It’s no secret that Yorkshire’s stunning coast is home to picturesque villages and unspoiled landscapes, however, it may be less commonly known that its waters are recognised for having some of the best year-round surfing conditions. Due to the more than 100 miles of coastline and the unique variety of terrains, the Yorkshire coast is the ideal destination for complete beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Surfing is recognised as one of the oldest sports on Earth, with accounts dating back centuries, and originating in Polynesia. In more recent years, the sport has been increasing in popularity and gaining worldwide recognition with Tsurigasaki Beach in Japan being the first to welcome surfing as an Olympic sport during Tokyo 2020. Aside from the array of physical and mental health benefits, it also offers the perfect chance to disconnect from everyday stress and go with the flow.
Take advantage of the unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Yorkshire coast from a new perspective and be at one with the sea. Thanks to the combination of a northern swell and a south westerly wind, beginners can enjoy the gentle waves of the sandy beaches while more advanced surfers can capitalise on the point breaks to be had at the reefs and rock spots. Yorkshire boasts surf schools and shops up and down the coast offering anything from one-to-one and group lessons; tailored sessions for stag and hen parties; and barbecues and beverages by the beach. With plenty of options to choose from whether you’re looking to learn to surf or hone your skills, now’s the time to brush up on your surf etiquette and head for the sea.
Whitby’s waters have long been associated with the arrival of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and famed for being the very place Captain James Cook learned his trade as a seaman. In 1778, he and his crew created the first Western written account of surfing after witnessing the impressive skills of Hawaiian islanders, cementing Yorkshire’s place in surf history. Even today, Whitby has an ever-growing surf community and is home to the award-winning Whitby Surf School, offering lessons, beach essentials and more. Meanwhile, the town itself is an ideal place to rest, recuperate, and thaw out after a day at sea and is conveniently close to the idyllic fishing village of Sandsend.
While ‘Scarbados’ may not have the same exotic appeal of some other top surf destinations, the annual Scarborough Surf Festival welcomes surfers of all levels of expertise to take advantage of its competitions and taster sessions. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can still admire the display of iconic vintage VW campers and beetles you’ll find along the promenade. With the North Bay boasting powerful waves and the South Bay being a more beginner-friendly destination, Scarborough is versatile when it comes to surfing. In the north, you’ll find Dexter’s Surf Shop, one of the UK’s few surf schools where walk-in adaptive surfing is made possible. Fluid Concept Surf Shop sits in the tranquil South Bay where passionate professionals are waiting to share their advice alongside some of the UK’s finest board designers and builders. The Surf Coach offers lessons for all including unique, ladies-only surf yoga sessions as well as surf skate sessions on dry land to build up your skill set.
Nestled between Scarborough and Filey is the hugely popular Cayton Bay, where you’ll find Scarborough Surf School operating 7 days a week, all year round. This breathtaking area is more suited to experienced surfers looking for a thrill due to its powerful breaks and excellent surfing conditions, similar to those of Saltburn. Cayton Bay and Saltburn are two of the few locations you are able to surf at both low and high tide, making them ideal throughout the whole year. Flow Surf School is situated in the charming surrounds of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and offers bespoke lessons to children from as young as 8 years old with no upper age limit, catering to individuals and groups, and providing sessions for those with additional needs. Located on the promenade, Saltburn Surf School features the choice of two-hour lessons or multi-day intensive courses to help you find your feet and feel confident.
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