Female Surfer Newbie - South Devon

[papaya11]

Hello everyone!

I've just bought my first surfboard! It's a 7'3" mini mal, and I can't wait to get out in the water. I've been a few times before on friends boards but I really want the freedom to go when I want and living close to so many great beaches in Devon & Cornwall I should really make the most of it

I live about 20/30 mins from Bantham, about 40 mins from Bigbury/Chally and just wondered if there were any other surfers in this area? I'll hopefully be seeing you around sometime soon!

[greg2935]

Not sure how many are on here but there are loads of surfers around the Bantham area, (so much so I tend to avoid the popular break at Bantham next to the rocks on good days). I'm from Plymouth so tend to surf Witsand to Bantham.

Greg

[papaya11]

Yeah i know bantham is busy, but its a nice beach break and i think it'll be good to get me started hopefully. I actually work in plymouth so it would be cool to know some good beaches apart from the ones near where I live already. Are there any good beginner spots you know of around Plymouth way?

[greg2935]

Its mainly Bantham, Bigbury, Challaborough, Wembry, and Witsand, (moving east to west). Bantham is the best beginner beach, bigbury can sometimes produce better beginner waves than bantham and has a good tea shop (but Bantham is more consistent), (google "loving the beach venus"; there is a webcam but you need to register). When Bantham/Bigbury is too big, Challaborough can work as it faces a different direction; either from the Bigbury end or Challaborough village itself. Wembry is just outside Plymouth near Plymstock but I would not recommend it as there is no beach and water breaks on rocks. It also has to work to be worthwhile and is always busy as its close to Plymouth. Witsand, 7 miles outside Plymouth on the Torpoint side has miles of beach. Its more exposed than Bantham so weather and wave direction affects it more than bantham. However, I've had some very nice sessions there too. Witsand is usually very busy near the fort and sometimes the military close access. If you go a little further there are numerous access points to the beach and when its on, everything on 5 miles works well. Watch out for rips at Witsand and Bantham; they do not pose a problem once you understand them but Ive had to help people who has exhausted themselves swimming against the tide. Magic seaweed has webcams for Witsand and Bantham so you dont end up wasting petrol getting there. Happy surfing

Greg

[papaya11]

Thanks for that

I've not heard of Wembrey, but don’t think I’ll be heading there any time soon by the sounds of it. I had heard Challaborough could get rough because of the rocks, but I reckon I’ll see what it’s like when I’m there, it’s not too hard to get to either. Well I have plenty to keep me going there, thanks again

[surf patrol]

Hi papaya11, welcome to Surfing Waves!

[greg2935]

Challaborough has rocks both sides of the beach and a few dotted around the beach, it is usually fine, (I've never had problems there), however, there is a rip that I have seen get pretty verocious: the water gets channeled into the small beach but that is usually only when you don't really want to be in the water anyway. It is smaller than Bantham so can be quite good when Bantham is completely washed out. Bantham has been completely amazing over the last week, and last Sunday was quite literally as good as anything any other beach can offer: 3-6ft and super clean, long enough to paddle out between sets and a reforming wave which lets you get 2 waves for the price of 1, (but its a long paddle back out). I had 2 days off so with the weekend I managed 4 days surfing in 1 week; cold but magic and I have not come down yet.

Greg

[fayesurfer]

Hi! let me know if you ever venture to the North Devon coast and I will come and meet you to catch a few waves. I am in West Somerset but generally surf Saunton and Putsborough. Learner also, so be good to motivate, share skiils etc!
Speak soon,
Faye