Overview
Shoreham is a beach break set around a harbour arm and power station, where the sandbar is anchored by the power-station outfall. Its best-known peak, the Hotpipe, is the outflow from the nearby power plant, sitting on the eastern outside of the harbour arm at the most consistent end of a series of lefts and rights. In big storm conditions the wave also breaks inside the harbour arm itself, sheltered from the wind and funnelled between concrete walls to throw up both rights and lefts, an almost proto-wavepool setup. It rates below average overall, but delivers fun waves when the Channel comes to life.
When It Works
The bank picks up swell from east through south to southwest and comes into its own on a southwest (SW) swell. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.2 m / 4 ft, so anything from thigh-high days up to the occasional overhead set has something to offer. Autumn and winter are the times to be here, with September to February the pick of the year as the big swells roll into the Channel.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southeast (SE) offshore wind to clean things up. The break works through much of the tide, from low to near high, with mid tide the best of it and a rising tide generally the better call. Paddling out is easy when it is small but can be hard work once the wind turns onshore.
Local Tips
Beginners and intermediates will find plenty to work with here, and it takes just about any board, from shortboard and fish to funboard, longboard, SUP, or bodyboard. The lineup is laid-back and somewhat reserved, though expect company when it is on, because if there is a wave the crowd will be on it. Keep an eye on the groynes and breakwaters that come into play as the tide pushes in, and watch for rips.
Access
Parking is easy right by the beach, with a car park at Basin Road plus roadside spaces nearby. The water can get polluted after heavy rain.
