A Guide to Yorkshire’s Finest Surf Spots

Uncovering the UK’s Secret Swells

Yorkshire is better known for its traditional puddings and rolling countryside. But whilst living in Leeds for University, I traced the maps and trawled the coastline for potential surf spots on the east coast of the United Kingdom’s largest county.

The majority of people instantaneously think of Cornwall, Devon and West Wales when they think of UK surf spots. For us East Coast surfers, this isn’t a bad thing. The cooler waters on The North Sea keep the majority of surf voyageurs away, coupled with the short swell window and variable water quality, this isn’t your tropical or typical surfers’ paradise. Yet if you are prepared to brave the above elements, then you should prepare yourself to score one of the best surf-sessions of your life. I’m going to give you an insight into some of my favourite spots in the area, then go enjoy!

Scarborough North

Scarborough is the home of East Coast surfing. It is also the home of many amusement arcades and fish and chip shops so when the surf is flat you will certainly be kept entertained and well fed! The town features two main surf spots, separated by the Castle Headland. To the north, lies the quality break of North Bay.

Here you have a selection of waves. In the centre you have the main peak, which is the most ‘beginner friendly’. Still, the waves here can get powerful and can be dangerous for novices. The bay is protected by a sea-defence wall so this break is only surfable up to about ¾ full tide due to the waves smashing off the wall. This varies with the size of the tide.

“Towards the southern-end, in big swells, a punchy right- hander can break off the kelp beds which lay under the surface. This is perfect for all you ‘natural footed’ intermediates.”

North of the main peak there is a reef that only works in optimum conditions. Unless a local invites you here, this is a difficult and fickle spot to be able to snag a wave from the dedicated local crew.

Insiders Tips
One hour after low tide, you will discover that any swell will fall on perfect sand banks. Between half and ¾ tide waves generally tend to close out, however. Over 2-3 foot, the bay can get seriously ‘rippy’, so be careful and keep an eye on a marker to ensure you’re not ripped out of position. North Bay is clearly signposted, head around the promenade and park in front of the break. This is expensive but there is no other option (unless, it’s out of season or before and after hours).

Scarborough South

This is a ‘beginner-friendly’ break situated to the South of the Castle Headland. Generally, any quality swells tend to track down the coast to this spot, from the North. South Bay faces south east so when the swell size is at the larger end of the chart, swells wrap around the harbour and produce slow waves. This break is always a few feet smaller than its neighbours yet is often very clean.

If you go further south in the bay the waves get larger, although the break gets more dangerous. An underlying rocky reef makes this area only for the competent surfer.

Insider Tips
Again, parking is expensive and is along the front of the promenade. Be vigilant when storing your keys as this has led to a number of surfers’ cars either being broken into or even stolen, (this was an unfortunate, personal experience of mine). If the swell is over 4 foot there will be a breaking wave here. Offshore when the wind is northeasterly and offers shelter from northerlies.

Cayton Bay

Cayton Bay offers three different breaks; Pumphouse, Bunkers and The Point all of which are top quality surf breaks.

Pumphouse, as the name suggests, is situated in front of the old pump-house. This is the mellower break of the beach and is frequented by both long-boarders and beginners. This breaks at all levels of the tide, yet breaks over a mellow reef at full tide, so one must be careful of the rocks and shore dump.

Bunkers, again as the name suggests, breaks opposite the World War 2 bunkers at mid to full tide. A talented local crew dominate this area so you must show respect if you are going to venture out here. Sit on the edge and definitely, don’t hassle for position in the line-up. Yorkshire locals are renowned for being friendly, yet they will not tolerate an over-confident visitor.

The Point is a world class left-hander that is for experts only. The majority of people will never be capable of tackling the long paddle, heavy rip currents and dangerously powerful waves. Yet it makes a brilliant show to watch when it breaks in huge northerly swells.

Insider Tips
Head along the A615 from Scarborough. Park either out on the road for free or, for a very reasonable price, in the car park.

Remember to save some energy to walk up the leg-burning hill after your session. Winds are generally from the east which means offshore for Cayton. There are also many other spots in the area. Go surf!

The area is accessible by train or by car – take the A1 and the A64 from Leeds; check out York on your way past.

When Ben isn’t seeking out secret surf spots you’ll find him working at Nucleus Surf Clothing company, who specialise in Billabong clothing and skate shoes.

All images courtesy of Ben Holbrook.