Overview
Whitsand Bay is a nearly four-mile stretch of sand near Plymouth, and one of the better beach breaks in the area. It throws up both rights and lefts over a sandy bottom, with good-quality waves and plenty of space to spread out even when the local crowd shows up. Good banks form along the bay, often building up around Boiler Beach and Freathy Rocks.
When It Works
The bay draws swell from the southwest to west-southwest and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.1 m / 7 ft. It comes into its own in autumn and winter, with September through February the pick of the year as bigger swells roll into the Channel. With beginner- and intermediate-friendly waves and room for everything from shortboards and fish to longboards, SUPs, and bodyboards, there's scope for most surfers when the banks line up.
Wind and Tide
Look for north-northeast offshore wind, with a workable wind window from north to northeast. It's best from low to mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. The paddle can get rippy once the size picks up.
Local Tips
The lineup stays fairly quiet and can feel a little reserved, but the sheer length of the beach means there's loads of room to find your own peak.
Access
Parking and access are the main hassle, with only a few small car parks set back from the beach; the biggest is at Tregantle, and some of the access trails are steep and a bit sketchy. The area around Tregantle sits on a military firing range and is closed when the red flags are flying. Watch for rocks at high tide, and expect rips when it's big.
