Anybody here from Croyde Devon?

[Even Flow]

I'm looking at coming to Croyde for a week later in the summer and wondered if theres any surfers up there to hook up with at beach time. I'm about to learn surfing after struggling with kitesurfing for two years so if anyone has any advice on Croyde I'd appreciate it.

[Phil]

if your just starting out its worth checking out saunton its a slower fatter wave much nicer to learn on plus its about 3 miles long so can avoid the croweds unlike croyde that gets way to crowded

[Even Flow]

Thanks Phil. I'll be takin a look now.

[drowningbitbybit]

Yeah, croyde sucks for learning in the summer - the crowds there are unbelievable. You could walk from one end to the other on blue and yellow foam boards

I agree - saunton is a better bet. Much more mellow and less crowded. If its onshore at saunton then try Putsborough (round the other corner from croyde) which gets shelter from the wind. Although Puts is a bit all or nothing - strong swell on the incoming tide and it'll be firing, then go flat as the tide goes out

But with three beaches facing three directions, if you're staying at croyde you can normally find a clean (ish) wave somewhere

[Even Flow]

Thanks again. Just to push the subject on a bit, I'll be staying in my campervan so do you have any good tips for camping?

[babyboarder89]

yes, my grandfolks in braunton know some people who own a campsite near gorgeham, im not sure exactly where but its close enough to saunton to drive and theres a bus (im relatively sure the campsites in gorgeham) the bus is 308 or 408 or something, its a great bus but always late. if your at saunton in the summer and you see someone on a red and pink longboard, come over and say hi!

[drowningbitbybit]

Ah... campervans in Croyde...

There's several campsites - I dont know the one in Georgeham, but Georgeham is right near Puts so that might be good for you. Ruda in Croyde is always packed in august, and you probably wont get on with a van. Lobb fields near Braunton is usually a safe bet... but they lock the gates at night which ruins that dawn session!

In winter you can pitch up in loads of places, but in summer you'll get told to move on if you're not on a proper site

The worst thing about croyde in summer is the traffic - if you're in a van, the best thing is to camp up somewhere else for the night then drive into croyde/saunton/wherever REALLY early (like, dawn) and settle in for the day

[Even Flow]

Your all giving me some stellar information here but I think I ought to search for some pictures of the bays and sea fronts. That way I'll not look so incompetent when asking about driving in early and parking on a sea front like you say. But is it a sea front or do you mean park in town?

see someone on a red and pink longboard, come over and say hi!

Sure I'll remember this. I'll stick around here and let you know when I'm coming down. I'd feel better meeting a local than turning up green at 37!
Thanks for the input as I do appreciate it.
Gotta start a new thread on longboards and what brand..............

[reef]

Check out eyeball surfcheck for local beaches.

ste

[Even Flow]

Super Reef. Nice work.

Theres going to be a few going now so I'll keep my hand in here if you guys don't mind.

Flow.

[PapaW]

Couldn't have said that al better myself... Have fun.

[Even Flow]

Cheers people. Theres now a group of us coming so any info appreciated.

[babyboarder89]

ah lobb fields! i know where that is! i helped with lambing at east sauntoin farm rightnear there!
sorry, getting all over excited somebody slap me!

[Even Flow]

What about Putsborough sands end of Staunton? Any good for some newbies and inters?

PAPA WOOLCOMBE. I just read in travel where you work and realised I spoke with someone on the phone from there today. I was ringing about 6 VW Campers for September explaining were in our late 30s early 40s having a mid life crisis surf sesh. Not the rowdy stag affairs so were OK if needed. Gotta say it's top on my list because it looks so clean with superb views. Coming away from the beach having spent all day on it is a bonus and with views like that, well..............

[PapaW]

Ah cool, as i said over at eyeball :)


Putts is only worth the stupidly expensive car park and summer traffic if there is a howling SW wind and a worth swell. if not don't bother.

[Even Flow]

Good god man, you get everywhere! You know where I'm coming from with this Papa and I have a site 95% decided. Just gotta cover all those possibilities

Thanks again.

Flow.

[CheeZee]

..just cause no else has mentioned it !

theres always 'guerilla camping' at i think its called 'crows point' or summat at the end of Saunton beach ..we in the past have got away with pitching on the beach cause the wardens dont come all the way down to check whos there ... might have changed now so would be best to check with someone with more knowledge ... " phil " .. you in ere ' today ?

[babyboarder89]

last time i was there theyd put a gate acros the far car park and bollards etc so you cant drive up the awesome up and downy path where i drove a car!! awesome fun (but anyway) im not sure you can get up to the far car park anymore.

[Guest]

hey Baby B'

hehehe ..yeh , i did that bit on my motorbike ..much fun .. shame to hear that they've barricaded it off ,, i was looking forward to waking up on the beach at least once this year instead of listening to non-surfy loud idiots on a campsite all night

[CheeZee]

... hmm not sure why i came in as a guest on that post ..but guessing you knew it t'was me