Nick Thorn Surf Coaching
Based at Putsborough Sands, offering coaching for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
Putsborough at a glance
North Devon's useful escape when the wind turns south-westerly.
Putsborough Sands forms the southern end of the long sandy bay that runs north towards Woolacombe. Baggy Point rises immediately to the south, giving this end of the beach useful protection from south and south-westerly winds.
That shelter is the reason surfers keep Putsborough in mind. When exposed beaches nearby are wind-affected, the water here can stay noticeably cleaner. The trade-off is that the headland can also reduce swell with a lot of south in it, so Putsborough can be smaller than Woolacombe or Croyde.
Outside the water it has a much quieter feel than Woolacombe village or Croyde: sand, cliffs, countryside, a beachside car park and the basic facilities needed for a day at the coast.
Surfbooker local tips
The things worth knowing before you drive down the lane.
Check it in a south-westerly
Baggy Point can shelter Putsborough when more exposed North Devon beaches are getting blown out.
Expect it to be smaller sometimes
The same headland that blocks wind can also block swell with a strong southerly component. If it looks too small, Woolacombe is the obvious comparison.
Respect the rocks
The southern end becomes increasingly rocky beneath Baggy Point. Give yourself room, particularly as the tide rises.
Don't use the rip as a shortcut
A rip can run near the rocks. Unless you understand rips and are confident in the conditions, stay clear rather than treating moving water as an easy paddle-out.
The final approach is narrow
Access is through narrow North Devon lanes. Larger vans and motorhomes should take it slowly and expect passing-place etiquette.
Stay for sunset
The open west-facing bay and views towards the Atlantic make Putsborough a particularly good place to finish the day.
Surf schools
Lessons at Putsborough.
Two surf-school listings currently serve Putsborough on Surfbooker.
Barefoot Surf School
Long-established Putsborough surf school with a strong focus on beginner coaching and safe progression.
Beach & surf guide
Same bay as Woolacombe. Different personality.
Peeling beach-break waves beneath Baggy Point
Putsborough is a sandy beach break with shifting banks rather than one permanent take-off. On smaller days it can produce mellow, approachable walls that suit longboards, funboards and progressing surfers.
With more size, the paddle, currents and rocks at the southern end become more consequential. Conditions can change considerably with tide, swell direction and sand movement, so there is no single tide rule that guarantees the best session.
Longboards
Soft, longer walls on the right day make Putsborough enjoyable on more buoyant boards.
Intermediates
A useful step up when the surf is manageable, with plenty of open beach away from the rocks.
Wind shelter
South and south-westerly wind protection is the defining feature.
Bigger days
Stronger currents, harder paddles and rock hazards demand more experience.
Worth knowing
A few Putsborough facts.
SW shelter
Baggy Point gives Putsborough unusual protection from south and south-westerly winds.
World Surfing Reserve
Putsborough sits within the North Devon World Surfing Reserve coastline.
Two hire options
Nick Thorn Surf Hire and Barefoot Surf Hire both have dedicated equipment-hire pages.
Coast Path
The South West Coast Path links the beach with Baggy Point and Woolacombe.
Plan conservatively
Do not assume lifeguard cover. Check current beach information and conditions before entering the water.
Parking
One of Putsborough's biggest practical advantages.
The private car park sits immediately behind the beach, so there is far less hauling of boards, wetsuits and family kit than at many cliff-backed beaches.
Park close to the sand
There is substantial paid parking, including disabled spaces. Charges can change, so check the current tariff at the entrance rather than relying on an old price online.
The convenience is excellent, but the approach lanes are narrow and can become awkward when holiday traffic is moving in both directions.
Dogs
Dogs on the beach.
Putsborough uses dog zones rather than banning dogs from the whole beach. The main southern section near the beach access has seasonal restrictions beginning on 1 April, while a section further north remains available for dogs.
The seasonal restriction ends between 30 September and 31 October.
Facilities
Simple, useful and right by the beach.
Toilets
Toilet facilities are available beside the beach.
Cafe
Seasonal food and refreshments are available at the beach.
Surf hire
Compare verified board and wetsuit hire serving Putsborough.
Beach shop
Useful for beach-day essentials without driving back out.
Walks & scenery
Baggy Point is too close to ignore.
A brilliant stretch of the South West Coast Path
The coast path runs around Baggy Point towards Croyde and north above the bay towards Woolacombe. National Trust routes around the headland give wide coastal views and a completely different perspective on the surf below.
Cliff edges, livestock and slippery ground mean this is still coastal terrain rather than a promenade. Keep dogs controlled and use suitable footwear.
Getting here
The beach feels remote because the final approach really is.
Sat nav
EX33 1LB
Putsborough Sands sits between Woolacombe and Croyde on the North Devon coast.
By car
Narrow final lanes
Allow extra time and be prepared to use passing places, especially in summer and if driving a van.
On foot
South West Coast Path
Putsborough can be reached on foot from the surrounding coast, including routes from Woolacombe and Baggy Point.
Worth the short trip
Three very different surf options sit close by.
Use Putsborough as part of a North Devon surf check
One of the best things about this part of the coast is how quickly the character changes. If Putsborough is too sheltered, too small or too busy, Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton give you very different alternatives.
Woolacombesame bay, to the north
More exposed to wind and swell, with a full surf-town atmosphere and a huge choice of peaks.
Best for: finding more size when Putsborough is too sheltered.
Croydearound Baggy Point
A compact, punchier beach break that can become powerful and technical.
Best for: experienced surfers when conditions line up.
Saunton Sandssouth beyond Croyde
A huge sandy beach famous for long, slower-breaking waves and longboarding.
Best for: longboards, learners and spreading out on suitable days.
FAQs
Quick answers before you go.
Why is Putsborough good in south-westerly winds?
Baggy Point shelters the southern end of the bay from south and south-westerly winds, so Putsborough can remain cleaner when exposed beaches nearby are wind-affected.
Is Putsborough good for beginners?
It can be on smaller, manageable days and lessons are available locally. Bigger surf, currents and the rocks near Baggy Point make conditions more demanding, so beginners should choose the day carefully.
Does Putsborough have lifeguards?
Do not plan your visit on the assumption that Putsborough is lifeguarded. Check current beach information on the day and choose a lifeguarded beach if you need supervised bathing.
Can I hire a surfboard at Putsborough?
Yes. Surfboard and wetsuit hire is available at Putsborough Sands.
Is Putsborough dog-friendly?
Yes, but seasonal restrictions apply to part of the beach around the main access and beach shop. Follow the current signs when you arrive.
Is Putsborough better than Woolacombe?
Neither is universally better. Putsborough is more sheltered from southerly winds, while Woolacombe is more exposed and can have more swell. Checking both can be worthwhile.
What should I watch for in the surf?
Be particularly aware of rocks and moving water near the southern end beneath Baggy Point. Conditions vary with swell, tide and shifting sandbanks.