Surf Businesses in North East England

The North East of England has a proud and growing surf scene, built on cold water, consistent North Sea swell and a community that does not mind a thick wetsuit. From the sandy bays of Tynemouth to the cliffs and pier at Saltburn, the coast offers beach breaks for beginners and quality reef and point breaks for experienced surfers, often with far fewer people in the water than in the South West.

Where the waves come from

The North Sea is shallower and more sheltered than the Atlantic, so swell here is driven by low pressure systems passing to the north and east of Britain. When they line up, the North East can have some of the best waves in the country. Swells tend to arrive quickly and fade quickly, so local surfers watch the forecast closely and are ready to go at short notice. Offshore winds blow from the west, which is common in this part of the country.

Tynemouth and Saltburn

Tynemouth, at the mouth of the River Tyne, is the surf centre of the North East. Longsands is a wide, sandy beach that suits lessons and beginners, while King Edward's Bay and the nearby reefs offer something for more experienced surfers. Being on the Metro line from Newcastle makes it one of the easiest surf towns in Britain to reach without a car.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, further south on the Teesside coast, has a Victorian pier, a cliff lift and a long sandy beach backed by dramatic cliffs. It is a friendly place to learn, with surf schools and shops close to the beach.

When to surf in the North East

Autumn, winter and spring bring the most swell. The water is cold all year, dropping to around 6 or 7 degrees in late winter, so a 5mm wetsuit, boots, gloves and a hood are essential in the colder months.

Surf businesses in the North East

Browse the town pages below for surf schools, surf shops and board hire. Every listing shows contact details and directions, and businesses can claim their listing for free.