Croyde Beach surf guide
Surf: World-class, low tide, A-frame barrels. Probably the best beachbreak in the UK on its day. Less shape at other stages of tide. Highly consistent beach that can get dangerously crowded. Strong rips at size.
Environment: Full compliment of surf shops and schools. Parking on southern headland, by the campsites or National Trust car park at Baggy Point.
Surf: General: One of the UK's most popular surf destinations, this is a high-quality, hollow, peaky beachbreak, hemmed in by Downend Point to the south and Baggy Point to the north. The currents and swells conspire to produce heavy, low-tide barrels and excellent waves as the tide pushes in. The average surf here tends to be a bit smaller than in Cornwall, but six-foot Croyde can offer board-breakingly good Hossegor-like conditions. Gets crazy busy in small summer waves.
Tides: Works on all tides but low best.
Size: Thigh high to head and a half.
Wind: E
Swell: NW-SW
Bottom: Sand with rocks at N and S end.
Paddling: Heavy and rippy when swells picks up.
Spot Rating: One of the UK's best beachies on its day, hollow and heavy peaks.
Access: There is beachside car parking just behind the dunes on northern edge and on Baggy Point.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Large local crew plus huge influx of visitors.
Local Vibe: Competitive.
Environment: OK - can be sewage after heavy rains.
Hazards: Crowds; rips and board-breakingly heavy waves when it gets big.
Season: Works year round but best in the clean swells of Autumn -September – November.