Westward Ho! is a long, flat sandy beach located in North Devon, stretching from the town to the Taw estuary. It’s not known for having the most exciting surf but can be a good option when other spots are crowded. The area has a chilled vibe, making it popular with longboarders and less experienced surfers. The access is convenient with Northam Burrows car park right by the beachfront.

The surf here tends to be pretty mellow, with waves usually in the range of thigh to shoulder high (about 1 to 2.5 meters). The beach breaks can handle swell sizes from 2 ft to 8 ft (about 0.6 to 2.4 meters), but the waves are often short and fat, making it a bit tough to paddle out, especially when the size picks up. Winds coming from the east are ideal, and the preferred tide heights are low, mid, or high. Both left and right breaking waves are common, ideal for all levels from beginners to more experienced surfers. You can ride shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and even bodyboards out here.

This spot works best during the autumn and spring months, particularly between September to November and March to May. It can get busy during good conditions, but it generally stays pretty quiet. There can be rips to watch out for when the surf is bigger. Overall, while Westward Ho! may not be a classic surf destination, it can provide a fun session under the right conditions.