Surfing

Weymouth is not famous for its surfing.  The bay and its bathing is one of the safest swimming beaches in the country and with its golden sands and shallow sand banked waters, is more akin to learning to swim rather than learning to surf.  However, in the presence of a strong Easterly wind, the water can often pick up slightly and although will never attract the boarding fraternity of Hawaii, will create enough of a swell for the youngsters to enjoy a spot of body boarding.  Again, in the right conditions, there can also sometimes be ‘proper’ surfing conditions at Ringstead, a fifteen minute drive to the East of The Esplanade.

The famously manufactured surf reef at Boscombe is now fully operational.  Opening in November 2009 at a cost of £3 million, the double budget attraction is Europe’s first artificial surf reef.  Built with as many detractors as supporters, the waves are now starting to roll in.  You should get change from an hour if you were to drive to the reef.  For further information visit www.bournemouth.co.uk/site/things-to-do/boscombe-surf-reef or www.sortedsurfshop.co.uk/weather.asp to view a webcam of the waves.

For the closest guaranteed waves, the more serious enthusiasts will need to drive to North Devon.  There are several excellent beaches to choose from including Croyde Bay and Woolacombe Bay to name but two.  See www.northdevonuk.co.uk/NDUKSurf or www.bbc.co.uk/devon/surfing/surfing_beaches1 for up to date information including surf conditions and webcams.  www.eyeball-surfcheck.co.uk provides a good selection of cameras you could check before you travel.  Using The Esplanade as a base, you should get change out of two hours driving in order to reach the North Devon beaches.

Another good link is www.southwestsurf.info.