Thurlestone
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Thurlestone is a scenic South Devon surf and wind-sports area featuring an iconic arched rock formation and a right-hand wave that breaks over a sand-and-rock/sandbar bottom. Sources describe the wave as a regional classic, but also emphasize that it can be inconsistent and highly dependent on the tide and swell setup. For surfing, the working direction is typically a South West (and sometimes South) swell, with best performance at low to mid tide. The wave is described as peeling with fast, fun characteristics, and on good days rides can run from about 50 to 150 meters, with an often-cited typical length around 100 meters. One source also notes the wave tends to hold up to around 2.5 meters before closing out. Wind sports are possible in a range of frontal/westerly conditions. Kitesurfing is described as versatile in prevailing south-westerlies, with cross-onshore/cross-onshore-like effects depending on the setup; however, riders must be cautious around submerged hazards near the rock. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also described as feasible in south-westerly winds, with rocky patches requiring competent board control and route awareness. Safety-wise, the area is notably hazard-rich: submerged rocks/reef patches, tidal currents (especially around Thurlestone Rock), and turbulence near cliffs/rock formations are repeatedly highlighted. Planning around access and parking is also important, since parking in Thurlestone village can be tight; sources advise alternative parking and walking routes. Lifeguards are described as seasonal, and rescue availability is limited, so using local tide and hazard checks is strongly advised.
- Iconic arched Thurlestone Rock
- Quality right-hand wave with sand-and-rock/sandbar bottom
- South-westerly/westerly wind setups can support surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling
- Iconic right-hand wave that can produce rides between roughly 50 and 150 meters on good days
- South-westerly/west-wind setups can suit multiple wind sports
- Clean water conditions reported for the region
- Submerged rocks and reef patches near the surf and launch areas
- Surf is tide-dependent and can be inconsistent
- Launch space can be tight at high tide; access on foot can be awkward depending on parking
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW, S, NW
- Offshore directions
- NE, E, NNE, N, ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind conditions are described as driven by low-pressure systems tracking in from the west (frontal influence).
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with rocky patches and reef.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Swell starts working around 1.0-1.5 meters and can hold up beyond 2.5 meters.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Windsurfing notes describe a mix of chop and small waves in suitable winds.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach with some rocky patches; launch space can be tight at high tide.
Through the year
Very busy in July and August with tourists; quiet and locals-only during winter months.
Winter months (November to March) see frequent low-pressure systems and storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is described as possible depending on conditions; one source notes it when surf is blown out. Another describes cross-onshore conditions in prevailing south-westerlies, with caution required around submerged hazards near the rock area.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable in south-westerly winds, providing a mix of chop and small waves, with a need to be comfortable navigating rocky areas.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Becoming increasingly popular, but reef patches and the iconic rock require good board control and knowledge of the bottom.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 2.0 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Right-hand wave breaking near the arch over a sand-and-rock/sandbar bottom. Conditions are described as inconsistent/sometimes breaking depending on swell and tide.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Sources emphasize best work at low and mid tide; low and mid tide with rising tide is also noted.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Described as semi-sheltered with some wave protection near rock formations; another source describes the break as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the North East or East groom the waves. Winds are also described as offshore-from-north-northeast.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size up to 2.5 meters before closing out; larger swell up to 2.5 meters is referenced, after which it closes out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as a regional classic.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Fast, fun surf is described, with moderate power noted for the right-hander setup.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Good days can provide rides between 50 and 150 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides can be between 50 and 150 meters on good days; a typical range of about 100 meters is noted.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Thurlestone in the full forecast view.
Thurlestone wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–32 ktsGusts 52 kts
- Direction
- SW236°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2432 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–4.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 11–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Thurlestone is forecast for daytime winds of 4–32 kts, peaking around 32 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 52 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.6–4.6 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Submerged rocks
- Reef patches
- Tidal currents
- Groyne remains
- Turbulence near cliffs and around larger rock formations
- Local submerged hazards near Thurlestone Rock
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards; group context notes patrols are standard May to September on main beaches.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital is in Plymouth. Coastguard can be reached via 999 or 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — General localism/seasonal etiquette noted in sources.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones during summer months. Check the tide carefully as the surfing wave is very tide-dependent. Launch for kiting is best at a nearby sandy area with more space; be especially cautious around submerged hazards near the iconic rock.
- Seasonal lifeguards only
- Dog restrictions apply on parts of the beach during summer
- Respect swimming zones during summer months
- Check the tide carefully as the surf wave is very tide-dependent.
- If kiting/launching near the rock area, be cautious of submerged hazards.
- Parking in Thurlestone village can be tight; consider parking at South Milton Sands and walk.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Plymouth
- Nearest Town
- Thurlestone
- Nearest Airport
- Exeter Airport (EXT) ~65km; Bristol Airport (BRS) ~160km; Plymouth Airport ~15km
- Parking
- Public parking at Thurlestone Golf Club; also pay-and-display parking available at South Milton Sands (National Trust) and near the golf club.
- Public Transport
- Limited rural bus services connect the coast to Kingsbridge and Plymouth; private vehicle transport is highly recommended for equipment transport.
- Access
- From Plymouth toward Kingsbridge on the A379, follow signs to Thurlestone. Park at Thurlestone Golf Club public parking, then walk over the back of the golf course following a goat track to reach the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Thurlestone Hotel, local holiday cottages, and nearby campsites in South Milton.
- Food & Drink
- Beachside cafe and a restaurant at South Milton Sands are mentioned as food options nearby.
- Equipment Rental:
- Seasonal rentals for surfboards and SUPs are usually available on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public storage; most visitors use vehicle-based storage or facilities provided by local accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair kits may be available locally; specialized repairs may require travel.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Thurlestone?
The best overall months at Thurlestone are September, October, November, April, May. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Thurlestone?
Thurlestone works with W, SW, S, NW winds. Offshore directions are NE, E, NNE, N, ENE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Thurlestone?
Recommended equipment sizes at Thurlestone: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Thurlestone suitable for?
Thurlestone suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Advanced.