Robin Hood's Bay is a charming little village located on the North Yorkshire coast. It offers a unique surf experience, with a mix of scenic beauty and somewhat challenging conditions. The surf spot is at the end of a long stretch of exposed ledges, which can make accessing the waves a bit of a trek. It’s not the most famous spot, so it’s not usually crowded, but the remoteness means fewer surfers take the effort to reach it.
The surf here is mainly a mix of reef breaks, producing both left and right-hand waves. It generally handles swell sizes starting from around 2ft (0.6m) but can handle larger swells too. The optimal swell direction is from the north, although southeast swells can also work. For the best conditions, you’ll want a low to mid-tide. The preferred wind direction is from the west, which helps to clean up the waves. Be prepared for some variability in the surf, as it can change quickly depending on the conditions.
While it may not be the most accessible spot due to its distance from the parking area, it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area. Just take into account the hike to the surf and be ready for a good work-out before you hit the waves.