Beginners Guide to Surfing Widemouth Bay in Bude, Cornwall

Widemouth Bay is a very popular beach for surfing. This is due to the convenient location, the size of the beach and of course… the surf!

The waves at Widemouth Bay often break more gently than Bude’s other surfing beaches and this is for two main reasons. Firstly, Widemouth Bay is positioned in the corner of Bude’s west facing coastline. This offers the bay some shelter from the brunt of Atlantic swells making the waves smaller and less powerful than other local beaches. The second reason is due to the shape of the bay and low lying areas at the top of the beach. These low lying areas at the top of the beach allow sand (which is blown around by the wind) to escape off of the beach and not be built up at the top. If the sand was prevented from leaving the beach, then it would cause the beach (and waves) to be much steeper and less favourable for those learning. So with less swell and more gently sloping sandbanks means Widemouth Bay is a great place for surfers of all levels.

The Beach sits 2.5 miles to the south of Bude town. The large bay is made up of two main beaches both with their own carpark, cafe and toilet facilities. Blackrock Beach sits at the south end of Widemouth Bay and Trelawny Beach to the North. The name Trelawny has all but faded away and the north end is now more commonly referred to as Widemouth Beach. Both beaches can be accessed by one another across the sand unless there is a spring high tide where the beaches are cut off from one another.

When is it best to surf at Widemouth Bay?

It is best to surf at Widemouth Bay around mid tide. This is when the waves will be travelling over the flattest part of the beach and causes the surf to break more gently. This is ideal, especially when you are when you’re learning to surf! We recommend surfing Widemouth Bay 2 hours after high tide and/or 2 hours after low tide.

The waves at Widemouth Bay are often better in the earlier parts of the morning and the beach quieter. More space for you to enjoy your surf sliding session! Despite the temptations of dawn patrol surf sessions, we always recommend the you surf when the beach is lifeguarded. Find out dates and times of when Widemouth and Blackrock Beach is lifeguarded.

All stages of the tide can be a fun time to surf Widemouth Bay. This often depends on the surf and weather conditions that day so make sure you check the surf report for Widemouth Bay before you head to the beach. Use this guide to see how the waves at break at different stages of the tide.

High Tide – Steep and fast breaking waves with a short run – Some currents depending on conditions – Short paddle out
Mid Tide – Gentle breaking waves – Many water users especially in summer – Moderate currents
Low Tide – Steep fast waves – Stronger currents – lots of space

What surfboard should I ride at Widemouth Beach?

Which surfboard should I surf at Widemouth Bay

Everyone is different and so your surfboard choice for surfing at Widemouth Bay should reflect your ability, aspirations and what you would like to do when you’re surfing on a wave.

The waves at Widemouth Bay can be more gentle than other beaches. Choosing a surfboard with a little more buoyancy is often a good choice for surfing at this beach. Longboards, Mini Mal’s and Fish’s are a popular choice of board for surfing at Widemouth Bay. For surfboard and wetsuit rentals checkout our Surf Hire

What dangers should I look out for when surfing in Widemouth Bay?

The lifeguards at Widemouth Bay use black and white chequered flags to create a safe surfing zone. This safe surfing zone is placed away from strong rip currents, rocks and will often be located next to the safe swimming zone marked out by the red and yellow flags. If you are a beginner or intermediate then always surf within this black and white flagged area. If you are unsure about where to go surfing at Widemouth then always speak to a lifeguard before entering the water. Taking a single or course of surfing lessons will help you to understand the basics as well as how to keep yourself and others around you safe while surfing. The Bude RNLI have an Instagram account which gives up to date advice.

At high tide it is best to line yourself up somewhere between the steps down to the beach and the Widemouth Cafe. It is good practice to stay away from the rocks at either end of the beach as there are often stronger currents found here. Always stay within the black and white chequered flags!
At Mid tide the beach becomes very busy as it is a popular time for surfers and pesky surf schools! Be aware of people around you and where your surfboard is at all times. The beach is much flatter at mid tide and there can also be strong currents so always stay within the black and white flags!
Low tide at Widemouth can be a a really great place to surf and it can also be very dangerous. The swell and weather will often dictate this so it is wise to check the conditions before venturing down to the beach. How far out the tide has gone out is also a major factor to how the waves will break. If it is a neap tides the tide will not go out very far and if it is a spring tide the the waves drop out much further. The tidal position changes on a daily basis as does the swell and weather conditions. If you are unsure where or even if you should be going in the water, then always check with a lifeguard first.

How to stay safe when surfing at Widemouth Beach

Here are a few final top tips to staying safe when surfing at Widemouth Beach:

Surf on a lifeguarded beach at all times (see link for dates/times) and in the safe surfing zone.

Take some surfing lesson with an accredited surf school.

Surf with a friend or have someone on the beach that can keep an eye on you.

Keep your feet on the floor when you are not catching a wave. This will help you to be aware of where you are and to prevent any unwanted drifting.

Use a suitable surfboard for your ability and a wetsuit that is the correct thickness for the time of year.

If you are unsure if you should or should not be going in the water then don’t. Seek advice before jumping in.