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Five Go Surfing in Croyde

By Tracey Davies

Glorious sandy beaches meet the wild surf of the Atlantic Ocean. If you like a side of adrenaline with your Devonshire cream tea, then Croyde is the place to be.

Nestling under the craggy nubbin of Baggy Point, ten miles northwest of Barnstaple, is the delightful seaside resort of Croyde. With a stretch of warm malt-coloured sands, sprawling pampas-strewn dunes, and perfectly-pink thatched cottages, it feels like walking through a big box of holiday fudge.

We arrive mid-afternoon in our campervan after a leisurely four and a half hour drive from London. The gentle country scenes conjure up dreams of binning city life for a more down-to-earth existence, ‘Let’s move here and grow cabbages’ I suggest, as we sway along the snaking coastal lanes.

As we pitch up at the camp, a couple of wetsuit clad boys with candy coloured surfboards under their arms, greet us with a ‘hi’ and a wink. Their sandy toes an indication of our proximity to the beach.

Ruda Holiday Park offers value for money pitches for tents and caravans as well well-equipped lodges and beachside apartments. Onsite is a reasonably priced mini-supermarket and bakery with everything you need for a BBQ after a day in the surf. Cafe@Ruda serves a full English breakfasts from £1.95, ‘lunches for a fiver’ and for urban coffee junkies like me, a decent cappuccino, courtesy of Costa coffee.

The park offers all the rudiments you come to expect from a good holiday camp, a couple of bars, nightly cabaret, bingo and a kids club. Plus it has the essential alternatives if the weather is less than perfect. The tropical adventure swimming pool, Cascades is home to the fastest waterslide I have ever experienced, but also has plenty for little ones too.

Surfing is a religion in the South West. Croyde Bay is believed to be one of the best surfing beaches in the UK, hosting both the British Surfing Championships, and the annual Gold Coast Ocean Festival. With twice as many surf schools as there are ice cream shops, it’s not hard not to fall under the surfing spell.

After boasting that I was off surfing for the weekend, the least I can do is hire the gear, even if it is only for a photo opportunity. As I don the suit, I realise why more and more women are taking up the sport. The slimming black wetsuit is very flattering apparel for the beach. As well as looking the part, I find the surf vibe intoxicating, and before I know it, I am on my board, on the beach being taught the basics by my Australian instructor, Nicole.

My three-year old son seems born to this life. Clad in a mini-wetsuit, he looks like a baby seal in sunglasses. He proudly drags his boogie board to the shore, and with far more confidence than his mother, he plunges into the foaming, white waves squealing with glee. Encouraged by his bravado I too take the plunge. Not a natural surfer by any means, although my enthusiasm is boundless. Riding the waves on my 7’6” board, I couldn’t quite manage to stand up, but this didn’t dilute the rush of pure adrenaline I felt as I ungraciously crash through the waves time and time again.

The bay area is perfect for children of all ages. The surf is shallow, and the water’s crystal clear. With both the Blue Flag and the Seaside Awards under its belt, you can guarantee that the beach is both clean and safe. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer season, and there are designated bathing areas for surfer-free swimming.

Croyde is great for a holiday or a long weekend. With plenty of healthy outdoor pursuits, leisurely coastal walks and my new favourite hobby, enjoying a nice Devonshire cream tea!

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