Croyde Beach surf guide

Croyde Beach is one of the UK’s most popular surf spots, known for its peaky beachbreak that offers a range of waves. Located between Downend Point to the south and Baggy Point to the north, it attracts surfers looking for quality waves. This beach can get pretty crowded, especially during the summer months when the smaller waves draw in newcomers. If you're after a consistent surf, you'll find it here more often than not.

The surf at Croyde works best on low tide, producing hollow, heavy waves that form some excellent barrels. The beach can handle swell sizes from about 2 feet (0.6 meters) up to 6 feet (1.8 meters), with the optimal swell direction being from the west. When conditions align, you can enjoy left and right waves that break over sand, making it suitable for various board types including shortboards, fish, longboards, bodyboards, and even bodysurfing. Be prepared for some heavy paddling, especially when the swell picks up, and expect a rippy environment. It's not uncommon to see board-breaking conditions when the waves get big.

Croyde is quite versatile when it comes to tides, as it can work on low, mid, and high tides, but it definitely shines at low tide. The winds ideally come from the east, which helps to clean up the swell. While it's surfable year-round, the best conditions usually occur in autumn, especially from September to November when clean swells are more frequent. Just keep in mind that you're sharing the waves with a big local crew and a ton of visitors, which can lead to some competitive vibes out in the water.