Whitby is a beach that runs from the town all the way to Sandsend, starting in the northern lee of the harbour groynes. It’s a spot that can be quite sheltered during an onshore southeasterly wind, making it popular with local groms. The waves can be fun most days, especially with a small north swell, but don’t expect it to blow your mind. Access is pretty straightforward with parking along the clifftop North Promenade.
The surf here can handle swells from 2 to 6 feet (about 0.6 to 1.8 meters) coming from the North, Southeast, and East. Generally, you’ll find waist to shoulder-high waves that can be decent during low to mid tide. The preferred wind direction is Southwest, which helps to clean up the conditions. While there’s a rip next to the wall that can help you paddle out easier, paddling can still feel like a slog at times. The wave breaks over sand, but keep an eye out for some rock patches near high tide. Both beginner and intermediate surfers can enjoy this spot, and it’s suitable for shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish.
Whitby isn’t too crowded, which is a plus, and locals tend to have a friendly vibe. While the overall environment isn't amazing, you do get all the necessary facilities in town. Just keep in mind that the sandbanks shift regularly; you might hit a good one occasionally, but more often than not, you’ll find it just a standard beachie. If you're looking for bigger and more consistent waves, nearby Sandsend is usually a better bet.
