Overview
Bournemouth is a popular sand-bottom beachbreak around the pier, with fun peaks on both sides. The east side is the main draw, with lefts running back toward the pier and faster rights heading down the beach. The pier helps keep the banks consistent.
When It Works
It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, generally around waist high to head high. The best season is autumn and winter, especially September to February when bigger Channel swells arrive.
The optimal swell direction is southwest, with east windswells and rarer southwest or west groundswells also producing waves. On a solid southwest groundswell, or southeast windswell, with north wind, it can produce barrels.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is north. It prefers a rising tide, but can break through low, mid, and high tide.
Local Tips
This is one of the most popular spots on the south coast, with a large local crew, students, beginners, and plenty of other surfers in the water. The lineup can feel competitive when it is on.
There is a paddling channel next to the pier, but also a rip by the pier. Watch the crowds, the pier, and rips. Water quality can be poor after heavy rain.
Boards that fit here include shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, SUPs, bodyboards, and bodysurfing.
Access
Parking is available at the paid Bath Road South car park just back from the beach. It is open year-round, but spaces can be hard to find in summer.
Facilities include restrooms, a lifeguard, and a surf shop.
