Surfing is often associated with the warmer shores of Australia and Hawaii. Although, over the past decade, internet forecasting coupled with an advance in wetsuit technology, has allowed us board sport fanatics to score perfect waves closer to home.
Over half of our entire coastline can receive surf-able waves in the right conditions. Like any surfer, I have a massive drive to explore and discover a variety of waves that offer great surfing potential. I have drove huge distances, braved cold waters and unfriendly locals, but none of this can dent the pure joy of finding a pumping surf spot to shred with your mates. During this exploration, I have discovered certain locations that have become some of my favourite spots to surf. I will now share them with you, I just hope you can score some perfect waves like I have!
Scarborough North (Yorkshire)
Scarborough is the home of East Coast surfing. It is also the home of many amusement arcades and fish and chip shops so when the surf is flat you will certainly be kept entertained and well fed! The town features two main surf spots, separated by the Castle Headland. To the North, lies the quality break of North Bay.
Here you have a selection of waves. In the centre you have the main peak, which is the most ‘beginner friendly’. Still, the waves here can get powerful and can be dangerous for novices. The bay is protected by a sea-defence wall so this break is only surf-able up to about ¾ full tide due to the waves smashing off the wall. This varies with the size of the tide.
Thurso East (Scotland)
The North coast of Scotland is most notably famed for offering a superb wave for the small number of local and visiting surfers. If you are in the area, then Thurso East is a must! This legendary wave has earned its reputation due to the superb right-hand barrel that is on offer here.
Breaking over a shallow slab of reef, the wave should only be tackled by experienced surfers. The wave rifles down the reef offering an extremely long, intense ride that can prove challenging even for the best surfers.
(North Devon)
Croyde is a ‘surfing mecca’. Renowned as one of the UK's best beach breaks, it has become a summer retreat for beach-goers and surf hunters alike.
As the tide drains out, thumping, low-tide barrels present themselves on the right peak. However, one must approach these with care due to the shallowness of the water and the ferocity of the breaking wave.
Fistral, Newquay (Cornwall)
I am sure you are aware that Newquay is the surfing hub of the UK. Engrossed in surf shops, surf dudes and a selection of the country’s best surfing beaches, this place is must if you want to try your hand at surfing.
The main beach of Fistral gets very busy, but is long enough to disperse the crowds and ensure you bag yourself some waves. Be cautious of the rip-currents.
East Runton (Norfolk)
East Runton is about as far South as you can surf on the East Coast. This is a classic spot that has gained a rather notorious reputation as the home of Norfolk surfing over the years. Obviously, this comes with it's problems. Although the Norfolk spots will never get as busy as the popular Cornish spots, when East Runton is working, it can gather a medium sized crowd.
This is because it can produce quality, powerful waves that can even challenge the best surfers. The rolling waves break over a number of different sand-bars that are nicely shaped by the chalk reefs.
The wave is best surfed in a large northerly swell coupled with a light, southerly wind. In the winter months the swells will track down from Scotland and even as far as Iceland. By the time they hit the beach at East Runton they can produce surf-able rights and lefts.
This is generally a friendly spot but one must be respectful of the locals that have surfed the spot for many years.
Ben is passionate about surfing in the UK and blogs about all the best spots at Nucleus Online Surf Shop, who specialise in branded skate shoes and all things "surf".