For years now this 3 mile beach has been loved by surfers and in particular long boarders, but since the explosion of sup, paddleboarding at Saunton Sands has become a must for any budding sup surfers.
The beach is golden sand and runs for over 3 miles so there are loads of waves for everyone to enjoy. It is on e of the most popular beaches for holidaymakers and surfer in the outh west.
It faces directly west and in South Westerly winds, in which this area is best in, you need a little angle to make the most of it. The waves come in as regular as clockwork (you can watch them from the lay-by on the Croyde Road). NW winds are excellent too with a clean swell rolling round the point in the North (Saunton Down). Low tide is always best even though it means a long walk to the water and you should not sail here at high tide or if there’s a big swell running on a spring tide.
Useful information
Getting there: Take the A361 to Barnstable from junction 25 of the M5. Follow the signs to Braunton and continue on towards Croyde. Saunton is reached before Croyde.
Parking: Pay for car park next to the beach.
Ideal Wind: SW and NW.
Accomodation: Bungalows on the beach plus B&B, caravans nearby. Camping in a tent is by far the cheapest option and there are some great sites really close.
Amenities: Shop, Toilets, Cafe bar.
Water Quality:?
Suitable for: On the small days Saunton is great place to learn about sup surfing but be very respectful of others, it gets busy. Do not huddle in with the other surfers, find your own spot further away from the cliffs and swimmers.
Security: if you leave kit on your car make sure you lock it down. This applies to all venues as you are a long way from your car or van once in the water
