Lynmouth is known as one of the UK's prime pointbreaks. It’s situated in a sheltered spot with a northerly aspect, making it reliant on larger westerly or huge southwesterly swells to bring out the best in the waves. When the right conditions hit—especially with light southerly or southeasterly winds—Lynmouth can serve up some epic long lefts that roll down the boulder point. Because of its reputation, it tends to attract a lot of surfers, coming from far and wide when the waves are on.

The surf here can range from shoulder high (about 1 meter) to head and a half high (around 4.5 meters). It's mainly a point break, and when conditions align just right, these waves can really pick up speed and become hollow as they break over the boulders. Lynmouth works on all tides, but low tide is generally when it performs best. The ideal swell direction is from the west and southwest, and if you're out there, keep in mind that you might face some arm-draining rips—so it’s best suited for expert surfers looking to ride some solid waves.

Accessing the surf can be a bit tricky; you’ll need to time your jumps off the boulders. Parking is available just on the Esplanade to the west of the harbour. Expect it to be quite crowded, especially when the swell is up, as you'll be sharing the waves with surfers from across the southwest. Also, it’s worth noting that the local vibe here can be a bit competitive, so be prepared for that if you head out. Generally, the best time to surf Lynmouth is during the winter months, between December and February, when the swells are at their peak.