Croyde Bay

Sandy surf capital of North Devon

Submitted by:
justal
Updated:
27th Apr 2004

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Croyde is the surfing capital of North Devon. Overcrowding is a major problem here, so if you don't like sharing your waves, head elsewhere. The village of Croyde is pleasant enough with a few pubs, some touristy shops and the odd restaurant. Closer to the beach are some large holiday parks, log cabin accommodation and large car parks. Croyde used to be quite a sleepy little village but is now really a full blown resort, with all the usual amenities.
As far as forces-of-nature activities go, surfing is king at Croyde. There are three breaks in the bay:

Croyde Reef is found at the northern end of Croyde Bay and is best accessed by parking in the nearby National Trust Car park. It needs quite a big swell to work, but when it does, the wave here breaks in shallow water over a rocky reef, forming a fast, hollow initial bowl section and a pretty intimidating take off. Don't surf here if you don't know what you're doing!.

Croyde Beach Although only a series of beach break waves breaking on sandbanks, the waves here can pack more of a punch than you would expect. This is especially true at low tide when a few of the sandbanks can hold some extremely fast hollow waves. High tide is a much more mellow affair. The topography of the sandbanks can produce some pretty strong rips at Croyde as well which can be useful to help you out once the swell starts to increase in size, but can also catch the unwary out, so if you don't know what you are doing take care. The beach is patrolled by professional Lifeguards during the summer and they enforce a strict zoning policy for surfers and bathers. It is possible to kitesurf or windsurf from Croyde Bay but you would be much better off heading to Saunton where the crowds are less and the conditions better. Parking and other amenities are available (at a cost) just behind the beach.

Downend Point The third break in Croyde is found on the rocks at the southern end of the Bay and is overlooked by the tight bend on the road from Saunton to Croyde. The wave here is a righthand point break that works in a decent sized swell at low tide, preferably with an Easterly wind. If you are lucky you can get some nice long walls of water here. Entries and exit to the water are difficult from jagged rocks and the peak can shift around unexpectedly. Again, not a wave for the inexperienced.