introduction

The North East coast of England constitutes the coastline between the mouth of the river Humber to the South up to the Scottish border in the North. This takes in the counties of East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire (Largest county in England), Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland which all have North sea coastlines. The geography is perfect with flat slate tapering reefs producing waves of a very high quality and the prevailing wind direct is South Westerly - offshore. The reefs have been eroded to form huge scars that point out to sea to create perfect platforms to receive the long travelled arctic swells. It has been said if this coast line was more consistent with it's swell and the water warmer it would certainly be the prime surf location in England and would probably have a much higher ranking on the world surfing stage. However, wetsuits get tested to the limit here as it can be bitterly cold in the winter with sea temps as low as 4 degrees centigrade and icy winds and long flats spells through the milder summers. That said, however, when it's on the points and reefs can throw up huge macking barrels that could give Indo a run for it's money.

surfing

Flat slate reefs, high cliffs, bays, coves, harbours and beaches make a great and varied coastline which supports surfable waves in many different conditions. As long as there is swell of some description you can find a place to surf here. The water is a murky brown, which aren’t pollutants but fine sedimentary silt and clay. It is essential, however, to keep your eyes on the weather charts, swells here can be short lived especially the shorter fetch easterly or south easterlies that can appear within a couple of hours and disappear just as quickly. Generally the better swells are from the North East depressions that track Easterly North of Scotland towards Norway - get a good one and watch the reefs explode as the neat ruler edge lines of corduroy march in.

travel

The coast around this area has a good network of roads to most breaks. The A165 heads North to Scarborough where the A171 takes over to head further North. Along the coast are countless country lanes and paths that lead to closely guarded secluded breaks.

where to stay

The North East coast has a variety of accommodation ranging from plush country house hotels to fantastic beachfront bed and breakfast establishments and countless campsites. Do book ahead during the Summer season (April-Sept) as this is a very popular tourist area and rooms fill up quickly. Campsites are generally closed out of season (Oct-Mar) so are not an option at this time of year.

what to pack

During the summer months (May-Sept) you'll need short sleeved t-shirts, shorts and long trousers (pants) and probably a light jacket or pullover for the more blustery days and evenings and sun cream for days out on the water. In winter bring long trousers (pants), warm pullovers, warm waterproof coats, scarves, hat and gloves!!

As far a wetsuits go you'll need a good quality 3/2mm steamer for Summer, add boots and gloves for Spring/Autumn. For Winter it's strictly 5/3mm steamer, boots, gloves, hood, thermal rashie and a strong will to surf!!

For boards you normal size 6'2" - 6'6" (depending on ability etc) thruster for 2-4ft waves will suffice most of the time. You might want to add a 6'7" - 7' for the bigger epic days on the points and reefs.

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