North Devon Is The UK’s First World Surfing Reserve

North Devon is a truly beautiful piece of coastline that has recently been named the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve. What this means is that this area of southwest England has gained more protection against pollution and harmful coastal developments. Read on to find out more about this remarkable surfing destination in England and other destinations around the world.

North Devon is UK’s first World Surfing Reserve

These days we hear more and more about ecotourism that protects local environments and cultures. Other new developments include Dark Sky Parks, places where there is little light pollution, offering the best stargazing experience.

Another recent addition is Quiet Parks, places where visitors can hear only the sounds of nature. Meanwhile, efforts are also being made to protect beautiful surfing destinations around the world.

The latest addition to the list is North Devon, which has recently been named the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve. While the UK has many rugged and beautiful coastlines and plenty of swells for surfers, the southwest corner is likely the most popular for surfers. All year round, surfers head to Devon and Cornwall for the amazing curling tides. Here, there is literally something for every surfer, from beginners to experts.

However, locals wanted to ensure that their surfing beauty spot gets extra protection from pollution and harmful coastal developments. Now, the US non-profit Save the Waves Coalition has named North Devon as the first World Surfing Reserve in the UK.

Protecting the 18.6-mile coastline

With the new designation, this means that groups like UNESCO, community groups, businesses and surf clubs will work together with local charities like Surfers Against Sewage to protect this precious bit of coastline.

Adam Hall is a local surfer and the co-founder of the Surfing Reserve in North Devon. Hall explained that their core focus is looking after the quality of the waves themselves. However, it is also about preserving the delicate ecosystems that produce those waves.

“Surf spots need to be celebrated, recognized and protected in the same way we protect and recognize beautiful national parks like Exmoor.”

This is the first World Surfing Reserve in the UK and only the second on the European continent after Ericeira in Portugal. The aim of the surfing reserve is to protect the waves and the established surfing culture in North Devon from any harm. Moreover, to protect against threats such as reduced water quality and pollution, harmful coastal development, the impacts of climate change, limited coastal access and more that could threaten North Devon’s delicate ecosystems.

According to Devon Wildlife Trust, the designation is good news for wildlife and people. However, they reminded us that the entire southwest of England is facing serious environmental challenges. In fact, it still remains under threat, leading to the Trust calling for more wide-reaching protections.

Overexploitation of fish stocks

A spokesperson from the Trust said overexploitation of fish stocks is causing the decline of many of the once-familiar species. They added that pollution from sewage discharge, nutrient run-off and oil spills is extremely toxic to marine life. Meanwhile, physical disturbances like dredging, boat anchoring, mobile fishing gear and coastal development continue taking their toll on marine habitats.

“The way to protect against these threats and restore our seas and their wildlife is to implement more and bigger Marine Protected Areas – places where these environmentally damaging activities are restricted. They are a tried and tested means of protecting habitats and wildlife at sea and there are many around the world. We urgently need more in the UK.”

Where and when to surf in North Devon

When thinking of somewhere great to surf, many people think of Oahu, Hawaii, or Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. However, North Devon is considered one of the best surfing spots in the UK. In fact, it is home to the Museum of British Surfing and Surfing England, the national surfing organization in the UK.

Along the coastline, visitors will find many surf schools and tutors offering lessons for all abilities and surfing styles. One of note is the North Devon Surf School. Meanwhile, reportedly, the best breaks can be found in Lynmouth, Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton beaches.

North Devon offers excellent swells all year round and this part of England does have a temperate climate. However, apparently, the best waves arrive here in the winter months.

Other World Surfing Reserves

While North Devon is the first World Surfing Reserve in the UK, there are 12 reserves around the world. These include the Guarda Do Embau in Brazil, Huanchaco in Peru, Punta de Lobos in Chile and Bahia Todos Santos in Mexico. In Europe, there is Ericeira in Portugal.

Meanwhile, in the US, World Surfing Reserves can be found in Malibu and Santa Cruz, California. In Australia, surfers have a choice of Noosa Heads, Manly Beach and the Gold Coast.