Are you thinking of surfing in Suffolk but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with our handy guide to all the best surfing beaches in the area.
It may not be a premier surfing destination, but it can provide some great waves on it’s day.
Let’s look at what this coastal county offers for surfers and how you can make the most of any incoming swell.
Can You Surf In Suffolk?
Despite being very sheltered from ground swells coming off the North Sea, Suffolk’s coastline receives surfable waves on rare occasions.
Because of its tucked-away location, the waves here are rarely bigger than head high, making them perfect for beginners, mini mals, longboards and stand-up paddleboards.
These conditions are most likely to happen through the winter months, with a higher chance of storms out at sea creating waves that eventually reach Suffolk’s beaches.
Want waves with a bit more punch? Don’t miss our guide to the best surfing beaches in Cornwall.
The Best Beaches For Surfing Around Suffolk
If you’re heading to Suffolk or live in the area, and you’d like to go surfing, we can recommend some great beaches to find waves.
North Suffolk is much more exposed to swell from the North Sea, so as a general rule, the swell will always be slightly larger than in the south of the county.
*Honest tip – All the spots on the list below work best in westerly offshore winds and swells arriving from the north. Let’s jump straight into our list with the first stop on your surf trip.
Southwold
A classic resort town, Southwold is a Blue Flag award-winning beach with long sand interspersed with rocky groynes.
The beach here is bank-specific with shifting sand, meaning the best waves aren’t always in the same place.
The groynes along the beach tend to have some fun rights and lefts when a swell is running. I had the pleasure of surfing here once on a family trip. The swell was waist-high at best but perfectly glassy and clean.
Check out the video below of surfers enjoying a similar winter swell beside the pier.
Lowestoft
Lowestoft Beach, sometimes called Victoria Beach, is another Blue Flag beach popular with beachgoers year-round.
Priding itself as the most easterly surf spot in the UK, the surf here is variable in quality and comes typically in the form of wind swells rather than the groomed lines of a solid ground swell.
Low tide can kill the waves here, so try to aim to surf an hour or two on either side of the tide (ideally on the pushing tide) for the best waves.
It’s famous for Claremont Pier, which sits at the north end of the beach and provides a helpful structure for sandbanks to form around, improving the wave quality and offering lefts and right peaks on good days.
Take a trip back in time to 2009 when a few lucky surfers scored a winter wind swell that hit Lowestoft:
Corton Sands
Corton Sands, sometimes called Gunton Sands, is a long beach made of sand and shingle. The waves here aren’t great, but it is surfable in the right conditions.
Just make sure to bring a surfboard with a lot of volume and watch out for the small section of nudist beach that was shut in 2009 but still draws naturists occasionally.
Walberswick
Walberswick can provide some average waves when a northerly swell arrives.
The lack of surf here means that when a swell does arrive, the sand banks have been groomed to perfection, making for short punchy ries breaking close to shore.
Onshore winds tend to play havoc with the waves, so it’s only worth a look if it’s a gentle, westerly breeze.
Now you’re all set for surfing Suffolk when a swell arrives. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled on the local surf report for those rare north swells.
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Surf Here?
Now we know the coastline here is an underrated gem in the world of UK surfing. Let’s look at when you should pack your board and wetsuit for a Suffolk surf trip.
Autumn
Autumn’s the best time to hit the Suffolk coast. The North Sea starts to wake up, sending consistent swells for some pretty decent surf sessions.
*Pro Tip: If you’re looking for gear, check out XCEL Wetsuits for some top-notch wetsuits to keep you warm in those chilly ocean temperatures.
Winter
Winter is not for the faint-hearted. The sea can get pretty icy, but if you’re up for it, you’ll find some of the best waves of the year.
You’ll need a solid winter wetsuit, gloves, and booties if you want to make the most of the waves, but on the plus side, the local reef breaks come alive during solid swells, offering a challenge for experienced surfers.
Spring
Spring is hit or miss in Suffolk. You’ll encounter a mix of onshore and offshore winds, but if you time it right, you can catch some quality waves.
Summer
Summer comes alive with holidaymakers, all vying for their slice of the North Sea, but you’ll be lucky to find any surfable waves.
Want some real waves in the summer? Head over to our guide on surfing around North Devon for some great surf spots that work all year round.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, a quick rundown on what to expect when surfing on your next surf trip to Suffolk.
It may not be the most consistent spot in the UK, but you’ll be stoked if you score a good wave.
Don’t miss our other surf spot guides below for more tips on how you can surf the best waves.