Woolacombe is famous for many things—its golden sands, stunning coastal walks, and welcoming village vibe—but it’s quickly gaining a reputation as one of North Devon’s premier surfing destinations. Recently named as part of the World Surfing Reserve, Woolacombe joins iconic locations like Malibu and Noosa.
If you’re new to the sport and wondering where to begin, this guide to beginner’s surfing in North Devon will show you the best beaches, trusted surf schools in Woolacombe, and top tips for catching your first wave safely and confidently.
Is Woolacombe good for learning to surf?
Absolutely! Just a short stroll from No.9 Putsborough, Woolacombe Beach —voted Sunday Times Best Beach 2021—is perfect for beginners surfing in North Devon. With a variety of waves suitable for all levels, its family-friendly atmosphere makes it especially ideal for those starting out. Backed by wild dunes and rolling hills, the beach offers some of the most scenic views to enjoy while catching your first waves. For fewer crowds, try surfing in autumn or winter, or head to the far stretches of the beach even during the busy summer season.
Woolacombe surfing is on a relatively exposed beach break, so onshore winds can reduce wave quality. For beginner surfers looking to improve, Putsborough Beach at the far end often has cleaner waves as it’s more sheltered from southerly and south-westerly winds. Combesgate Beach, in the other direction towards Mortehoe, is another option for a smaller, more protected spot—just watch out for sharp rocks at mid to low tide!
From Easter to September, lifeguards patrol Woolacombe Beach, making it a safe and ideal place to learn to surf or practice new skills. Beginners should always surf between the black and white flags for a safe, enjoyable experience.
Surf Lessons in Woolacombe
Woolacombe is home to several highly reputable North Devon surf schools, perfect for beginner’s surfing in North Devon or those wanting to improve their technique. Two of our favourites are Woolacombe Surf Centre and Nick Thorn Surf Coaching , both offering exclusive discounts to guests of No.9 Putsborough. Woolacombe Surf Centre is an accredited “Centre of Excellence” by Surfing England, the highest standard available, and even has a photographer on hand to capture your first waves in action.
For beginners, private lessons can be a game-changer, helping you gain confidence and progress quickly. Both surf schools provide private sessions, and booking in advance is recommended, especially during the busy summer months. All lessons—whether group or private—include surfboard and wetsuit hire, making it effortless to dive in, even if you don’t have your own equipment.
Is Woolacombe good for body boarding? Yes!
If surfing isn’t your thing but you still want to enjoy the thrill of the waves, bodyboarding in Woolacombe is a brilliant alternative. Woolacombe Beach’s long sandy shoreline and consistent swell make it one of the best spots in North Devon for bodyboarding, particularly for beginners and families.
At No.9 Putsborough, we’ve invested in a couple of high-quality, handmade bellyboards by Dick Pearce, available for our guests to use during their stay. This means you can enjoy the waves without buying disposable polystyrene boards that often break easily and contribute to ocean pollution. It’s a more sustainable way to have fun in the surf – and a lovely extra touch for your beach holiday in Woolacombe.
The Surf Shed
Whether you’re hiring boards for the week or bringing your own, No.9 Putsborough makes beginner’s surfing in North Devon wonderfully easy. The apartment has its own dedicated surf shed, accessed directly from the Leisure Deck, giving you a secure and convenient place to store surfboards and bodyboards during your stay.
If you’re learning with Nick Thorn Surf Coaching, it gets even better – they can deliver surfboards and wetsuits straight to the surf shed, so you can spend less time organising and more time in the water. It’s ideal for anyone planning a beginner surfing holiday in North Devon.
After your session, rinse off in the hot outdoor communal shower or use the hose for sandy wetsuits and salty boards before heading back indoors. With everything set up for easy beach days, there’s really no excuse not to make the most of the waves at Woolacombe.
Once you’ve mastered the beginner’s surfing in North Devon and the waves at Woolacombe, a whole world of surfing opens up along the 19-mile stretch of coastline. From Croyde Beach, widely regarded as one of the finest beach breaks in England, to the long, rolling waves of Saunton Sands, a favourite with longboarders, there’s always a new break to explore.
With so many iconic surf spots just a short drive away, it’s easy to see why Woolacombe sits proudly within the North Devon World Surfing Reserve. So really… move over Malibu – surfers will never tire of staying at No.9 Putsborough, the perfect base for a laid-back surfing holiday by the sea.
