Redcar surf guide

Redcar is a surf spot that you might not hear about often, but it has its moments. It’s not known as a classic surfing destination, and the town is bordered by high tide sea defenses. To the south, you’ll find a bunch of groynes. The ocean here is pretty shallow, with a reef that stretches far out. There are windfarms visible offshore, giving it a bit of a unique look. On days with a clean swell coming from the northeast or southeast, you can find some fun little corners of reef that are uncrowded, which is a plus. Checking the waves is easy from the coast road, and there’s plenty of parking available.

The surf works best with swell sizes from about 3ft (1 meter) to 8ft (2.5 meters). It’s a reef break mainly, which means it can handle some different wave directions, both right and left. The ideal swell direction is from the North-North-East, and for the wind, you’ll want a light breeze coming from the South, South-South-West, or South-West. This spot suits intermediate surfers best and does well during the autumn and winter seasons. The bottom is mostly sand with some rocky areas, and the waves can change a lot depending on the tides, so it works best during low to mid tides.

While it might not be the most popular spot, you can usually escape the crowds here since many surfers head to nearby Saltburn. Expect a chilled vibe, but be ready for a bit of a chilly atmosphere overall. Redcar can be a decent option if you're looking for a quiet place to surf, especially if you catch it on a good day with the right swell.