Tynemouth Longsands is one of the best-known and most popular surfing beaches in North East England. Located in Tynemouth, near Newcastle upon Tyne, Longsands has a long history of surfing and a strong local surf community.

With around half a mile of sandy beach, multiple peaks and waves suitable for different abilities, Longsands is a great place to learn to surf, improve your skills or simply enjoy a session in the North Sea. The beach is backed by dunes and the promenade, giving it a distinctive setting and plenty of space to explore different peaks.

About Tynemouth Longsands

Longsands is a sandy beach break, meaning that the waves break over sand rather than a rocky reef. Conditions can vary considerably along the length of the beach, with different peaks appearing depending on the swell, wind, tide and shape of the sandbanks.

This variety is one of the things that makes Longsands so popular. On a small day, it can provide gentle waves for beginners. When a larger North Sea swell arrives, the waves can become faster, more powerful and much more challenging.

The beach attracts everyone from first-time surfers to experienced local riders.

Tynemouth Longsands at a Glance

Location: Tynemouth, North Tyneside
Wave type: Beach break
Best for: Beginners to experienced surfers
Boards: Softboards, longboards, mid-lengths and shortboards
Surf schools: Yes
Equipment hire: Yes
Local surf shops: Yes
Lifeguards: Seasonal patrols apply; always check current coverage before entering the water. In 2026, the RNLI lists daily patrols at Longsands during the summer season.

The Waves at Longsands

Longsands can produce several peaks along the beach rather than just one fixed break. This means that conditions can differ from one end of the beach to the other.

You may find:

• Gentle, spilling waves for beginners
• Left and right-hand waves
• Multiple peaks along the beach
• Cleaner waves when the wind is favourable
• Faster, more powerful surf during larger swells
• Smaller summer waves ideal for learning
• Bigger autumn and winter surf for experienced surfers

The sandbanks constantly change, so no two seasons are exactly the same.

Best for Beginners

Tynemouth Longsands is an excellent place to learn because it has a large sandy beach and established surf schools operating directly from Longsands.

On smaller days, beginners can practise:

• Paddling
• Positioning on the board
• Catching whitewater waves
• Standing up
• Turning
• Reading incoming waves
• Basic surf etiquette

A lesson with a qualified instructor is the best place to start if you are new to surfing.

Best for Intermediate Surfers

Intermediate surfers can use Longsands to work on:

• Catching unbroken waves
• Better wave selection
• Bottom turns
• Trimming along the wave
• Generating speed
• Duck diving
• Improving paddle fitness

Because there can be several peaks along the beach, it is worth taking time to watch the conditions and find a wave that suits your ability.

Advanced Surfing

During larger swells, Longsands can become a much more serious surf spot.

Experienced surfers may find:

• Larger faces
• Faster take-offs
• More powerful sections
• Stronger currents
• Challenging paddle-outs
• Heavy close-outs in some conditions

Big winter surf is not suitable for beginners. Always assess the conditions before entering the water.

Best Conditions for Surfing Longsands

Longsands is exposed to North Sea swell, and the exact conditions that work best can vary with the shape of the sandbanks.

Generally, surfers look for:

• East to north-east swell
• Light winds
• Favourable offshore winds
• Clean swell
• Well-shaped sandbanks
• A suitable tide for the particular peak

The best approach is to check the beach in person and watch the sea before getting changed.

Check More Than Just Wave Height

Before surfing, look at:

• Swell direction
• Swell period
• Wind speed
• Wind direction
• Tide
• Wave quality
• Rip currents
• Other surfers already in the water

A smaller, clean swell can often provide a better session than a larger, windy swell.

When Is the Best Time to Surf Longsands?

Autumn

Autumn can be an excellent time for surfing at Longsands.

You may get:

• More frequent swells
• Better wave size
• Changing weather and dramatic skies
• Water that is still relatively warmer than winter

Winter

Winter can produce some of the biggest and most powerful waves of the year.

However, it also brings:

• Cold water
• Strong winds
• Larger surf
• Strong currents
• More demanding conditions

A proper winter wetsuit, boots, gloves and hood may be necessary depending on the conditions.

Spring

Spring can offer good surf with improving temperatures, although swell consistency can vary.

Summer

Summer often provides smaller, more manageable waves, making it a great time for:

• Beginners
• Surf lessons
• Softboards
• Longboarding
• Families
• Improving basic skills

Local Surf Schools at Tynemouth Longsands

There are established surf schools operating from Longsands Beach.

Longsands Surf School

Longsands Surf School is based directly at Tynemouth Longsands and offers lessons for adults and children, as well as surf hire. The school also offers private and bespoke bookings and has been part of the Longsands surf community since 2009.

Visit Longsands Surf School

Tynemouth Surf Co – Surf School

Tynemouth Surf Co operates as a surf school at Longsands and is one of the long-established options for learning to surf at the beach. The RNLI has identified both Tynemouth Surf Co and Longsands Surf School as popular surf schools at Longsands.

Local Surf Shops

Tynemouth Surf Co.

Tynemouth Surf Co also has a local surf shop in Tynemouth, making it a useful place to look for surfboards, wetsuits and other surfing equipment.

For beginners, getting advice from a local surf shop can help you choose equipment that suits both your ability and typical North Sea conditions.

Longsands Surf School Shop

Longsands Surf School also operates an online shop selling surf gear, wetsuits, accessories and Longsands-branded clothing.

Visit the Longsands Surf School shop

Surf Hire at Longsands

If you do not own your own equipment, Longsands Surf School offers surfboard and wetsuit hire directly from the beach.

Hiring equipment can be a good option if:

• You are visiting Tynemouth
• You are trying surfing for the first time
• You want to test a different type of board
• You do not want to travel with your own equipment

What Equipment Do You Need?

For Beginners

A good beginner setup usually includes:

• Soft-top surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Leash
• Surf wax
• Suitable footwear when conditions require it

The surf schools can provide suitable equipment for lessons.

For More Experienced Surfers

Your choice of board will depend on the conditions:

• Longboard for smaller, slower waves
• Mid-length for versatile conditions
• Fish for small to medium surf
• Shortboard for faster and more powerful waves

Safety at Tynemouth Longsands

Longsands is an exposed North Sea beach, and conditions can change quickly.

The RNLI provides seasonal lifeguard coverage, while the Met Office specifically warns that rip currents can occur and that the beach has a greater risk of rips. Check current patrol times and conditions rather than assuming a lifeguard is present.

Before entering the water, check:

• Where the waves are breaking
• Where other surfers are paddling out
• Any visible rip currents
• The strength of the wind
• The size of the swell
• Your entry and exit points
• Your own ability level

Rip Currents

Rip currents can occur at Longsands. The RNLI has previously recorded a surfer rescue after a person was caught in a rip current, with the south end of the beach identified in that incident as an area that could be prone to rips. Conditions change, so this should not be treated as a fixed rip location.

If you are caught in a rip:

1. Stay calm.
2. Do not panic or waste energy fighting the current.
3. Signal for help if needed.
4. Follow current lifeguard or RNLI safety guidance.
5. If you are in danger, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Surf Etiquette at Longsands

Longsands can become busy when the surf is good, especially around popular peaks and during weekends.

Remember:

• The surfer already riding the wave has priority.
• Do not drop in on someone else’s wave.
• Look before taking off.
• Do not let go of your board.
• Avoid paddling directly into another surfer’s path.
• Give beginners space.
• Respect local surfers.
• Take your rubbish home.

Good etiquette helps keep the lineup safer and friendlier for everyone.

A Typical Surf Session at Longsands

A good session starts before you enter the water.

Step 1: Check the Conditions

Spend a few minutes watching the sea.

Look for the cleanest and most consistent waves.

Step 2: Find a Suitable Peak

Choose a section of the beach that matches your ability.

Do not automatically paddle out where everyone else is surfing.

Step 3: Identify Hazards

Look for:

• Rips
• Strong currents
• Larger sets
• Other surfers
• Safe entry and exit points

Step 4: Get in the Water

Take your time and do not rush. Conditions can feel very different once you are in the sea.

Surf Photography at Tynemouth Longsands

Longsands is also an excellent location for surf photography.

The long beach provides plenty of space for photographers to work, while the coastline, dunes and changing North Sea weather can create dramatic backgrounds.

Great opportunities include:

• Sunrise surf sessions
• Winter swells
• Offshore spray
• Longboarders
• Beginner surf lessons
• Action photography
• Beach-based photography
• In-water photography
• Surf lifestyle photography
• Local surf events and competitions

For surf photographers, conditions can change rapidly, so being ready before the light or waves improve is essential.

Final Thoughts

Tynemouth Longsands is much more than just a beach where you can occasionally catch a wave. It is one of the centres of the North East surfing community, with a wide sandy beach, a variety of peaks, surf schools, equipment hire and local surf businesses.

Whether you are catching your first whitewater wave, progressing to unbroken waves, chasing a winter swell or photographing the local surf scene, Longsands has something to offer.

Respect the sea, check the conditions, support the local surf community and enjoy one of North East England’s best-known surfing beaches.