Map of surfing locations in the UK
About Surfing In The UK
Surfing in the UK has grown massively in popularity in recent years with many discovering the waves at beaches across Cornwall, Devon and Wales. With over 11,000 miles of coastline surfing in the UK has something for everyone, from calm beach breaks to powerful barrel waves – truly it has some of the best surfing in Europe. Along the coasts you’ll find communities built around these surfing beaches with surf schools, surfboard hire and accommodation for surfers aplenty.
So whether your looking to try surfing for the first time or are a seasoned surfer it’s easy to get out on the water.
If you’ve been thinking about starting surfing, one of the last places you might have thought about is surfing in the UK.
For most people, it’s the cold weather that puts them off, or maybe they just didn’t think the UK had the waves for it. But with 11,000 miles of coastline and waves reaching 12 meters in some locations, it’s safe to say that surfing in the UK isn’t all that bad… it’s just a bit cold!
How did surfing start?
Surfing has been around longer than anyone can remember. In fact, you can find cave paintings in Polynesia which date back to the 12th century that clearly illustrates an ancient version of surfing.
But it’s the Hawaiians that really brought surfing or he’e nalu to the world. They would ride the waves on wood planks 14-16 ft long.
Of course, surfing has come a long way since then and has spread globally, inspiring generations of people to get out on the ocean.
Who is surfing suited for?
If I’m honest, it doesn’t matter how old you are; people of all ages can get out there and try it… there’s even a blind person who is at the top of the sport.
That being said, there are a few traits you’d need to exhibit which will let you know if you’re going to like it. You need to have a sense of adventure and love being in the water; if you display these two things, surfing in the UK might be the sport for you.
Where can you surf in the UK?
Luckily for any surfers in the UK there’s a wealth of beaches you can check out. Here’s a few of our favourites
Places to surf in the UK by area
When is the best time to surf in the UK?
If you’re planning to take a trip across the UK and experience the stunning surf locations the country offers, you should be looking to head there between September and May.
Between these months is the high season, but you’ll find the best surfing experience during Autumn. Remember, surfing in the UK is challenging; the waters are very cold, so you need to ensure you have the right equipment.
You must remember that the water temperature doesn’t really rise above 13°C and could drop to around 8°C.
What gear do you need for surfing?
And for that reason, you need to be wearing a wetsuit, but when the outside temperature has plummeted, you should add wetsuit boots, a wetsuit hood, and some wetsuit gloves.
If you live in the UK and are new to surfing, there are a few tips to help you get started.
The first thing you should do is look for advice and join a local surf school or club. You never know if you’re going to like the sport, and there are plenty of rental places along the coast. You should also rent a board before you buy.
And finally, there’s no better way to get started than getting out there and giving it a go, so why not check out some of our surfing guides to help you find your first/next surf spot
FAQs About Surfing In The UK
Does the UK have good surfing?
Parts of the UK have some of the best surfing in Europe due to their location on the west coast facing out to the Atlantic Ocean. Cornwall’s beaches are the most famous places for good surfing in the UK, especially those around Newquay, but North Devon is also fast becoming another must experience surf location.
What time of year is best for surfing in the UK?
The best time to surf in the UK is when the waves are the most consistent between October and May, but you can surf all year round in the UK. It is worth noting that this is during Autumn, Winter and Spring, so the waters will be cold once it cools down from the summer. Usually October and November have good waves and the water is still relatively warm from the summer months. After December the water is at it’s coolest so beginners may wish to surf at the end of summer and into Autumn to enjoy the nicer weather with higher water temperatures.
Where do surfers live in the UK?
The UK’s estimated 250,000 surfers live right across the UK and will often make the trip to the best surf spots at the weekend or during holiday periods. That said a majority of surfers in the UK live in Devon, Cornwall, Wales and Northern Ireland where there is quick and easy access to some of the best surf locations. Those living in these areas are able to surf before and after work with people often getting up at 5am to catch a few waves.
Where is the surfing capital of the UK?
Newquay in Cornwall is known as the surfing capital of the UK due to it’s fine beaches, good waves and the number of surf schools and shops in the area. Newquay also hosts the biggest surfing competitions in the UK as well as the boardmasters surf festival in August.
Is Devon or Cornwall better for surfing?
There is a friendly rivalry and debate in the UK as to whether Devon or Cornwall is better for surfing. Traditionalists would say Cornwall, as this is the original home of surfing in the UK, however in 2022 North Devon become only the 12th place in the world to be selected as a world surfing reserve. It’s the first time anywhere in the UK has been given this title and gives a strong argument to say that North Devon is better for surfing than Cornwall.
How popular is surfing in the UK?
Research shows that surfing is popular in the UK with an estimated 250,000 people surfing each year. Of this 80% of surfers in the UK are male and 20% female. People make trips from across the nation to popular areas such as Cornwall, North Devon and Wales to get their surfing fix.
Do you need a wetsuit to surf in the UK?
With water temperature ranging from an average of 16.9 degrees in August (the warmest month) to 9.4 degrees in March (the coldest month) a wetsuit is recommended for surfing in the UK throughout the whole year. (Check out the average sea temperatures in Newquay.) You could get away without a wetsuit for a small amount of time in the summer months however you would have a much more enjoyable time wearing one, and they are absolutely necessary in winter. Another benefit of wearing a wetsuit is that it will help keep you more buoyant and help you to float which is important for safety when you’re surfing.
Do people surf in winter in the UK?
Yes people surf in the winter in the UK and in fact this is the time when the waves are at the biggest and most consistent. It’s important to know that the average water temperature can be around 9 degrees at this time so you need to wear a wetsuit including boots, gloves and hood to keep warm(er).
Can you surf in the UK in summer?
Lots of people surf in the UK in the summer when the water is warmer and the sky’s are sunnier, making it a more pleasant day. Holiday makers head to Devon and Cornwall to surf in the summer where there are lots of surf schools and rental shops to hire surf equipment. There is also a great range of campsites, hotels and holiday lets in these areas where surfers can stay in the summer.