share your love for riding waves.
Seasoned surfers have spent years navigating the waves and exploring hidden gems along the UK’s coastline. Their knowledge is invaluable so chatting to a local can help you gain insider tips on the best surf spots, tide times, and even where to grab that all-important post-surf meal or coffee.
By striking up a convo with local surfers and listening to their stories, you will not only gain invaluable information but also establish a connection with the local surfing community. This connection can open up doors to new friendships and opportunities to surf with like-minded individuals who share your passion for riding the waves.
Listening to the locals’ experiences and stories also allows you to tap into the rich surfing culture here in the UK. Each region has its own unique surfing history and traditions, and by immersing yourself in these narratives, you gain a deeper understanding of the sport’s fascinating roots. From tales of legendary surf breaks to anecdotes about famous surfers who have graced these shores, every story adds another layer to your surfing journey.
This blog post explores some of the UK’s premier surfing destinations, each offering unique waves and experiences for surfers of all levels. From the powerful and challenging waves of Thurso East in Scotland and Porthleven in Cornwall, designed for experienced surfers, to the more beginner-friendly beaches like Fistral in Newquay and Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire, there’s a spot for everyone. It highlights the diversity of surfing experiences across the UK, including the remote and adventurous Isle of Lewis in Scotland, the consistent breaks of Llangennith on the Gower Peninsula, and the historic seaside charm of Whitby in North Yorkshire. Additionally, the post touches on the legendary Cribbar at Fistral Beach, a big wave spot for those seeking the ultimate challenge. Each destination not only offers quality surf but also showcases the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities of the UK’s coastline, making them not just surfing spots but destinations for broader exploration and enjoyment.
We are relaxed and friendly, and love it when people come in to talk to us. we can advise you on the best board for you, and what we have in stock.
At the Ocean Magic HQ, we combine the very latest shaping technology with the skills of master craftsmen. OM boards are trusted and sold by the best surfers and surf shops all over the UK.
Led by ex-pro Nigel Semmens, we create awesome surfboards for UK waves and global adventures.
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Ocean Magic is the only UK manufacturer trusted by brands such as Pyzel to make their boards, sold in shops all over Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
We are relaxed and friendly, and love it when people come in to talk to us. we can advise you on the best board for you, and what we have in stock.
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