Boards Windsurfing » north devon Windsurfing http://boards.mpora.com Windsurfing Magazine Sun, 19 May 2013 12:14:38 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Saunton Sands, North Devon http://boards.mpora.com/travel/uk-travel/saunton-sands-north-devon.html http://boards.mpora.com/travel/uk-travel/saunton-sands-north-devon.html#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:05:39 +0000 Letitia Hristodorescu http://boards.mpora.com/?post_type=uk-travel&p=34324 Just one big beautiful stretch of sand, Saunton is the most popular beach in the North Devon area. Real waves here, with huge swells “out the back” and a relatively smaller, mushy inside break on the beach. This is a good place to learn to wave sail, especially as there is no shore dump. At low tide it is still sailable but involves a half mile walk to the water’s edge.
Please note: this is NOT a beach for beginners.

Beach Faces:

West

Best Wind Direction:

South-west and North-west are cross shore. North-westerly winds are usually stronger than forecast.

Best Wind Direction For Waves:

North-west and South-west. South or South-east can give good cross off wave riding.

Not Good:

East. Southerly winds are usually weaker than forecast as cross offshore.

Tide:

Low to mid tide is best for all levels. The push really builds the lines and widens the gaps. The ebb gives smaller waves but not much time between the sets. Forget spring high tide; you’ll get mullered.

What’s On The Bottom:

Sand

Any Hazards:

Downend Point at the North end is rocky, so keep well away by walking well down the beach in a southerly. Zillions of surfers in the summer.

Other Water Users:

Surfers, dolphins, (muppets) puppets and meat trays.

Suitability / Levels:

Advanced only. Learner wave sailors can have fun bashing up and down on the inside.

Wipeout Factor:

It does get big so losing your kit is a distinct possibility, especially out the back in the breaking swells. It may take you a while but with no rocks or coral, all you will have to deal with is breaking waves on a sandy beach.

Instruction:

None other than go as fast and as high as you can and don’t fall off!

Kit Hire:

Yes, from www.atlantic-action.com.

Friendly Factor:

Plenty of room here as the beach is over 3 miles long. Watch out for the grumpy local sailors though!

No Wind Alternatives:

Plenty of room here as the beach is over 3 miles long. Watch out for the grumpy local sailors though!

Facilities:

Toilets

Yes
Shower

Yes, but an outside one.
Windsurfing Shop

www.atlantic-action.com, www.amped.co.uk in Braunton
Food

Snack bar & restaurant
Parking

Summer costs £5 a time, in winter you can get away with it.
Pub

Over 14 to choose from in Croyde, Georgeham and Braunton. The White Lion in Braunton does a fantastic curry menu.
Accommodation:

Try www.marsdens.co.uk or www.northdevon.com

Local Hotshots:

We don’t like to brag.

Local Knowledge / Secrets:

The real issue is where to sail in North Devon. There are many good locations close by and for the best break there are some clues at www.f-loop.net

Webcams: www.tikisurf.co.uk/webcam.asp

Extra:

Andy from Atlantic Action www.atlantic-action.com/ is offering a jeroboam of champagne for anyone who sails the three main buoys off the points (the Bar, Baggy and Morte) in one year (January-January). Ask him about his disclaimer and his aim to raise a lot of charity sponsorship first.

How To Get There:

Use of a car or similar mechanised transport is best. Drive it up the A361. When the traffic lights turn green in Braunton go left (B3231), and follow the signs to Saunton. It all takes about an hour from Junction 27 on the M5. Petrol costs more up here, so save a couple of quid and fill-up before you come. Donate the saving to the RNLI

Report By:

www.f-loop.net & www.atlantic-action.com

]]> http://boards.mpora.com/travel/uk-travel/saunton-sands-north-devon.html/feed 0 SAS North Devon Beach Clean Series http://boards.mpora.com/news/sas-north-devon-beach-clean-series.html http://boards.mpora.com/news/sas-north-devon-beach-clean-series.html#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:02:08 +0000 Duncan http://boards.mpora.com/?p=30513 SAS North Devon Beach Clean

SAS North Devon Beach Clean

This November, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is calling for community beach clean volunteers to help protect some of north Devon’s finest beaches and surf spots from the growing issue of marine litter. The North Devon Beach Clean Series will take place from 12th – 27th November at 5 very special beaches across the region. SAS is organising the North Devon Beach Clean Series with the support of The Crown Estate.

Everyone is welcome to the North Devon Beach Clean Series and the SAS team looks forward to seeing SAS members, supporters, environmentalists, families, local surfing and watersports clubs joining them – the whole local beach-loving community in fact!

North Devon Beach Clean Series

  • Woolacombe – 12th November 11am – 1pm
  • Saunton Sands – 13th November 11am – 1pm
  • Westward Ho! – 26th November 11am – 1pm
  • Woody Bay – 27th November – 10am – Midday
  • Lynmouth – 27th November – 2pm – 4pm

As many SAS supporters and local residents will already be aware, the amount of marine litter found on UK beaches has almost doubled in the last fifteen years, with at least 1 piece being found on average for every 30cm of sand. Since 1994, plastic items washing up on our shores have increased by 135%. Plastic debris can take hundreds of years to break down and can be lethal to marine wildlife. The power is in our hands to make a difference and we hope to see hundreds of volunteers making a positive difference to the North Devon coast this November.

“Its amazing to see a real concentrated beach clean campaign right here in North Devon. We have some of the country’s best surf spots situated on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastlines in the world, and this will be a great opportunity to pull together and make a positive impact on the ever growing marine litter problem.” Mikey Corker, SAS North Devon Rep

SAS will be joined by local SAS Rep Mikey Corker who will be helping lead the SAS assault on unwanted beach litter. SAS will also be joined by friends from the Museum of British Surfing (www.museumofbritishsurfing.org.uk), which is based at the heart of the North Devon surfing community in Braunton.

Volunteers who would like take part in one or more of the events should contact Dom Ferris, SAS Campaign Officer on dom@sas.org.uk or call 01872 555 953

Surfers Against Sewage

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is a not-for profit environmental pressure group focused on the protection of the UK’s oceans, waves and beaches for all to access, use and enjoy safely and sustainably, via campaigning, volunteering, conservation, education and scientific research.

For more information about Surfers Against Sewage campaigns please visit www.sas.org.uk

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