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FACTS
+
There are currently 250,000 surfers in the UK.
+ The biggest surf normally occurs on a pushing tide, especially
on the Bristol Channel coast.
+ Croyde Bay in North Devon and Fistral Beach in Cornwall
are two of the most popular surfing beaches in Britain.
+ The first ever degree in surfing was offered by the University
of Plymouth.
+ The record for the most number of surfers on a board was
broken in 1989 at Fistral Beach, Newquay. Twelve surfers rode
a 37ft longboard shaped by Tim Mellors.
Falmouth
Beaches
are ideal for beginners to intermediates. Head here when strong
south-westerlies and double-overhead waves are battering the north
coast.
More renowned for its sailing than surfing, good waves can be had
at Swanpool and Maenporth beaches, although crowds can be a problem.
Good waves can be had up to 4-5 feet, any bigger and they tend to
close out. Paddle out from the beach in front of the line-up. For
the more adventurous, Gyllyngvase Reef situated off the main beach
can produce fast, yet short righthanders from mid tide onwards.
Popular with both surfers and boogieboarders. The take-off is the
best part of the wave, you’ll need to be quick, tuck in and head
for the shoulder! Good parking and facilities closeby and in the
town.
Click
on locations to take you to the corresponding beach guides.
