Could it be the fantastic surf, the friendly people, or the varied geography of the northeast coast? Perhaps a combination of all these factors is what is drawing crowds to Yorkshire and the North East and tempting die-hard surfers away from the more traditional surf breaks of the South West.
Over the past 20 years, Yorkshire and the North East Coast seem to have become increasingly popular with surfers, those in the know who appreciate the varied coastline that stretches from around Spurn Point to Staithes, Saltburn and Redcar.
Many have suggested that this stretch of coastline despite the surf is one of the most interesting in the country. Starting at Spurn Point, the slim peninsula that meanders towards the mouth of the Humber estuary and ending around Redcar, the geology and geography of the beaches, bays and striking geographical features are there for all to see. In the south, from Spurn Point possibly to around Bridlington, the coast is a relatively low beach.
When it comes to surfing here, the gently sloping bottoms create a cleaner wave when the big swells from the north engulf the bay; however, generally only the most extreme conditions provide good surf, although the beaches here are safe, rock-free, and can be fairly unaffected by large, tourist-style crowds. Recommended surf breaks in East Yorkshire would be Bridlington, Fraisthorpe, Barmston, Hornsea and Withensea. This part of the coast is particularly popular with windsurfers who take advantage of the regular wind and easily accessible beaches, especially in the Fraisthorpe area.
The area from Flamborough to Filey Bay is dominated by limestone cliffs which peak at Bempton with what must be some of the most impressive coastal geological features in the country. However, it is difficult to access the water here, as the cliffs rise vertically over 100 feet in places. At the northernmost end of the chalk and limestone section around Speeton, the cliffs tumble away, marking the start of Filey Bay. Starting around Reighton and extending to Brigg in Filey, the bay is 6 miles or 10 kilometers long. There are great surf breaks here, easy beach breaks that come alive with the big waves from the north. Reighton, Hunmanby Gap and Primrose Valley are the main spots along the stretch of sand here and are good spots for longboarding. The northern part of the bay at Filey is protected from high seas by The Brigg, a large rock that juts out into the North Sea and forms a natural refuge.
Heading north from here for about three miles between Filey and Cayton Bay, the terrain provides difficult access to the beach, the next spot to note is Cayton Bay itself, which has earned a reputation as a fantastic surfing destination. in his day. The beach is supported by the Cayton Bay Surf School, which not only offers lessons, but also free surf accessories, food and hot showers. There is also parking next to the store. The three main breakpoints here are widely considered to be the Pump House, the Bunkers, and the Point. The Pumphouse breaks at mid to low tide and is situated at the northern end of the bay, the wave is fast due to the sloping nature of the shoreline and a quick launch is essential. Many believe this wave is good for longboarding as it is nice and stable at times, but those new to the area are advised to watch out for the rocks. Bunkers is the mid-tide spot that offers good surfing for all levels and is situated among the old World War II Bunkers, once considered the classic gap break. There is also another beach break in front of the steps down from the surf shop and is popular with beginners and is often the surf school’s chosen area for lessons. The predominant break for advanced surfers here is The Point, which is located at the northern end of the bay leading off the rocky headland. This break only recovers in the rare right conditions and can produce a big wave that only the most capable surfers can really attempt, the point is notoriously rocky and the water at the base of many waves is particularly shallow. However, in its day this wave can rival anywhere in the UK. It is recommended to be respectful of the locals and expect recognition in any queue on a day this wave is running as someone out of range or rude may not be welcome if behaving unsafely.
Moving north, the next well known breaks are in the South Bay at Scarborough. As a city, the aspiring surfer is spoiled for choice here in terms of surf shops and places to buy equipment or accessories with about 4-5 shops located in the city, as well as a couple in the North Bay and South Bay that cater to the beaches. .
Scarborough’s two bays tend to work in tandem. If a large swell from the north rises and makes The North Bay unsafe, then the more sheltered South Bay is more often the place to surf. As the beaches are very popular surfing areas it is again recommended to be respectful of the lines on busy days, however the locals are known to be generally friendly and supportive of respectful visitors and the surf shops in the towns are excellent places for advice or for any help with knowledge of local breaks. Bay Surf and Secret Spot can be found in the town itself and Blue Crush at Sands Holiday Development in the North Bay and Fluid Concept at the Spa complex in The South Bay.
Starting with South Bay, the Castle Headland provides a natural harbor that absorbs some of the wave height, though it helps produce a cleaner wave that is ideal for beginners and lower intermediate surfers. The area is best considered at mid tide, although in easterly or southeasterly swells the area in front of the attractions can produce large waves.
North Bay comprises three main waves, Supersucks as it is known locally is located at the northern end of the beach and is a wave that tends to produce the goods only in the precise conditions of an easterly southeasterly swell, however, it does. produce fast hollow waves. Middle Peak works well in most conditions and on good days it can produce incredible waves. Visitors are advised to keep an eye on the tide, as when full the waves crash against the sea wall with explosive fury, as many visitors to Scarborough’s Marine Drive can do during winter storms. want. Finally. The rights, as they are known, create a right hand wave at the southernmost edge of the bay, which again can be a world class wave in the right conditions, but can be treacherous for all but the most skilled surfers. , due to the frequent rocks that can arise. hidden in higher waters.
From North Bay in Scarborough to Whitby there is a coastal stretch of around 20 miles of often undocumented areas known to have fantastic surf, this area really is a great place for the more adventurous and daring surfers to explore, there is no much of what is documented about this area of the Yorkshire coast, although it is known that there may be areas around here that have not been commercially promoted and are worth knowing. There are, for example, some breaks around Robin Hoods Bay that are generally not frequented along the long reef that exists there.
Several well known breaks can be found in the Whitby area. There is a great beach break at Upgang beach between Sandsend and Whitby and this can be quite fierce with a northerly swell, although this area can often get quite crowded, especially during the holiday season. The local surf shop here is Zero Gravity which is located in Flowergate and is the only surf shop in the area from here to Saltburn. The Zero Gravity staff is happy to help with any advice and point people in the right direction.
The next notable surf destination on our trip up the Yorkshire coast is Runswick Bay. Features found here are an exposed reef and point break which provide consistent surf conditions. Like many surf spots on this coast the best waves come from the north, conditions here tend to lend themselves to more skilled surfers as there are no breaks on the beach and there are a number of rocks that can be dangerous. The advantage here is that the beach is often uncrowded compared to the beaches further towards Whitby and those in Scarborough. The nearby cove, as it is known, is also a working reef in similar conditions and has been known to produce world class conditions in the right kind of swell, usually during the colder winter months.
The destination of Staithes is next on the list of surfing hot spots. Staithes has developed a reputation for having some of the best surfing in the area when the conditions are right. The right conditions here, particularly in the winter months, produce big waves that only the most experienced should attempt. Added to this is the charm of the pretty seaside town that was once the home of Captain Cook. Many of Staithes’ surfing secrets remain closely guarded by locals and area surf enthusiasts who want to preserve the charm of this particular location.
Although strictly in Cleveland it wouldn’t be right not to mention Saltburn. Saltburn has developed an excellent reputation for surfing over the years and is famous for its iconic pier which many surfers are known to jump off of as a way to get into the water. There is a nice beach break here, as well as a striking low tide shoal to the east at what is known as a penny hole. The beach is serviced by the Saltburn Surf School.
Overall, the Yorkshire coast offers a surfing mecca and has something for beginners to advanced abilities. Combine this with the fact that the scenery is stunning with much of the coastline being within the national park, as well as the added bonus of small crowds and friendly Yorkshire people, and the result is a top-notch destination. Hopefully, as surfing gains popularity and more people get into the sport, the fundamentals that make this area so special can remain the same while keeping the integrity of the surf areas intact.