Surf: On its day Lynmouth is a fast, reeling, freight train with barrel sections. When the swell is smaller it’s a slower, easier mushy point. Works on all tides but best at low. Needs a massive W/SW swell (double overhead plus on west-facing coasts) and light to no S wind to get going. Access: Car park below the cliff railway to the west of the river. Environment: Rippy, rocky, obscenely crowded and the point is littered with obstructions, so not for beginners. Car park below the cliff railway to the west of the river. Surf: General: Lynmouth is considered by many to be one of the UK's finest pointbreaks. Due to its sheltered, northerly perspective, it takes a large westerly or huge southwesterly swell to shake this sleeping point awake. When these conditions combine with light southerly/southeasterly winds, long lefts wind down the boulder point, generating walls that can reel for over 300m. Due to its reputation and as one of the few sheltered spots on this coastline, when it goes off the crowds will be on it - many travelling long distances. When Lynmouth is big, a well-timed paddle-out is essential. Tides: Works on all tides but low best. Size: Shoulder high to head and a half. Wind: S, SE Swell: SW, W Bottom: Boulders. Paddling: Arm-draining rips sort the wheat from the chaff. Spot Rating: Long, long, walling lefts that can get speedy and hollow. A classic. Access: A well-timed jump off the boulders. There is parking on the Esplanade to the west of the harbour. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Will be packed - surfers from around the southwest and beyond. Local Vibe: Competitive, a bit feisty. Environment: OK except after heavy rain. Hazards: Rocks, rippy, size, access and exit. Season: December - February as needs a big swell.