Could it be the fantastic surf, the friendly people, or the varied geography of the northeast coast? Perhaps a combination of all these factors is what is drawing the crowds to Yorkshire and the North East and tempting hard-core surfers away from the more traditional surf spots of the South West.

In the last 20 years it seems that Yorkshire and the North East coast have become increasingly popular with surfers, those who know what they are doing appreciate the varied coastline that stretches from around Spurn Point to Staithes, Saltburn and Redcar.

Many have suggested that this stretch of coast despite the surf is one of the most interesting in the country. Beginning at Spurn Point, the skinny peninsula that meanders towards the mouth of the Humber Estuary and ending around Redcar, the geology and geography of beaches, bays and striking geographical features are there for all to see. In the south, from Spurn Point possibly to around Bridlington, the coast is relatively low-lying beach.

When it comes to surfing here, the gently sloping bottoms create a cleaner wave when big swells from the north engulf the bay; however, generally only the most extreme conditions provide good surfing, although the beaches here are safe, free of rocks, and can be fairly unaffected by large tourist-style crowds. Recommended surf spots in East Yorkshire would be Bridlington, Fraisthorpe, Barmston, Hornsea and Withensea. This part of the coast is especially attached to windsurfers who take advantage of the regular wind and easily accessible beaches, especially in the Fraisthorpe area.

The area from Flamborough to Filey Bay is dominated by limestone cliffs that peak at Bempton with what must be some of the most impressive coastal geological features in the country. However, it is difficult to access the water here, as the cliffs rise vertically more than 100 feet in places. At the northernmost end of the chalk and limestone section around Speeton, the cliffs drop off and mark the beginning of Filey Bay. Beginning around Reighton and extending to Brigg in Filey, the bay is 6 miles or 10 kilometers long. There are great surf spots here, easy beach breaks that come to life with the big swells from the north. Reighton, Hunmanby Gap and Primrose Valley are the main spots along the stretch of sand here and are good spots for longboarding. The northern part of the bay at Filey is protected from large swells by The Brigg, a large rock that juts out into the North Sea and forms a natural shelter.

Heading north from here for about three miles between Filey and Cayton Bay the terrain provides difficult access to the beach, the next spot of note is Cayton Bay which has earned a reputation as a fantastic surf destination in its day. The beach is supported by the Cayton Bay surf school, which not only offers lessons, but also surf gear, food, and free hot showers. There is also parking next to the store. The three main breakpoints here are widely considered to be the Pump House, Bunkers, and Point. The Pumphouse breaks at mid to low tide and is situated at the north end of the bay, the wave is fast due to the sloping nature of the shoreline and a quick launch is essential. Many believe this wave is good for longboarding as it is nice and stable at times, but those new to the area are advised to watch out for the rocks. Bunkers is the mid-tide spot that offers good surf for all levels and is situated amongst the old WWII bunkers, considered back in the day as the classic gap breaking. There is also another beach break opposite the steps down from the surf shop and it is popular with beginners and is often the chosen area for surf school lessons. The predominant break for advanced surfers here is The Point, which is at the north end of the bay off the rocky headland. This break only picks up in the rare right conditions and can produce a big wave that only the most capable surfers can really attempt, the point is notoriously rocky and the water at the base of many waves is particularly shallow. However, in its day this wave can rival anywhere in the UK. It is recommended to be respectful of the locals and wait for recognition in any queue on a day this wave is running, as someone out of your league or being impolite may not be welcome if they behave in an unsafe manner.

Moving north, the next well-known breaks are in the South Bay at Scarborough. As a city, the aspiring surfer is spoiled for choice here in terms of surf shops and places to buy gear or accessories with around 4 or 5 stores located in the city as well as a couple in the North Bay and South Bay that cater to the beaches. .

Scarborough’s two bays tend to work together. If a big north swell builds up and makes The North Bay unsafe, then the more sheltered South Bay is more often the place to surf. As the beaches are very popular areas for surfing it is again recommended to be respectful of the queues on busy days, however the locals are known to be friendly and supportive of respectful visitors and the towns surf shops are great places for tips or for any help with knowing the local breaks. Bay Surf and Secret Spot can be found in the city itself and Blue Crush at Sands Holiday Development in North Bay and Fluid Concept at the Spa complex in The South Bay.

Beginning with the South Bay, the Castle Headland provides a natural harbor that absorbs some of the wave height, yet helps produce a cleaner wave that is ideal for beginners and lower-intermediate surfers. The area is best considered at mid-tide, although in easterly or southeasterly swells, the area in front of the attractions can produce big waves.

North Bay comprises of three main waves, Supersucks as it is known locally is at the north end of the beach and is a wave that tends to produce the goods only in the precise conditions of an east to southeast swell, however, it does. produce fast hollow waves. Middle Peak works well in most conditions and on good days it can produce incredible waves. Visitors are advised to keep an eye on the tide, as when full the waves crash against the seawall with explosive fury, as many visitors to Scarborough’s Marine Drive can do during winter storms. want. Finally. Rights, as they are known, create a right hand wave at the southernmost edge of the bay, which again can be a world class wave in the right conditions, but can be treacherous for all but the most skilled surfers. , due to the frequent rocks that can arise. hidden in higher waters.

From North Bay in Scarborough to Whitby there is a coastal stretch of around 20 miles of often unreported areas known to have fantastic surfing, this area really is a great place for the more adventurous and daring surfers to explore, there is no much of what is documented about this area of ​​the Yorkshire coast although it is known that there may be areas around here that have not been commercially promoted and are worth knowing. There are, for example, some breaks around Robin Hoods Bay that are generally unfrequented along the long reef that exists there.

Several well-known breaks can be found in the Whitby area. There is a great beach break at Upgang beach between Sandsend and Whitby and this can be quite fierce with a northerly swell, although this area can often get quite busy, especially during the holiday season. The local surf shop here is Zero Gravity which is located on the Flowergate and is the only surf shop in the area from here to Saltburn. Zero Gravity staff are happy to help with any advice and point people in the right direction.

The next notable surf destination on our journey up the Yorkshire coast is Runswick Bay. Features found here are an exposed reef and break point that provide consistent surf conditions. Like many surf spots on this coast, the best waves come from the north, conditions here tend to lend themselves to more skilled surfers as there are no beach breaks and there are a number of rocks that can be dangerous. The advantage here is that the beach is often uncrowded compared to the beaches further towards Whitby and those in Scarborough. The nearby cove, as it is known, is also a reef that works under similar conditions and is known to produce world-class conditions in the right kind of swell, usually during the cooler winter months.

The Staithes destination is next on the list of surfing hot spots. Staithes has developed a reputation for having some of the best surfing in the area when the conditions are right. The right conditions here, particularly in the winter months, produce big waves that only the most experienced should attempt. Add to this the charm of the pretty seaside town that was once the home of Captain Cook. Many of Staithes’ surfing secrets remain closely guarded by locals and area surf enthusiasts who want to preserve the charm of this particular spot.

Although strictly in Cleveland it would be wrong not to mention Saltburn. Saltburn has developed an excellent reputation for surfing over the years and is famous for its iconic pier that many surfers have been known to jump off of as a way to get into the water. There’s a nice beach break here, as well as a stunning low tide bank to the east at what’s known as a penny hole. The beach is serviced by the Saltburn Surf School.

In general, the Yorkshire coast offers a mecca for surfing and has something for beginners to advanced skills. Combine this with the fact that the scenery is stunning with much of the coastline falling within the national park, as well as the added bonus of small crowds and friendly Yorkshire people, and the result is a top-notch destination. Hopefully, as surfing gains in popularity and more people get into the sport, the fundamentals that make this area so special can remain the same keeping the integrity of the surf areas intact.