Surfing and watersports are coming back into focus in the Northern Hemisphere. After a winter of hibernation, the majority of folks into surfing and watersports will be dusting down their gear, sorting out their wetsuits and waxing their boards ready for kick-off. Easter is just a few short weeks away, which traditionally signals the arrival of a new surfing season. If you’re thinking of somewhere new and different to ride then this article focuses on 7 fabulous family-friendly surfing and watersports locations to choose from.

A word on surfing and watersports gear essentials.

Before you embark on any surfing and watersports trip it’s best to be prepared. Now’s the time to grab your gear and work out what needs repairing or replacing – if anything. Boards with dings and wetsuits with nicks or tears will all need sorting. And then, gear essentials to complement and enhance your watersports time away should also be looked at.

Here at EXIT, we’re keen to see wetsuit care become more of a focus. This is an eco-friendly approach that’s kinder to the planet. Looking after your wetsuit better will ensure longevity and keep petrochemical neoprene out of landfill. And then there’s a comfort thing from being able to efficiently dry, store and transport your wetsuit(s) whilst away on a surfing and watersports trip. The above EXIT technical wetsuit accessory gear has been designed with this in mind.

Carrowniskey Strand, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Over in the wild west of Ireland in County Mayo, just a short hop from Louisburgh, is the stunning Carrowniskey Beach. This is one of EXIT’s favourite places as it offers so much. Not least because it’s so stunning. 

Carrowniskey is one of the most consistent beaches for surf in the area. And with its stunning views, vast expanse of sand, close proximity to the historical Doo Lough and other areas of interest it’s one not to miss. 

Good for: surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, SUP, swimming and more.

Carrowniskey on Google Maps.

Hazards: big waves (on its day) strong rips, some rocks and isolation. Although lifeguards patrol during summer.

Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland.

With Ireland’s west-facing coast getting the lion’s share of surfing attention it’s easy to miss that the country’s south coast can do ok for waves. As well as general beach fun. Co. Waterford’s Tramore is a quintessential Irish beach resort that also has a decent surfing and watersports scene.

The name itself means ‘Big Strand’ and the 5km expanse of sand can get busy. Such is its proximity to Waterford. Yet there’s ample space. And the waves are mostly mellow. Unless you luck into a solid clean pulse of swell. Head along the coast for more options.

Good for: all types of surfing, windsports and general beach fun. A good place for beginner surfers.

Tramore on Google Maps.

Hazards: lots of other water users in high season, some rips and onshore waves need to be accounted for.

Tiree, Inner Hebrides, Scotland.

Tiree is renowned among the world of windsurfers for being the home of the annual Tiree Wave Classic – the UK’s longest-running wave sailing competition. It’s not hard to see why. Being just 78.34 km² big, with a population of 650 Tiree is a sleepy place. And yet the surfing and watersports options are abundant.

From the exposed wave venues of The Maze and Balephuil to the 100% sheltered inland Loch Bhasapol Tiree has something for everyone. On its day, with the sun shining (which happens often – Tiree has some of the longest sunlight stats in the UK) the island can resemble somewhere far more exotic.

Good for: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, foiling, SUP, swimming, kayaking and more.

Tiree on Google Maps.

Hazards: massive surf with often nobody else around. The usual dangers you also find at the coast such as rips and rocks. 

Gwithian, Cornwall, England.

Close to North Cornwall’s St.Ives, you’ll find Gwithian. An exposed beach break with the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse lying offshore in the distance it’s a great location for surfing and watersports antics.

Gwithian can still be fairly quiet even when St.Ives is bustling. The exposed golden sand at lower tides links up with Godrevy to the right and The Bluff to the left. This whole area of North Cornwall has wonderful scenery with fantastic cliff backdrops, azure blue water and incredible sunsets.

Good for: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP, kayaking, swimming and more.

Gwithian on Google Maps.

Hazards: the beach disappears at high tide. And there’s a particular big rock (Gillick Rock) that gets submerged. Rips and dumping waves should also be taken note of.

Bournemouth, Dorset, England.

Whilst not the most consistent for waves Dorest’s Bournemouth still has its day when a pulsing swell heads up the English Channel. Plus, the soft sandy beach and abundant attractions make it a great one for families. 

And what Bournemouth lacks in wave consistency is made up by the sheer variety of other watersports you can get involved with here. It’s great for windsurfing, kiting and foiling for instance. But also beach frolics and sand castle building are just as much fun.

Good for: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling, SUP foiling, paddle boarding, kayaking, bodyboarding, swimming, sailing and more.

Bournemouth on Google Maps.

Hazards: Bournemouth can be thronging on good weather days. The waves can dump heavily onto the beach. And if next to Bournemouth pier keep well away from pylons.

Compton Beach, Isle of Wight, Hampshire.

Even though Compton Beach is located right along the English Channel, because of how the Isle of Wight juts out into the sea it doesn’t do too badly on the surf front. Found on the IOW’s south-facing coast Compton is a mix of sand and some rocks. The wave can be fun and good for longboards. Although, as with anywhere, Compton has its day.

There are plenty of other options on the island. With nothing being too far away. Access is pretty easy for most spots. Although it does get busy in peak season. There are a few quiet nooks and crannies if you know where to go though.

Good for: surfing, windsports, swimming. SUP, kayaking and beach fun.

Compton on Google Maps.

Hazards: submerged rocks should be noted. Also, the cliff is subject to erosion and can give way leading to landslides in places. 

Saunton Sands, Devon, England.

Possibly an obvious choice Devonshire’s Saunton Sands is a huge sandy beach that sits in the heart of the county’s surfing real estate. A mecca for longboarders and those who don’t fancy the heavier waves of neighbouring Croyde Sanuton is a fun spot that works just as well as a beach holiday location too.

With solid surf, Saunton does get busy at the northern end. But if you head further along towards Westward Ho! the crowds thin out. Just watch the rip as the tide spills out of Torridge Estuary.

Good for: longboard surfing, foiling, windsports and mucking about at the beach.

Saunton Sands on Google Maps.

Hazards: rips, big waves at certain times, other surfers and general coastal hazards should be given a wide berth.

Scarborough, Yorkshire, England.

A twin beach resort town that still displays its Victorian heritage Scarborough is a North Sea location that has an allure some can’t resist. The town beaches themselves face different directions and boast unique surfing conditions. South is more sheltered whilst North is more exposed.

Heading along the coast in either direction yields other discoveries. So if it’s not happening at either of Scarb’s main beaches seek and ye shall find (probably). 

Good for: all surf craft, windsports, swimming and general beach frolicking.

Scarborough on Google Maps.

Hazards: Scarborough gets extremely busy in high season with lots of other water users. The water, being the North Sea, can be super cold. Big waves and rips should be avoided.

Newgale, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Much quieter than its more southern Devon and Cornish neighbours Wales; Pembrokeshire has a plethora of quality surfing and watersports beaches to choose from. The pick of the crop is Newgale which sits not too far from Europe’s smallest city, St. Davids.

Newgale is easily accessible and at low tide links up with Broadhaven to the east. All watersports are on display here. But surfing is still the main activity when it gets good. On other days the spot is good for beginners and foiling.

Good for: surfing, windsports, foiling and family beach fun. 

Newgale on Google Maps.

Hazards: high tide sees the water right up to the large stones so best to wait until it recedes. Big surf and rips at certain times and a busy lineup when conditions are good. 

Summing up.

Of course, the above locations are just a few suggestions of where you could head this Easter and high season. There are plenty more surfing and watersports locations on offer. If none of the suggested don’t tick your boxes search online to find more.

Don’t forget to head over to the EXIT online shop where you’ll find all those essential watersports accessories and gear.