Croyde Reef is a surf spot located in North Devon, England. This spot is known for its powerful waves and can be a bit tricky to navigate. The reef setup gives it a unique quality, attracting surfers looking for performance-oriented conditions. It's essential to have a good understanding of the area, as local surfers are often around. The best way to access the water is by parking in the Baggy carpark and paddling out through the gully.
The surf at Croyde Reef is best suited for expert surfers. It handles swell sizes starting from 3ft (about 0.9 meters) and works best with a west swell direction, although it also picks up southern and northwestern swells. The waves often break over uneven reef, creating challenging conditions. The preferred wind direction is from the east, and high tide is the time to be there, especially for right-breaking waves. It's definitely not the spot for beginners, so make sure you're ready for some serious surfing.
As mentioned, it's important to show respect to the locals if you decide to hit this spot, as they tend to give priority to familiar faces. The wave types here are predominantly reef, and with the right conditions, you can find some solid rides. Just be prepared for a bit of a challenge, as Croyde Reef is known for its raw power and requires skill to really enjoy it.