Overview
Bigbury is a sandy beach break tucked into the more sheltered end of the bay from Bantham. That protected corner keeps it smaller than its neighbour, serving up fun peaks and a long, peeling right at the lower stages of the tide.
When It Works
Bigbury draws its swell from the southwest (SW) and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Sitting in the calmer part of the bay, it needs a decent swell to get going, so winter is the prime season, roughly December through February. Expect mellow, peeling waves with both rights and lefts, and keep an eye out for rips when it gets big.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northeast (NE) offshore wind. It breaks right through low, mid and high tide, though a rising tide is generally the better call, and that long peeling right tends to show at the lower stages.
Local Tips
This is a friendly wave for beginners and intermediates, and it takes just about anything under your feet, from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards and SUPs. The paddle out is easy. The lineup stays fairly quiet and can feel a little reserved.
Access
There's a big car park right on the beachfront. After heavy rain the water quality can suffer from sewage, so it's worth giving it a day or two before you paddle out.
