4 minute read
With over 11,000 miles of coastline to choose from and everything from sheltered beach breaks to powerful big waves, the UK has some of the hottest surf spots in Europe.
Whatever your surf skill level, you can head to places like Fistral Beach, Saltburn, Kimmeridge Bay, Llangennith and Pease Bay, catch a few waves or nurture your skills, get your adrenaline fix and meet other like-minded people.
Just grab your board, throw your wetsuit and dryrobe® into your bag and get out there...
Fistral Beach, Cornwall
Fistral Beach is perhaps one of the most famous surfing spots in the UK. Hosting various surf festivals and competitions including Boardmasters and the British National Surf Championships, you’d be hard-pressed to find better.
With a straight sandy beach that faces northwest into the Atlantic, it provides awesome surfing conditions for all levels. Beginners and younger people can enjoy the gentle rollers in the summer. Advanced surfers can head out to The Cribbar with its larger, more powerful waves that break onto the spot.
Although it does tend to get busy during the summer months, its excellent facilities, easy access to surf lessons and plenty of post-surf recreation activities make it a must-visit surf spot.
Saltburn, North Yorkshire
Saltburn is the surfing hub for the Northeast of England and where many have ridden their first wave. Although the sea temperatures are low here in the winter, it can feel relatively mild when the summer comes and there’s usually ‘a constant stream of rippable lefts and rights’, regardless of tide conditions. This makes it a great spot to head to, regardless of your level.
Beginners can enjoy the chilled-out waves that break close to shore either side of the pier. Those with more experience under their belts can paddle out further.
What appeals the most about Saltburn is the quiet and friendly atmosphere, clean public showers and changing rooms and wonderful facilities. If the waves aren’t great that day, you can also enjoy the eight miles of beach or even go fossil hunting.
Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
Part of the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset offers a right-hand reef with three surfing options to suit your skills.
If you’re an intermediate to advanced surfer, you can head out to The Bench. Here you’ll find a fast and hollow wave that breaks over a very shallow reef to really push your skills. Beginners can enjoy the long mellow runs right in the bay or paddle out for a spot of longboarding.
Just be sure to watch out for rocks and check the surf forecast before you head out; conditions need to be perfect for you to surf here.
Llangennith, Gower
Visit this gorgeous three-mile stretch of beach to enjoy the friendly, chilled out surf vibe of the Gower Peninsula. With surf that can hit up to 6 feet and a soft sandy bottom, both beginners and more advanced surfers will find waves they can enjoy here. Because Gower points out into the Atlantic Ocean, it picks up the best of the swell before everyone else and consistently offers 6 feet waves.
The only downsides are that the paddle out can be challenging (even for more advanced surfers) once waves hit 4 feet. The facilities are also limited - you’ll need to bring your dryrobe® and hot drinks with you.
Pease Bay, Berwickshire
Just an hour away from Edinburgh and accessible by public transport, this hot Scottish surf spot offers a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by sandstone cliffs and rocky outcrops and a mellow right-hand point break over a cobble and sand bottom.
To surf here, you need to be unafraid of cold water as the sea temperatures this far north are usually low. Make sure you have a decent 5/3mm wetsuit and bring plenty of clothes to help you warm up afterwards.
Having said that, the medium-sized waves are suitable for the entire family, the water is clean, and the locals are friendly.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or expert surfer, you’ll find outstanding surf spots that are waiting for your visit. With a variety of surf conditions, facilities and sea temperatures, there’s a perfect surf spot for you in the UK.
By Meghan Taylor
#dryrobeterritory