Access is from the coast road running along the North end of Saunton Sands, a huge 5km long stretch of sand running from the mouth of the estuary up to the cliffs at the North end. Sign posted from road - there is a large car park, which is free at low peak times but 1.5 pounds at weekends during summer.
A classic long boarders wave - slow waves that improve with a moderate offshore wind to steepen the faces. Works on all stages of the tide, but like many north Devon spots tends to be best on the 'push' as the incoming tide (the tidal rage of the Bristol Channel is one of the greatest in the world)can increase wave height dramatically. As the swell picks up, a rip develops alongside the cliff which is often the only way to get out back on big days. But treat it with caution - getting caught unawares leads to unpleaseant exits over the rocks! Helicopter rescues are not uncommon in summer, as novices get swept out. The cliff gives good protection from North and NW winds.
Overview
Atmosphere
Mellow. Long boarders and surf canoes are in their element. Long sweeping rides usually righthanders) can be had. great view from the cliff road above the bay - as lines stack up all the way to the estuary and out to sea. Makes it into numerous surf mag 'arty' photos. Shallows are safe for beginners. It is a huge flat beach, and the sands are a prime spot for sand yatchs and all kind of weird beach/sail cross over sports.
General
On a busy wekend the car park is a surfers' mecca. VW buses and every kind of surf vehical vie for space. Bemused day trippers mingle with surf-heads. A must for anyone with a board over 7'2".
comment by Mel (M) www.mcmanosm@017.net.il, 2006-08-29 13:21:18
'Big Day at Saunton' - 2004-02-09
If any of you out there are wondering if the guys are surfing from left-to-right or right-to-left in the picture, then I`ll reveal all! This photo was shot from the headland point north of the bay, so in-fact they`re surfing from, yes you`ve got-it, right-to-left! Sorry for all this useless 'cods-wallop'.
comment by anon, 2006-02-16 17:00:32
nob eds
I cant believe some of the comments on here. Firstly, let me tell ya, i am a 36 year old 'towny' from the midlands. A longboarder (and still class myself a beginner), a BMW driver, and slightly overweight. Probably the sort of person you 'locals' fuckin hate. Well, fuck ya. I having been stayin in Croyde and surfing mainly Saunton for 4 years and manage about 7 weekends a year. I enjoy the 'weak' Saunton wave, love having a beer in Thatch and perusing the shops in Braunton. Generally have a great weekend, and probably between the 3/4 of us, spend at least £800 in your local shops, pubs etc. I think you will find that without friendly tourists like us, u would be fucked. Your hard working parents (im assuming ur all under 18 by the comments), wouldnt be able to survive without it and u would end up living in Bristol or Exeter. Joy.But having said all that, there is no excuse for bad manners or bad surf etiquette. Unfortunately when anything gets popular, ur lumbered with the assholes as well as decent people. Life.I would say that I have never had any grief from locals at Saunton, Croyde or Putts. I have found the locals generally keep themselves to themselves but not impolite.
comment by Longboarder from Birmingham, 2006-01-31 11:58:45
Longboarders from Brum? Thats me and as you don't get much of a swell on the Dudley and Birmingham canal and Saunton is the nearest longboarders beach I tend to go there. So get off your high horse and let people who don't live by the ocean enjoy it too. And if you think the waves are shit go elsewhere and let the beginners, intermediates and the kayakers have the free reign. (BTW I do follow wave etiquette and if I see someone drop in - even a beginner - I would have a polite word)
comment by Mel (M) www.mcmanosm@017.net.il, 2006-08-29 13:21:18