Yorkshire Coast surf forecast

Surfing in Yorkshire Coast

The Yorkshire Coast faces east and north-east into the North Sea, so its surf comes from swell pushed down by northerly and north-easterly weather systems rather than from the Atlantic. That makes it more changeable than the west coast, but autumn through spring brings regular swells and the line-ups are usually far quieter than in the south-west. Winds from the south and west are generally offshore along this coast.

In the north, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a slow, sandy beach break with peaks around the pier that suits beginners and has long been a hub for east coast surfing, with Penny Hole, a sand and cobblestone A-frame, tucked into the corner under Huntcliff to the south. Sandsend, just north of Whitby, has sand over flat reef and can produce short, hollow waves on a clean north-easterly swell, with south-south-westerly winds offshore. Runswick Bay sits between the two; it is a sheltered right-hand point break that wraps around the headland and gives longer rides than the nearby beach breaks.

Further south, Scarborough's beaches sit either side of the castle headland. Cayton Bay, just south of the town, is one of the most exposed beaches for swell, with several peaks that suit a wide range of abilities; it works through the tide and is best in south-westerly and westerly winds. Filey is sheltered by Filey Brigg, so it is the usual fallback in strong northerly winds and big swells; it works from low to mid tide only, because the tide reaches the sea walls at high water.

Autumn, especially September to November, is often the standout season. Rocks and flat reef sit close to several breaks, and rips can form near piers, headlands and the Brigg, so take local advice before paddling out somewhere new.