Overview
South Shields is a beachbreak that kicks off a run of fun peaks stretching south to Marsden. The waves break over sand and peel both left and right, and the South Pier at the mouth of the Tyne offers some shelter from north winds. One thing worth knowing before you paddle out: the river mouth pushes residential, commercial, and stormwater pollution into the lineup.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from north through east-northeast to southeast (N-ENE-SE), and it comes together best when the swell lines up from the northeast. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, with the smaller and larger ends of that window generally too weak or too big to surf well.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southwest offshore wind to clean up the faces. The beach comes to life around mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Access
There is a car park above the beach.
