The Surf Window

Saltburn

North Yorkshire, England

Beach breakIntermediate

At the foot of Yorkshire's sea cliffs, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is England's most northern East Coast surf spot, a Victorian seaside resort with a Victorian pier and consistent North Sea beach break that defines Yorkshire surf culture.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–N 1–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Peaks on both sides of the pier

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent North Sea beach break with cold water requiring experience

Hazards

  • •Cold North Sea water, 6–11°C
  • •Strong rip currents in bigger swells
  • •The pier creates turbulence, respect the exclusion zone

Local Tips

  • •The pier is one of England's last remaining Victorian pleasure piers, worth exploring
  • •The funicular railway from the clifftop to the beach is unique to Saltburn
  • •Yorkshire surfing has a hardcore, unpretentious culture, genuinely welcoming community

Location

Map showing the location of Saltburn in North Yorkshire, England

54.5829, -0.9718