There are great waves at Saunton, it's one of the best waves for long board surfers - and makes a great playground for windsurfer and kiteboarders, it's flat between the waves. The tide range is big, it goes out 3/4 of mile and ranges from 6-10m tides. Tide runs on a 6 hour cycle. Gentle sloping beach which stays waist deep for a long way out.
The beach has golden sand and is 4 miles long, there is a cliff at the north end of the beach, and at the south the river mouth of the Taw river, sand dunes run along the entire length of the beach. Kitesurfer have to walk down past the 'White Rock' marker 400m down the beach.
The weather changes during the year. In summer months a thin wetsuit of 3mm is fine, but from October to May a 4/3 or even a 5/4 wetsuit will be needed.
The wind depends on weather fronts coming through, the best directions are SW, W and NW. Southerly and Northerly are ok too but can be gusty. Usually about 4-6 Bft. Often gets a Westerly with 4 Bft late afternoon mid summer.
Take the M5 to junction 27 and then the A273 to Barnstaple. Follow signs to Braunton. When you reach Braunton (5 miles from Barnstaple) take a left at the sign posted to Saunton and Croyde. The Beach car park (only entrance to beach) is 2.6 miles from Braunton and is a sharp left turn that goes down into the car park...if you go past the large white hotel you've gone to far.
Kitesurfing is now allowed back at Saunton Sands. Walk down past the 'white rock' marker 400m down the beach. Don't stray out of the kitesurfing area. All other water and beach users have right of way. Kitesurfing still banned in July and August. Please always use kite leash. Parking can be up to £4 a day in the summer (free in winter).
)
)
)
)
)
)