Yes – The best surfing really is in Yorkshire

Riding the waves

You heard it here first :-  BBC Radio 4’s Helen Mark explores the wonders of surfing the Yorkshire Waves  Forget Cornwall, she’s off to Cayton Bay in Yorkshire, from where you can see Scarborough just to the north. It’s a bit colder, a bit grittier and the water, though clean, is not so blue as down south. But there are waves to fall in love with, and a passionate collection of surfers who’ve done just that. There’s even one, Steve Crawford, who was brought up overlooking the beach at Newquay. He moved north years ago, drawn by two specific waves and the lack of crowds. Those waves are still here, but now there are crowds too, as other surfers have begun to discover this hidden gem.

But don’t imagine that surfing culture is new in this part of the world. There’s recently-discovered evidence that the first surfing ever in the UK was demonstrated near here by two Hawaiian princes being educated in Yorkshire in 1890. All they needed was some bits of four-by-two and an extensive woolly bathing suit and they were off! As Helen discovers, surfing can take such a hold of some people.

Once a secret and well hidden gem these waves and the beautiful Yorkshire Coast is fast becoming a mecca for experienced surfers from across the UK seeking our big waves and thrills.  Children and beginners are well catered for aswell all down the beautiful Yorkshire heritage coastline.

TOP 5 SURFING EXPERIENCES IN YORKSHIRE

Surfing in Yorkshire  Experience 1.  The Point, Cayton Bay
Between Scarborough and Filey you’ll find some of the biggest waves on the east coast when conditions are right. Not for novices! Head south of Scarborough on the A165 and park on the main road close to the bay. An hour’s journey from Crag House Farm

© Tony Bartholomew / Turnstone Media 07802 400651 info@turnstonemedia.co.uk PICTURE SUPPLIED TO THE NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK FOR LIBRARY USE PLEASE CREDIT PHOTOGRAPHY TO TONYBARTHOLOMEW/TURNSTONE MEDIA Surfers find a good set of waves undet the cliffs at the northern end of Sandsend.

Surfing in Yorkshire Experience 2.  Sandsend
Gloriously wide and empty, Sandsend can be one of the best surf spots on its day. Great for fossil hunting and a visit to Sandside Cafe is a treat too.

Surfing in Yorkshire Experience 3. Saltburn
Saltburn on Sea is a pretty Victorian seaside town with a lovely old pier, boutique shopping, excellent restaurants, it even contains the oldest funicular railway in the world! and on top of all that it is a true hotspot for Surfers young and old.  Check out Flowsurfschool  “At Flow Surf School not only do we run fantastic surf lessons, we also provide SUP lessons and equipment hire from our beautiful location in Saltburn on the North Yorkshire coast. Our aim is to provide an unforgettable ocean experience in a fun, friendly and safe environment.” just 15 minutes from Crag House Farm

 

Surfing in Yorkshire Experience 4.  Whitby town
A fantastic setting and some great surf.  Whitby is a delightful town, so make a day of it and combine some waves with a trip into town.Home to the best fish and chips in the world…another winner!

Surfing in Yorkshire Experience 5. Scarborough North Bay
Some of the most reliable surf on the Yorkshire coast and a day in Scarborough is a must do experience, you could always finish it off with a visit to the Alan Ayckbourn famous Stephen Joseph Theatre

Just get out there and do it…..   Happy Surfing