The Surf Window

Scarborough

North Yorkshire, England

Beach breakBeginner

Yorkshire's most famous seaside resort has a North Bay that catches consistent NE swells in a dramatic setting below a Norman castle on the headland, one of England's most scenic surf locations in an unlikely resort town.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–N 1.5–2.5m 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

Multiple peaks in North Bay, sheltered by the castle headland

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Sheltered bay reduces power but North Sea swells still require experience

Hazards

  • •Cold North Sea water
  • •Rocky areas below the castle headland
  • •Very busy in summer, beach zoning restricts surfing

Local Tips

  • •Scarborough Castle overlooks the North Bay, extraordinary medieval Norman history
  • •The town has the world's first Holistic Spa (Spa Baths, 1626), relax after surfing
  • •Eat fish and chips at the Harbour Bar, established 1945 and still the best in town

Location

Map showing the location of Scarborough in North Yorkshire, England

54.2809, -0.3988