Putsborough is a popular surf beach located at the southern end of Woolacombe Sands. It offers a well-sheltered spot thanks to the huge mass of Baggy Point, which blocks out the stronger south-southwest winds that can affect nearby beaches. The access road is narrow and steep, and it can get slippery when wet. There’s some camping and parking available above the beach, and the area can get a bit crowded, especially when the waves are good.

The surf at Putsborough can be decent, especially during the autumn and winter months when the swells are bigger, ranging from about 2 feet to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters). It works well on low, mid, and high tides but be aware that it can almost disappear at high tide. The waves, which break over a sandy bottom with occasional rocks, can throw up fun beach breaks that go left and right. It’s a good spot for beginners as well as more experienced surfers, and you can ride funboards, shortboards, fish, longboards, and even SUPs or bodyboards here. While the wave heights can be excellent at times, they can also be just thigh high, so it’s a mix of fun and challenge.

It’s important to keep an eye out for rips by the headland when conditions are big. The crowd factor here can get busy but is usually manageable, and the local vibe tends to be pretty relaxed. The preferred wind direction is east, which allows for better surf conditions. With its overall setup, Putsborough can offer some peaky, hollow rides, making it a decent choice for a surfing day.