Westward Ho!

Devon, England

Beach breakBeginner

Devon's only town with an exclamation mark in its name (named after a novel) has a consistent north-facing beach that catches Atlantic swells and has maintained a committed local surf scene in a workmanlike town without the tourism of its neighbors.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

OptimalW (270°)

WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Size–W 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Pebble and sand

Shape

Beach peaks, lefts and rights

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

•Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
•Why: Consistent Atlantic beach break with cold conditions

Hazards

•Pebble beach, hard falls and sharp stones underfoot
•Strong rips at the south end near the pebble ridge
•Limited facilities in winter

Local Tips

•The pebble ridge (Northam Burrows) is an extraordinary natural feature, one of Britain's longest natural ridges
•Northam Burrows Country Park behind the beach has amazing birdlife
•Appledore village (3 miles) is one of Devon's most beautiful fishing communities

Location

51.0437, -4.2340