Devon North

comment by Baggins, 2005-06-28 23:26:36

Croyde - only 3 stars
I think you are being a bit mean giving Croyde three stars. The waves are as good as anything I've surfed in the UK or abroad. If you don't like crowds, go midweek or get up early. The biggest problem with this beach is the sewage. They must surely sort this out soon.

comment by Matt Fom Manly, 2005-03-15 13:31:26

Lost in London
I have a few notes I'd like to add to your noticeboard. I am travelling from Sydney Oz, a place called Manly which you may have heard of and am stuck in London at the moment. Keen to head to the area this weekend as they may be some chilly barrells to be had. I think that a lot of your locals need a swift kick and to go for a surf o/s in a spot like Manly. I understand that our local economy depends on tourism. I also understand that your local has the same dependance. I think that you need to try dealing with 5 or 6 different surf schools that provide surf training to loads of people (uk especially) surfing your local. I am talking about up to 600 people on the one stretch at a time dropping in on your local or just sitting in the perfect barrel spot causing you to miss out on that perfect wave of the day that just rolled through. But without the income these tourists are bringing it is obvious that the local economy will not survive. I actually hate money but think that for the general quality of life of others in my area that it is great that we have people not only bringing in income but converting to the surf industry and joining myself and my local mates in enjoying what the ocean has to offer us. I think that the locals whinging about too many travellers crowding up the breaks should rethink this idea for two points....1 - get over yourselves the ocean is everybodies to share, and 2 - Isn't it more rewarding finding a new secret spot to yourself? Go, travel, hop on a boat and go for an adventure. Who knows you may find a secret island with 8-10 foot perfect barrells off shore a couple of kilometres!!!!

comment by anonymous, 2005-03-14 17:15:06

I agree, I'm one of those that 1) buy my gear there 2) buy my food/drink locally 3) arrange my accomadation locally 4) fill my car up locally etc etc etc. . . . i don't think the owners of shops in croyde would even open in the winter if it wasn't for travelling surfers!! Most don't in the week!! I would put my estimate of money spent in croyde/woolacombe at way over £1000 a year and rarely get troubled with a crowded lineup, middle beach is always empty!!!