
Devon is the surfing paradise of the southwest of England, with some of the best surf spots to catch waves. The best thing is that you are spoilt for choice with breathtaking surfing beaches in North and South Devon. You can enjoy miles of white beaches all within the proximity of Devon cottages providing you with the perfect place to retreat to after an exhausting day of surfing.
If you love surfing and wondering where to enjoy the thrilling sport, take a look at these top surf holidays in devon.
Bantham
Bantham is one of the top surfing destinations in south Devon because amazing waves are easy to come by on the coast of South Devon. According to the surf report Bantham, the beach is considered home to surfing on the south coast due to its reputation and magnificent location. People have been riding on the Bantham waves since the 1960s, and they can get oversaturated during the high seasons.
There are two primary surfing peaks in Bantham: the river mouth to the right and the rip to the left. They are both fast waves and shift as the sandbanks do, which means they can also be tricky to navigate. The newbies can practice in the sandy shallows during low tide. If you are a seasoned surfer, ensure you choose your surfing spot wisely.
Thurlestone
Also located in South Devon, Thurlestone is an ideal surfing spot for intermediate to experienced surfers. It has two main sandy stretches: Thurlestone sands, the southern beach joining south Milton sands, and the smaller beach known as Leas Foot. The best part is that both coasts have clear waters, making it easier to dodge the dangerous submerged rocks.
More advanced surfers prefer Thurlestone beach to avoid the crowds at Bantham during high summer seasons. Lifeguards are also on-site during peak seasons, making it safer to ride on the magnificent fast waves of this sandy beach. With the realization that you are surfing on the waves next to the famous rock archway, you can experience the best surfing experience in south devon.
Mothecombe
Mothecombe beach in south Devon is privately owned but usually open to the public every day. Many surfers love it because the beach is a calm shore and its conditions make it easier for them to ride the waves. It has right and left-hand waves, with the best time to surf here being winter when the offshore winds roll in from the north. During this time (around February), you can benefit from the most consistent waves.
Croyde
North Devon offers the best surfing experiences to beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. Croyde is among the best surfing beaches in north devon, but it can get congested during summer, so it’s best to head there in the low season if you mind the big crowds. There are lifeguards throughout the peak season and several surf schools nearby, making it one of the safest surfing beaches.
The low tide facilitates crashing A-frame barrels providing a great challenge and a rewarding experience for seasoned surfers. Ideally, you should wait for about an hour after low tide to take advantage of the best surfing waves. However, you should be careful to the riptide at the edges of the beach in certain conditions. The beach is good for intermediate and advanced surfers during summer and everyone during off-seasons.
Saunton sands
Saunton Sands in North Devon is the ideal surfing spot for everyone because it can withstand big summer crowds. The calm slopes of the sand facilitate a slow break of the waves, making it suitable for newbies looking forward to standing for the first time and the confidence to catch plenty of breaks.
The beach is known for long and slow tides that appeal to longboarders making it the best beach in devon for longboard surfers. If you are not seasoned, you are better off enjoying a rewarding surf while mastering the skills in the shallow waters. The beach is also perfect for long walks should you feel like the waves are too crowded.
Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a white beach that beginners and longboarders love the most as it facilitates mellow waves and a top-quality beach break. It features miles of a stretch, making it suitable for surfers who mind crowds during peak seasons, and you will also find a lifeguard on-site and several surf schools nearby.
The beach tends to be affected by south-westerly winds due to its exposed nature, but you can use that to your benefit if you are an experienced surfer. The reef breaks facilitate high-quality waves regardless of the tide as the wave lines bend along the coast, making it one of the top surfing spots. Woolacombe is a good surfing spot for beginners and everyone else.
Putsborough
Many people consider Putsborough a hidden spot compared to other surf holidays in devon. Although it is on the same coastline as Woolacombe, it is well protected from the south-westerly winds making its waves crystal to accommodate all kinds of surfers.
If you are a beginner surfer, exercise caution and steer clear of the waves near the rocks at the south edge of Putsborough because the string rip current can run out to the deep sea. You should check the surfing forecast beforehand because there are no surfing lifeguards at Putsborough.
Challaborough and Bigbury-on-sea
From Latham on the other side of river Avon are the twin beaches of Challaborough and Bigbury-on-sea. Like many other beaches in south devon, the twin beaches feature high-quality waves and are popular with windsurfers and kite surfers. Like Bantham, the waves adjust as the sandbanks move, but it is ideal for newbies because it has a sandy shore and fewer hazards. Since it is near burg island, you can tag along with kids for a day out and let them enjoy the several rock pools on the beach as you surf your energy out.
conclusion
North and south Devon provide the best surfing holidays of all time. Whether a beginner, intermediate or advanced surfer, you can always find the perfect beach to experience high-quality waves and a rewarding surfing experience.