World-class waves on our doorstep
Here at Surfing England, we’re privileged to be based right in the heart of the North Devon World Surfing Reserve. Our Braunton office is a stone’s throw from Saunton and Croyde, and we never take it for granted that we live and work close to world-class surf breaks.
We’re also really privileged to work side by side with the dedicated folks at the North Devon World Surfing Reserve!
The North Devon World Surfing Reserve is a community-led organisation that protects local surf breaks and their related ecosystems to conserve the surfing experience and make sure there are waves for all for ever.
The Reserve covers a world-class surf zone encompassing approximately 30 km of coastline. It contains a high density of outstanding surfing destinations, including iconic breaks such as Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Lynmouth, among others.
Local waves, global impact
A study in 2008 found that surfing was estimated to bring in more than £50 million to the North Devon area every year, and supports around 1500 jobs. Yet surfing has a far deeper value for those who live to ride perfect waves. For many people in North Devon, daily life revolves around the weather, tides, wind and their favourite surf beaches.
In March 2022, North Devon was formally announced as the 12th World Surfing Reserve alongside other iconic surfing locations including Malibu and Santa Cruz (California), Gold Coast, Noosa and Manly Beach (Australia), Bahia de Todos Santos (Mexico), Ericeira (Portugal), Punta de Lobos (Chile), Guard do Embaú (Brazil), Huanchaco (Peru) and Playa Hermosa (Costa Rica).
Establishing a recognised Surfing Reserve gives the surfing community and others a voice in decision-making processes that affect the coastline and some of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. Surf ecosystems are made up of a wide variety of specific environmental factors that produce great surf. It’s a common misconception that we don’t influence or damage this fragile balance, and we must take action to protect these vital ecosystems.
Shared responsibility
The North Devon World Surfing Reserve is steered by a Local Stewardship Council who share and foster good practice, while tackling broader issues that bear upon the surfing experience in North Devon.
The group comprises governing bodies including Surfing England, NGOs, charities such as The Wave Project, environmental groups, local community groups, Surfing England-affiliated clubs and schools, businesses and landowners, all coming together to work towards agreed goals and shared ideals.
Find out more about the North Devon Surf Reserve here!
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