Local Beach Guide LYNMOUTH
Wave Type - Left hand point break over boulders. Summary - Works on all tide states and produces some of the best lefts around. It only really starts to work when other west facing breaks are at the 4ft range. Bigger swells coupled with Southerly winds make Lynmouth work best. At high tide there is a small right that breaks into the rivermouth. Choose entry and exit points wisely. Parking is limited when it is good, especially during the summer. Hazards - Rocks, rips, crowds
WOOLACOMBE
Wave Type - Left and right handed beach break. Summary - A mellow wave that works well on all states of the tide. Breaks from 1ft upwards and when it is good you can get some very long rides. Favors an easterly wind though with a slight northerly or southerly wind you will get a cross offshore. It does get busy during the summer but a walk down the beach towards Putsborough and there are a lot less people. Ample parking. Amenities close by. Blue Flag winners. Hazards - Crowds in summer.
PUTSBOROUGH Wave Type - Left and right handed beach break. Summary - Lies at the South end of Woolacombe beach and is another mellow wave that works on all tides. At low tide the wave is very small though on an incoming mid to high tide the wave picks up greatly. It does not pick up the swell as well as other beaches but with the presence of Baggy Point to the South it gets a lot of shelter from strong south / south westerly winds. There is a rip to watch out for next to the rocks and at high tide there are rocks directly under the car park. Ample car parking. Shop, café and toilets in car park. Hazards - Crowds in summer, bad drivers en route. CROYDE BEACH
Wave Type - Left and right handed beach break. Summary - Croyde Bay has become famous for its “low tide barrels”, though it works well on all tides. Above 3ft at low tide the wave can be heavy and unforgiving with very strong rips. As the tide rises up the beach the wave becomes a longer and more manageable for the less experienced. Croyde picks up a lot of swell and favors an easterly wind, though it does work well with a slight northerly or southerly. With the fame of low tide, Croyde has become increasingly busy over the last few years especially during summer months. People of less experience should seek a more sheltered break when Croyde is firing on all cylinders. Car parking ample, Croyde village is approximately ½ mile away from beach. Also home to Surf South West Surf School . Hazards - Crowds, rips, (low tide for the inexperienced) SAUNTON
Wave Type - Left and right hand beach break. Summary - With a gentle gradient Saunton is a much slower wave than other breaks in the area. As opposed to Croyde where waves seem to just jack up, Saunton's waves can be seen building in the distance. Saunton works on all states of the tide and favors an Easterly wind though it is protected by Saunton Downs / Down End from Northerly winds. On good days Saunton can produce very long rides and is preferred by long boarders and beginners. Having said that if you want to escape the crowds Saunton is the place to go. The North of the beach (next to the rocks) has a very strong rip and gets crowded though a walk down the beach can provide you with fun, long uncrowded waves. Ample car parking. Café, shop, toilets, showers, restaurant and SURFED OUT BEACH HIRE CENTRE in car park. Hazards - Rips at the North end next to the rocks. |
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