Surf’s up! It doesn’t matter if you’re starting out or just turned pro, there are some waves out there just waiting to be ridden. CHRISSY HARRIS picks out the best places to go surfing or bodyboarding.
Rest Bay, Porthcawl
Urban types can easily get their surfing fix at a glorious beach that’s not too far from the big cities such as Cardiff, Bristol or even London.
Experts around this top spot in south Wales say the best time to hit the waves is on a low tide when there’s a good swell. But be aware of the incoming tide and don’t get caught on the left-hand side of the beach in front of the rocks. Beginners can sign up for sessions with Porthcawl Surf School.
Bude, Cornwall
Bude is exactly what you want from a Cornish town – wild, rugged, free and with great surf. Its position on the Atlantic north coast makes it a must-visit for experienced types, who usually head to Widemouth Bay at high tide. It can get too rough and windy for some, however. Nearby Summerleaze is more sheltered and easily the most popular beach in town. There are several surf schools that run lessons from here.
Hell’s Mouth (Porth Neigwl), Abersoch
It’s certainly worth shouting about this haven of consistently good waves. The dramatic name is based on the beach’s semi-circular shape and south westerly aspect that offers little shelter but great surf conditions – especially at the north end.
It doesn’t get too busy because there aren’t any facilities. Just you and the big blue. Take care, though. Currents are strong and there are no lifeguards.
Croyde, Devon
Any surfer (or bodyboarder) worth their sea salt will have hit the waves here at one of the best destinations in the UK and, in fact, the world. North Devon has been named as a World Surfing Reserve, joining an exclusive list of 12 that includes Malibu and Santa Cruz. The prestigious label applies to an 18-mile stretch of the north Devon coastline, which includes the popular Croyde beach. Seasoned surfers say the big, bombing barrels at low tide are genuinely world class and provide the perfect training ground.
Thurso, Caithness, Scottish Highlands
For a real adventure, chase the swell to the very top of the UK. Thurso East is located right on an exposed point break with consistent swell that delivers at any time of the year. September to May is prime time, however (and slightly warmer). The right-hand reef at Thurso East is regarded as one of the best spots in Europe and was recently the stage for the Scottish Surfing Championships.
Kiloran Bay, Isle of Colonsay
The gentle surf of this broad, shallow bay is ideal for bodyboarders of all ages and abilities. The beach is easily accessible from the road, making it a good choice for those with small children and loads of kit to carry. There is also a stream running into a natural lagoon at the southern end of the beach where kids can get used to the temperatures before grabbing their boards.
Bamburgh Castle Beach, Northumberland
With its northerly and easterly swell, the waters around here will give you waves up to two feet bigger than other beaches in the area. It’s not steep, so getting in and out of the water is easy for surfers and bodyboarders. And that castle backdrop. It’s certainly something to look at while you’re lugging your stuff about. Locals here say avoid the sand bar to the south because it causes a strong current that’s hard to paddle against. Generally, it’s best to stick to the middle of the beach.
The Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Brandon Bay, the Maharees, Kilcummin and Castlegregory are the surfing centres on the north shore of this spectacular peninsula on Ireland’s south west Atlantic coast. (Apparently, residents are fond of saying: “the next parish over is Boston”).
Inch beach is the main surfing centre on the south shore and there’s a surf school in the small port town of Dingle. Gowlane beach picks up loads of swell offshore and is great for more experienced surfers.
Benone Strand, County Londonderry
The seven-mile Benone Beach, aka Benone Strand, is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland.
It’s a good place for beginners because there are multiple breaks to choose from and the area has a reputation for small, clean waves. (Things get a bit more challenging towards the east end of the strand). Benone is also the first fully inclusive beach in Northern Ireland, with provisions including a wheelchair surfboard.
Long Line Surf School offers lessons and advice on where to catch the right breaks for your skill level. The team here also runs camps for kids and teens.
Saltburn, North Yorkshire
There’s said to be an inclusive, down-to-earth vibe here as surfers of all abilities get together to enjoy the peaks around the Victorian pier or else head out for more of a challenging experience by the reef breaks. The big, walling waves are popular with long boarders. For lessons, Saltburn Surf School has been providing professional coaching for beginners, improvers and advanced surfers since 1983.
