Thurlestone Reef forecast

Thurlestone Reef Surfing is not a sport, it’s a lifestyle.

Surfers Quick Guide, Perfect Southwest swell combines with an offshore wind direction from the North-northeastt. Reliability:inconsistent, Rating:4/5

Just across from the beginner-friendly shores of Bantham lies Thurlestone, a village boasting a surf break that caters to a more seasoned clientele. While Bantham offers gentle waves perfect for learning, Thurlestone’s sandy beach, punctuated by submerged rocks and shifting sandbars, produces fast, right-hand waves that are considered some of the best on the entire coastline when the conditions are right. This challenging surf, however, comes at a price, as the break is more demanding, attracting a smaller crowd of intermediate to expert surfers. This relative solitude, coupled with the village’s charming amenities like a welcoming pub and a well-stocked village shop, makes Thurlestone a haven for those seeking a more intimate surfing experience.

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South Milton Sands Car Park,
Post Code TQ7 3JY
Capacity – 100+cars
Opening time – 24/7
1st February – 31st October, Cost – £6
1st November – 31st January, Cost £3
National Trust members park for free
(2024 prices)

Car Park adjacent to Thurlestone Golf Club car park
Post Code TQ7 3NZ
Capacity – 100+cars
Opening time – 24/7
1st April – 31st October, Cost – £1 up to 1hr, £5 up to 3hrs, £8 over 3hrs
1st November – 31st March, Cost £1 up to 1hr, £2 up to 3hrs, £4 over 3hrs
(2024 prices)

Parking: 1 car park at the north of the beach, 1 car park at South Milton Sands. Also at South Milton Sands, fields may be opened for parking in summer.
Toilets: Yes, at South Milton Sands.
Facilities: Beach shop at South Milton Sands.

Surfing Forecast

Thurlestone Reef, nestled along the rugged coastline of South Devon, is a prime example of a wild, exposed reef break. The surf here is notoriously fickle, its consistency a dance with the whims of the ocean. While the reef’s character is dictated by the unpredictable nature of the waves, wintertime holds the key to unlocking its potential. During this season, the cold winds from the north northeast create ideal offshore conditions, allowing the waves to break cleanly and with power. The surf at Thurlestone is fueled by an equal blend of windswells and groundswells, with the southwest swell direction delivering the most consistent and powerful waves. The reef itself is a right-hand break, offering a thrilling ride for experienced surfers. However, caution is paramount, as treacherous rocks lurk beneath the surface, posing a significant hazard for those who venture into the water.

Thurlestone

www.devon-tides.com

Tide times for 15 January 2025

Tide Time Height
Low   00:40 1.0m
High  06:46 5.1m
Low   13:07 0.9m
High  19:15 4.7m

Tide times for 16 January 2025

Tide Time Height
Low   01:21 1.0m
High  07:27 5.1m
Low   13:47 0.9m
High  19:54 4.7m

Tide times for 17 January 2025

Tide Time Height
Low   01:59 1.0m
High  08:03 5.0m
Low   14:23 1.0m
High  20:28 4.6m

Surfing to me is like playing music. You play different melodies with different boards.

Surfing is not a sport, it’s a lifestyle.

 Air Pressure

Surfing Thurlestone Reef is an experience that many surfers crave, and the ideal conditions for riding these waves are a rare but thrilling combination. The sweet spot for Thurlestone Reef is reached when a powerful Southwest swell rolls in, bringing with it the energy necessary to create the powerful, hollow barrels that surfers seek. This swell needs to be met by a north-northeast wind blowing offshore, which will sculpt the wave faces, clearing them of any unwanted chop and allowing them to break with clean, defined lines. As the wind pushes the waves towards the shore, the water begins to funnel through the reef, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of power and grace

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