Croyde Bay
Croyde Bay is Devon's most celebrated beach break--a horseshoe-shaped bay that produces hollow, punchy peaks at low tide when the rock shelf creates steep, barrelling waves.
Croyde Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 240° - 300°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Croyde Bay?
Croyde Bay is a beach break in North Devon, UK, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Croyde Bay?
Croyde Bay picks up swell from the WSW round to the WNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 9s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Croyde Bay?
An E wind is dead offshore at Croyde Bay, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Croyde Bay?
Croyde Bay is at its best around low tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Croyde Bay?
The most reliable run of swell at Croyde Bay comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Apr to May and Aug too. Best Sept-March but summer swells possible.
How cold is the water at Croyde Bay?
The water at Croyde Bay averages around 13°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Croyde Bay good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Rock shelf exposed at low tide creates hazard. Strong rips on bigger swells. Very crowded in summer.
How do I get to Croyde Bay?
The nearest airport on our list is EXT, then it's roughly a one-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Croyde Bay?
The closest breaks we track are Lynmouth (30 km), Salt House Reef (45 km) and Rhossili Bay (48 km), handy when Croyde Bay isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Aug
Best Sept-March but summer swells possible
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Lynmouth
Devon's fickle left point - Cliff access only - Needs size to fire
Salt House Reef
Widemouth reef section - More power than the beach - Bude area
Rhossili Bay
One of UK's most beautiful - Softer Gower waves - Worm's Head views
Llangennith
Gower's workhorse - Infamous paddle out - Welsh surf heartland
Pete's Reef
Gower's shallow reef - Low tide specialist - Sharp and technical
Crab Island
Gower reef break - Needs size to fire - Sharp reef