North Devon Surf Breaks Westward Ho! Westward Ho! is beginners beach break paradise. This outrageously long, wide strip of sand slopes so gently that even the most power packed winter swell is battered and bruised before it gets near breaking. The result is slow spilling stuff, perfect for learners. The main plus of Westward Ho! is the ample space and many peaks that absorb any number surfers and other Styrofoam devices ridden by kids! The left end of the beach by the village of Westward Ho! is generally cleaner and smaller and is slightly protected from south westerly wind. Westward ho! is a fun all year round break from beginners plus. Saunton Sands Saunton Sands is an enormous, sometimes gutless spot whatever the tide. Saunton Sands is not a place to go if you want advanced conditions, but there is plenty of space for those looking for a hassle-free session. The northern corner gives a bit of protection from the northerly winds (Ralphs Reef is a rare right), but the strip is very wind-blown on the prevailing south westerly conditions. Saunton Sands is a fun learners spot with plenty of room to express yourself, and scant punishment for mistakes. Curents are sometimes a factor however as the tidal range is phenomenal. Saunton Sands is a scenic, mellow part of the world to spend time if the surf isn't providing an alternative. Croyde Bay Croyde Bay is the most consistent, powerful beach-break in Devon. Shapely sand peaks across the bay on all tides, but low provides much faster, steeper walls & barrels. Croyde Bay's peaks north of the stream are generally better. The Reef at the north end is quality rare right, needing very high tides or it's a boiling rock field. Shallow sucky take off. Croyde Bay needs major swell and is best suited to advanced surfer as errors equals dents. The Croyde Bay Reef does not handle numbers so only surf it if you are with a local. Putsborough Sands Putsborough Sands is usually an incredibly easy spot for beginners, across a never-ending beach with huge tidal range. Prevailing south west winds are blocked or even offshore at the bottom end of the beach; a plus on a windy summer afternoon although the swell doesn't always get in here. Putsborough Sands can get hollow and fast on huge ground swell with any south wind and a pushing tide; at these times, use the channel near the southern cliffs. Putsborough Sands is a fun spot for 1-5ft waves suitable for beginner surfers plus. Woolacombe Bay Woolacombe Bay is an expanse of super-mellow beach break along this huge beach, working on all tides. The sand just about disappears on high tide, when the northern end gets a respectable right-hand peak. You can jump off these rocks almost straight out the back at this time. Also on higher tides, there is a good left and right just south of the stream. 1-5ft, beginners plus. Crowds are well absorbed at Woolacombe Bay and it is quieter than Putsborough Sands or Croyde Bay.

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