Overview
Lyme Regis is a beachbreak tucked into the eastern lee of the harbour breakwater, picking up both right and left peaks over a sand and shingle bottom. When a big southwesterly swell or windswell arrives, it can serve up long, rolling waves with the occasional walling section, though it turns dumpy at high tide as the waves break onto shingle. It sits at the below-average end of the region's spots, so it needs the right setup to come alive.
When It Works
The break draws its swell from the southwest through west-southwest (SW-WSW), and it is very much a winter spot, coming alive from December to February when big swells push through. It is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.1 m / 7 ft, with waves running anywhere from thigh-high to overhead. The longest, cleanest rides tend to show at low tide in a solid southwesterly swell. When it is big, keep an eye out for rips.
Wind and Tide
Look for north-northeast (NNE) offshore wind, with a workable wind window stretching from north to northeast (N-NE). It breaks across low, mid, and high tide, but a rising tide is the better call, and it is worth avoiding the top of the tide when the shingle makes things dump.
Local Tips
This is a forgiving, easy-going wave that suits beginners and intermediates, and it handles just about any board, from shortboards and fish through funboards, longboards, and SUPs. The lineup stays fairly quiet and is popular with SUPs, though the atmosphere can feel a little reserved.
Access
Park at the Monmouth Beach car park, a short walk to the west of the bay.
