An Introduction To Croyde Bay Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 21, 2025
Croyde Bay has become one of the most popular surf spots in North Devon, offering consistent waves, golden sands, and a friendly surf culture for all levels. This quaint village and its beach lend themselves to an eco-friendly holiday, with most things reachable on foot or by bike.
Croyde Beach is located where the action really happens. This beach has shapely sandbanks and really fast, punchy waves. Beginner surfers find the swells much more gentle near the shore, while advanced surfers take on the heavier barreling peaks further out.
For variety, neighbouring spots like Putsborough and Woolacombe provide long, mellow waves in stunning surroundings, both within reach by bike or a quick cab ride. With its beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere, Croyde Bay surf is a very nice blend of fun and challenge.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Croyde Bay
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Peak Croyde Bay Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Croyde Bay surf hits its stride from October to March, when powerful Atlantic swells create heavy, barreling waves in the 4 to 10-foot range. Croyde Bay surf in winter is famous for its hollow, fast beach break that challenges even experienced surfers.
This is when the surf is most reliable, though powerful rips & colder conditions mean it’s best for those with solid skills. While occasional storms can bring blown-out days, the right conditions offer Croyde Bay surf at its most impressive.
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Shoulder Croyde Bay Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
Spring & early autumn are a sweet spot for Croyde Bay surf, with waves settling into a more manageable 3 to 6-foot range. September often brings early autumn swells that light up the beach break, offering clean, punchy surf.
April & May feature leftover winter energy mixed with smaller, user-friendly waves. This is when Croyde Bay surf becomes accessible for all levels, making it one of the most enjoyable times of year to visit. The increasing crowds are balanced by the fun, consistent waves.
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Low Croyde Bay Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Summer sees Croyde Bay surf mellow out, with smaller waves generally in the 1 to 3-foot range. It’s the most crowded season, but the gentle surf is ideal for beginners & longboarders. Croyde Bay surf during these months lacks the raw power of winter but makes up for it with warm water & a laid-back atmosphere.
While advanced surfers may struggle to find excitement, the small, clean waves offer perfect conditions for honing basics or simply enjoying a relaxed session.
Croyde Bay Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Croyde Bay Surf Temperature:
14–17°C (57–63°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit suffices through summer. Gloves & boots become unnecessary, & warmer air temperatures make for more comfortable surfs.
Rainfall:
Summer sees about 8–12 rainy days per month. Rainfall tends to be lighter & less frequent, allowing more sunny days & mellow conditions.
Croyde Bay Surf Temperature:
13–16°C (55–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit works fine, but many surfers add boots by late autumn as temperatures drop. Winds strengthen, requiring added protection during long sessions.
Rainfall:
Autumn brings around 13–16 rainy days monthly. Rain showers & windy storms increase as the season progresses.
Croyde Bay Surf Temperature:
8–10°C (46–50°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm wetsuit with hood, gloves, & boots is necessary. Sessions can feel bitterly cold, especially with strong coastal winds.
Rainfall:
Expect 15–18 rainy days per month during winter. Days are often wet, overcast, & affected by cold gales.
Croyde Bay Surf Temperature:
9–12°C (48–54°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm wetsuit with hood, gloves, & boots is essential during spring at Croyde Bay. The sea remains cold, & sessions can feel brisk, especially with spring winds.
Rainfall:
Expect about 13–17 rainy days per month. Showers are mixed with occasional sunny breaks, though changeable weather is the norm.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Croyde Bay
| Croyde Bay Surf Spots | Distance from Croyde Bay | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Croyde Beach |
In town centre |
2-10 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
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Saunton Sands |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Putsborough Beach |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) north |
2-8 foot |
Varied beach break |
All levels |
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Woolacombe Beach |
Approx. 2.5km (1.6mi) north |
2-8 foot |
Varied beach break |
All levels |
Further Information To Croyde Bay Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: High
Croyde Beach is one of the UK’s premier beach breaks, known for its powerful, hollow waves over a sandy bottom. Best during low to mid tide with a solid west swell & easterly winds, the beach produces fast, barreling waves ideal for advanced surfers.
At higher tides, the wave loses punch & becomes fat. Due to its reputation, Croyde can get extremely crowded, especially during the summer & on clean, offshore days. The wave demands respect & is better suited to experienced surfers seeking high-performance conditions.
Rating: 5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Saunton Sands is a long, mellow beach break offering slow, rolling waves that are perfect for longboarding & beginners. Best on a west or southwest swell with easterly winds during all tides, the wave offers long, gentle rides over a sandy bottom.
The wave is ideal for style & flow rather than power & aggression. Saunton’s expansive beach ensures plenty of space, making it less crowded compared to Croyde, especially further north. It’s a perfect spot for relaxed sessions & learning.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West and southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
Putsborough Beach is a sheltered, consistent beach break that works best on a west or southwest swell with east winds & mid to high tide. The waves here are generally softer & more forgiving, offering long, playful lefts & rights over sand.
The spot is favored when nearby Croyde gets too heavy, providing a more user-friendly alternative for intermediate surfers. Due to its slightly harder access, Putsborough is often less crowded, offering a peaceful setting with scenic backdrops.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Woolacombe Beach is a spacious, consistent beach break providing peaky left & right waves over a sandy bottom. Best on a west or northwest swell with light easterly winds during all tides, the waves are mellow & suitable for all levels, making it a favorite among beginners & intermediates.
The vast beach allows crowds to spread out, providing plenty of space even on busy days. While not as punchy as Croyde, Woolacombe offers reliable, fun sessions with a more laid-back vibe.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To Croyde Bay Surf Spots
| Croyde Bay Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Croyde Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Saunton Sands |
Approx. 25 min. |
10 min. |
5-10 min. Taxi |
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Putsborough Beach |
Approx. 35 min. |
10 min. |
10-15 min. Taxi |
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Woolacombe Beach |
Approx. 45 min. |
15 min. |
10-15 min. Taxi |
Accommodation In Croyde Bay
For your next United Kingdom surf trip, Trip.com is the best site to book accommodation near the beach. They have everything from luxury hotels to cheap hostels, ensuring that you will find your perfect accommodation. Early booking helps you avoid last-minute hassles and maximize time in the water.
For surfers wishing to have an even deeper experience with the sport in the UK, Tripaneer runs surf camps combining professional level coaching, good accommodation, and a good social ambiance. The camps are a perfect way to up your surfing skills and get into the real UK surf culture.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€180 to €400 |
$200 to $430 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€500 to €800+ |
$550 to $870+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Croyde Bay Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Croyde Bay surf schools deliver high-energy instruction on one of the UK’s best beach breaks, making it a top spot for learning & progression. Surf South West, a TripAdvisor-certified school, stands out with its female-only classes and unique Surf and Yoga experiences.
Surfing Croyde Bay is another excellent choice, offering tailored lessons with a focus on progression and ocean safety. Walking On Waves and Surf Saunton Surf School provide group and private one-on-one sessions, ensuring personalized instruction.
Nick Thorn Surf Coach, Surfing Woolacombe, and Woolacombe Surf Centre extend their expertise to nearby beaches, making Croyde Bay a hub for surf education and adventure. With powerful waves and expert coaching, Croyde Bay surf schools help surfers of all levels sharpen their skills in a dynamic & fun setting.
Croyde Bay Surf Camp
Croyde Bay offers a blend of surf camps that immerse visitors in the surf lifestyle. Surfing Croyde Bay provides comprehensive packages combining expert instruction, accommodation, and a welcoming surf community.
Nearby, Unisurfity, located in North Devon, offers an engaging surf camp experience with opportunities to connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
While traditional surf camps might be limited, the area features plenty of surf lodges and holiday rentals near the waves, ensuring a comfortable and surf-focused stay in one of the UK’s most beloved surf destinations.
If you head southward for two hours, you would be led to Newquay, where we recommend the Base Surf Lodge, which offers engaging 4-day or 6-day surf camp experiences. More details of what to expect with each program can be found on our Newquay surf page.
Croyde Bay Surfboard Hire
Croyde Bay surfboard hire keeps things simple with reliable access to boards that match the beach’s fast, punchy conditions. Surfing Croyde Bay, Nick Thorn Surf Coach, Surfing Woolacombe, and Woolacombe Surf Centre provide an impressive selection of boards, including beginner-friendly foamies, versatile longboards, and performance-driven shortboards.
Whether you’re after a forgiving foamie or a high-performance shortboard, Croyde Bay surfboard hire has the gear to keep you in rhythm with the swell.
Croyde Bay Surf Report & Surf Cam
The surf conditions in Croyde Bay are highly unpredictable and hence requires the best in forecasting tools. Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide swell, tides, & winds so that you can perfectly time your surf sessions. Surfline’s subscription-based live cams allow you to see Croyde Bay surf breaks as they happen.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM connects you right away. no more local SIM cards or store runs. So, you can keep checking forecasts or watching live surf cams wherever you are, and uploading your favorite UK surf top stories whenever you want.
How To Get To Croyde Bay Surf
- Exeter Airport (EXT) To Croyde Bay
Distance: 100km (62mi)
Exeter Airport (EXT) is the closest airport to Croyde Bay, offering convenient options for reaching the coast by public transport, shuttle or taxi.
Public Transport
Approx. 3-4 hrs.
Details:
From Exeter Airport, take a local bus or taxi to Exeter St David’s station, then board a GWR train toward Barnstaple, which takes roughly 1.5 hours. Once in Barnstaple, catch a local Stagecoach Bus 21 or 21A toward Braunton, & then a local connection to Croyde Bay.
This route is scenic but requires multiple transfers, & bus schedules can be limited on Sundays & holidays. It’s advisable to plan your journey in advance & check real-time schedules for smooth travel, particularly during winter when frequencies drop.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
During peak summer months, some shuttle services & surf schools offer shared transfers between Exeter Airport & Croyde Bay. These services are often pre-arranged & designed for surfers, including space for boards & luggage.
The shuttles follow the most efficient route via the A361 & may also service other surf towns in North Devon, such as Saunton or Woolacombe.
Pre-book your shuttle through HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups and enjoy a waiting vehicle as soon as you land. This service offers a hassle-free, quick ride from the airport to the beach, helping you start your holiday smoothly.
United Kingdom Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Before heading out to surf the chilly coasts of the UK, be sure you’re prepped. You’ll be using British Pounds, and contactless card payments are standard almost everywhere. Tap water is safe to drink and English is the official language. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 999.
If you want more info on health care, visa rules, and safety essentials, our United Kingdom surf page covers all 7 must-know items before your trip.
Travel Insurance For Your Croyde Bay Surf Trip
United Kingdom surf trips are full of excitement, but also full of variables. A rolled ankle, lost board, or flight change can mess up the best itinerary. That’s where insurance steps in. VisitorsCoverage offers plans that are flexible, reliable, & built for people who chase waves across the globe.
It helps cover the unexpected & gets you back on your feet fast. From minor mishaps to major emergencies, a good plan protects your time & money. Surf smart & travel prepared.
Discover Croyde Bay: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf is flat, Croyde Bay offers plenty of activities for a memorable stay. Here are some top options.