Hornsea is a surf spot located along a long stretch of sand that extends south to Withernsea. The beach is broken up by groynes and rocky sea defences, making it a unique spot for surfers. It's generally quiet, with a friendly vibe among the locals. Access is straightforward with a car park located by the boat slipway.
The surf at Hornsea can be hit or miss. It tends to work best at lower tide with small to medium clean swells coming from the north or northeast. The best wave direction here is to the left, where you can catch long, walling rides when conditions are right. The spot can handle swell sizes from about 2ft (0.6m) to 6ft (1.8m), making it accessible for both beginners and intermediates. With a sandy bottom, paddling out can be easy when the surf is smaller, but it can get relentless when the size picks up. The waves generally break in both left and right directions, but be mindful of longshore drift, especially when the swell is bigger.
This spot generally favors a southwest to west-southwest wind, with low to mid tide heights being the sweet spot for riding here. Good board options for Hornsea include shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish, making it adaptable for different surf styles. The season runs from September to February, offering plenty of opportunities to catch some rides during the autumn and winter months.