NORTH DEVON
United Kingdom
OVERVIEW
The North Devon Surfing Reserve covers a world-class surf zone encompassing approximately 30 km of coastline. It contains a high density of outstanding surfing destinations, including iconic breaks such as Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Lynmouth, among others.
- Approved: January 2022
- Dedicated: May 12, 2023
- 30 km of coastline
- 8+ Waves
- 12th World Surfing Reserve
Our core focus is looking after the quality of the waves themselves and preserving the ecosystems that produce them. Surf spots need to be celebrated, recognised and protected in the same way we protect and recognise beautiful national parks like Exmoor.
Adam Hall
Local surfer and Co-founder of the Surfing Reserve in North Devon
Why North Devon?
Whilst the UK has a history of protecting national parks and green areas, there is very little formal and active protection of the surf zone, the surfing experience and the fragile environment that creates the different types of unique waves in an area.
Establishing a recognised Surfing Reserve will give the surfing community and others a voice in decision-making processes that affect the coastline and some of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. The aim of the reserve is to make sure they stay the best – for everyone from beginners to expert surfers.
A study in 2008 found that surfing was estimated to bring in more than £50 million to the area every year and supports around 1500 jobs. Yet surfing has a value far deeper to everyone who lives for riding its prefect waves. For many people in North Devon life revolves around the weather, tides, wind and favourite beaches to surf.
Whether you are a surfer or a wild swimmer, surf life saver, stand up paddle boarder or just enjoying a walk along the wild coastal path; this beautiful, raw and rugged coastline intertwined with world-class surfing and waves has something for everyone.
Attributes of a World Surfing Reserve
The North Devon Surf Coast is blessed with a huge variety of surf breaks that respond to different swell and wind directions. The World Surfing Reserve covers a world-class surf zone stretching across approximately 30 km of coastline with high density of outstanding surf, including iconic breaks such as Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe, and Lynmouth.
The variety of waves is particularly unique, rated from “beginner” to “expert”, catering to wave-riders of all tastes and styles. It is one of the most consistent surfing areas in the UK where year-round swells batter a mixture of small, rocky bays and long, sandy beaches. A system of coastal paths runs the entire length of the Surfing Reserve, offering extensive views of the beaches, reefs, and points.
North Devon has been a traditional gathering for the British since the Victorian Times as city dwellers would make their way from London to enjoy the open coastline. While traditionally a fishing and farming community, North Devon has become known as one of the pillars of the surf world in the UK drawing surfers from all over the country. It is the home of the Museum of British Surfing and many of the country’s finest wave riders call North Devon home.
RESOURCES
Contact Information
For more information go to www.northdevonsurfreserve.org
Contact: info@northdevonsurfreserve.org
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Read “The Trisurf Report: The Economic Value of Surfing in North Devon” (2008). Click here to view and download the report.
Local Stewardship COuncil
Core Team:
Ambassador:
Environment Agency, National Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, Blue Marine Foundation
Exmoor National Park, North Devon Coast: Area of Outstanding Beauty, North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve, Plastic Free North Devon, Pickwell Foundation, Devon Local Nature Partnership, Exmoor National Park
Surfing England, RNLI, Museum of British Surfing, Surfdome, The Wave Project, Surf Life Saving GB
Croyde Surf Club, Wave Wahines, Hotdoggers Surf Club, North Devon Schools Surfing, Woolacombe Boardriders Surf Club, Woolacombe SLSC, The Point Magazine
University of Plymouth, The Ilfracombe Academy
Mortehoe Parish Council, Georgeham and Croyde Parish Council, Lynton and Lynmouth Parish Council, North Devon Council, Braunton Parish Council
Visit Devon, Visit North Devon and Exmoor, Croyde Beach / Ruda, Putsborough Beach, Downend Car Park / Croyde, Saunton Beach and Villas, Woolacombe Beach / Parkin Estates
Stewardship plan
Conceptual Model
Stewardship Plan
Booklet
Download PDF (includes English and Portuguese)
Global News: World Surfing Reserves
Understanding changes to surf ecosystems in the era of climate change
Dr. Dan Reineman of California State University Channel Islands teams up with Save The Waves and World Surfing Reserves to understand specific impacts of climate change on world class waves.
World Surfing Reserves: Stewardship Stories – August 2026
In this August report of World Surfing Reserves, we’re looking at the progress of 4 individual WSR locations: Punta de Lobos, Gold Coast, North Devon, and Guarda do Embaú.
From Resistance to Science: Protecting the Waves of Puerto Escondido
How can we understand what’s happening to the wave in Zicatela beyond observed changes by surfers and the community? Conducting the first high-resolution bathymetric and photogrammetric survey of the beaches of Bahía Principal, Marinero, and Zicatela. Article by Almendra Gomezleyva, in English and Spanish.
Summer Update: Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve
As the season evolves, so does the coastline. Here is the latest on what’s happening along the Santa Cruz coastline and how you can take action to look after this epic surf ecosystem.
