SURF’S UP IN BUDE
BUDE’S WEST FACING BEACHES MAKE IT A SURFER’S PARADISE AND A POPULAR PLACE FOR SURFING HOLIDAYS WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS. WITH EXPERT SURF SCHOOLS, A PLETHORA OF EMPORIUMS TO RENT OR BUY GEAR AND PLENTY OF WAVES, IT’S HARD NOT TO RIDE THE WAVE OF THIS TOWN’S LAID-BACK SURF CULTURE.
The Beach
Whilst we cannot guarantee the weather of Bondi Beach, Crooklet’s has drawn comparisons due to its consistent waves ideal for the pros among us. For those ‘groms’ or intermediate surfers, a short 5-minute hop across Middle Beach, and Summerleaze Beach is a sheltered cove ideal for all levels. There you’ll find many of the surf schools who have cabins in the carpark that they operate out of.
As seasoned surfer Paul from Zuma Jay’s says “We’re lucky to have Summerleaze Beach. At hightide, it can be surfed by beginners as it’s a safer and more manageable wave. It’s is also quite sheltered when surf is big, allowing us to surf through most conditions”. However, if conditions are ever ‘off’ or you fancy a change of scene, “there’s always a wave to be had at Widemouth Bay”. Widemouth Bay’s consistent wave has helped produce a fair few of the UK’s top surf pros.
You can surf in Bude at any time of year, whilst winter might be cold, with the right gear the waves are excellent. Summer is chilled surf, with warmer water (a joy) but spring is probably the best, as the days are longer, but the water isn’t busy.
Widemouth Bay
The Instructor
There doesn’t seem to be a bad option for surf schools in Bude, all are well established and professional. We’ve had lessons with Bude Surfing Experience and Big Blue. In the school holidays, lessons will be incredibly busy and whilst they’re good for confidence there won’t be much instructor time and the water will be full of boards!
It can be worth investing in private lessons to get the most out of your time in the water as a beginner, or if you already have some confidence and want to take it up a level. All schools offer private lessons, but to drop a couple of recommended names, try Reubyn Ash at Widemouth Bay or Pete Smith from Salt Water Safari. As Salt Water Safari says, it’s always worth booking a block of lessons if you can, as that’ll really help push your surfing forward.
The Gear
Having the right gear makes all the difference to your confidence — and performance! At The Pink House we’ve invested in high-quality bodyboards from Zuma Jay’s, so our guests can avoid purchasing unsustainable, breakable polystyrene boards that can end up littering our oceans. For boards and suits, if you’re booking a lesson they’ll be included, or within walking distance of the house there’s great service at Bude Surf Cabin or Zuma Jay’s a few minute’s walk further into town.
For expert advice, we’ve always had a great experience at Zuma Jay’s. The team at the shop champion sustainable options and really know their stuff, they recommend well-made gear, particularly locally made boards, believing that if they’re sold correctly, and are the right size for the surfer, they’ll last for years and the re-sale value will be high. Paul also recommends asking to try before you buy, as “sometimes that’s the only way to make sure the board is 100% right”.
As for kit from board bags to beach apparel, the big brands still control the surf industry but there are smaller brands rooted in ethical, sustainable philosophies like Bude-based Rooted Ocean. Not only is their gear stylish and made to last, but they also have a repair centre, offering repairs on any brands gear from tears on your favourite backpack to a blown zip on your wetsuit.
The Surf Room
If you are hiring boards for the week, or you’re bringing your own, The Pink House has a surf room accessed from the outdoor steps and adjoining the utility room. With plenty of space to store boards safely, a hot outdoor shower and a hose for sandy suits when you get home, there’s no excuse not to get in the water.