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Stoked to be going surfing but searching for hotspots without a long-haul flight to Hawaii? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re after wild, thrashing waves or beginner-friendly swells, our 3-top surf-spots will set the scene.
3 Gnarly Spots to Hang 10
The North’s Original Surf Hub
Saltburn, North Yorkshire
Despite the icy winter tides, Saltburn Beach was one of the first outposts of surfing on England’s east coast and has developed into one of the UK’s major wave-riding hubs.
Since 1981, this iconic surf spot has been a clear water favourite of locals cresting the cliffs and braving the waves at Penny Hole.
While you can’t guarantee the weather in the UK, you can be confident of your surfboard insurance. A hassle-free plan that covers you against surfboard damage will protect your gear and leave you feeling relaxed about dings and cracks on the rocks.
Most of the surf here comes from the groundswells, with the optimum swell angle from the northeast. The beach break offers both left and right hand waves, best around mid-tide.
- Ability level – All abilities. Beginners should stick close to the pier.
- Vibe – Chilled, local with camaraderie. Walling waves popular with longboarders.
- Surf’s up – November through March
The UK’s Surf Capital
Perranporth, Cornwall
Ready to max your wave count with a solid ground swell and some serious freight trains? Perranporth, Cornwall is the UK’s surf capital and home to vibrant blue water, sweet vibes and off the hook waves.
From the low tide drainers of Droskyn to the swell exposed Penhale, your appetite for adrenaline will be satisfied. Get cover for your surfboard and stay all day. The vibe here is buzzing, with miles of clean sand and plenty of lifeguards for reassurance when you wipeout.
Surfboard insurance is always worth the investment. Even established surfers can break a board in the first few hours of riding. If the conditions are choppy and the sea bed is rocky, getting cover is the smartest way you can repair or replace your board, without splashing more cash.
- Ability level – All abilities
- Vibe – Buzzing surf hub of cafes, shops and restaurants
- Surf’s up – September through October
World Class Waves
Woolacombe, Devon
One of North Devon’s most popular surfing locations, in between Croyde and Ilfracombe, Woolacombe beach is home to addictive peaks and adrenaline-fuelled swells.
Woolacombe can be surfed on all tides and its official surf centre is graded as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by Surfing England.
Chasing the waves? Remember to swim out of a rip current, never against it. Get cover for your surfboard before you go and learn what the different flags on the beach mean. Surf where lifeguards are present and never surf alone.
Forget California Dreaming Wake up to the UK’s Best Waves
Already been there, surfed that and got the t-shirt? How about heading to Saunton Sands, Fistral Beach or Kimmeridge Bay?