Your Complete Guide to Surf Spots, Conditions, Webcams, Surf Schools, Surf Shops and the Local Surf Community
Scarborough is one of the main surfing hubs on the Yorkshire coast. With the exposed beach at Cayton Bay, the popular waves of North Bay, the more sheltered South Bay and nearby Filey, surfers have several options to check when a North Sea swell arrives.
Whether you are trying surfing for the first time, looking to improve, searching for a local surf shop, joining a surf club or planning a Yorkshire surf trip, Scarborough has a well-established surf community and some of the best-known surf businesses and surfing organisations on the East Coast.
Scarborough Surfing at a Glance
| Location | Best For | Type of Surf |
|---|---|---|
| Cayton Bay | All abilities | Main surf beach with several peaks |
| Pumphouse | Intermediate+ | Faster, punchier waves |
| Bunkers | Intermediate+ | More powerful conditions |
| North Bay | All abilities | Popular beach break |
| South Bay | Beginners to intermediate | More sheltered conditions |
| Filey | Beginners and longboarders | Alternative nearby option |
1. Cayton Bay
Scarborough’s Main Surf Beach
Cayton Bay is just south of Scarborough and is one of the best-known surf beaches in Yorkshire.
The large sandy bay can offer several different peaks and a variety of waves depending on swell, wind, tide and changing sandbanks.
The bay is also home to Scarborough Surf School and Cayton Bay Surf Shop.
Best for:
- Beginners in suitable small conditions
- Intermediate surfers
- Advanced surfers
- Longboarders
- Shortboarders
- Bodyboarders
Pumphouse
Pumphouse is one of Cayton Bay’s best-known surf areas and can produce faster, punchier waves.
It is generally more suitable for surfers who are confident paddling out, reading the lineup and positioning themselves correctly.
Best for:
- Intermediate surfers
- Advanced surfers
- Confident progressing surfers
Always assess the conditions before entering the water.
Bunkers
Bunkers is another recognised section of Cayton Bay and can produce more powerful conditions.
Best for:
- Intermediate surfers
- Advanced surfers
- Confident surfers looking for a more challenging wave
2. Scarborough North Bay
North Bay is one of Scarborough’s main surfing beaches and a major centre for surf lessons and equipment hire.
The bay can pick up North Sea swell and is popular with everyone from first-time surfers to experienced locals.
Best for:
- Beginners in appropriate conditions
- Improvers
- Intermediate surfers
- Longboarders
- Shortboarders
Watch for:
- Changing tide levels
- Rip currents
- Crowds
- Other water users
- Reduced beach space at higher tides
3. Scarborough South Bay
South Bay is generally more sheltered than Cayton Bay and North Bay.
This makes it worth checking when exposed beaches are too large or affected by strong winds.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Improvers
- Smaller surf
- More sheltered conditions
Always take care around harbour structures, walls and other obstacles.
South Bay is also particularly significant to Scarborough’s inclusive surfing community because The Wave Project operates from its South Bay base.
4. Filey – A Nearby Alternative
Filey is close enough to Scarborough to be part of a regular Yorkshire surf check.
When conditions at Cayton Bay or North Bay are unsuitable for your ability, Filey may offer a different option.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Longboarders
- Improvers
- Smaller, less powerful waves
Live Surf Webcams
Checking a webcam before leaving can save you a wasted journey.
A good surf check is:
Webcam → swell forecast → wind → tide → visual check when you arrive.
Cayton Bay
Check the local surf report and conditions through Secret Spot and Scarborough Surf School.
Website:
Scarborough North Bay
Check North Bay conditions before travelling and compare the beach with Cayton Bay.
North Yorkshire Surf Forecasts
It is worth comparing more than one forecast source, particularly when deciding which of Scarborough’s different beaches is likely to work best.
Important Webcam Advice
A webcam is useful, but it cannot show everything.
Always check:
- Actual wave size
- Rip currents
- Rocks and hazards
- Wind strength
- Changing conditions
- Your ability level
Never rely on a webcam alone.
The Wave Project – North Yorkshire
Surf Therapy, Young People and Inclusive Surfing
The Wave Project is an important part of Scarborough’s wider surf community.
It is a charity that uses surfing to support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Its Surf Therapy programmes combine physical activity, trusted relationships and time in the ocean to help young people build confidence, manage anxiety and develop stronger connections with themselves and others.
The Wave Project in Scarborough
The Wave Project expanded into North Yorkshire in 2016, beginning with a pilot Surf Therapy programme at Scarborough North Bay.
The project has since worked with more than 500 young people across the region and operates from a base on Scarborough’s West Pier. Its North Yorkshire work has included partnerships with Scarborough Surf School at Cayton Bay and Dexters Surf Shop at North Bay, as well as activity from its South Bay base.
This makes The Wave Project a particularly important organisation within Scarborough’s surf community.
The project provides opportunities including:
- Surf Therapy
- Surf Club activities
- Volunteer Surf Mentoring
- Adaptive Surfing
- Inclusive access to surfing
- Community activities
The North Yorkshire project also has a growing surf club for young people who have completed Surf Therapy.
Adaptive Surfing in Scarborough
Scarborough is one of The Wave Project’s specialist Adaptive Surfing Hubs.
The programme provides personalised surfing sessions for people with disabilities who want to experience surfing but may require additional support or specialist equipment.
The Adaptive Surfing Hub provides access to:
- Qualified adaptive surf coaches
- Seated surfboards
- Prone surfboards
- Beach wheelchairs
- Adjustable wetsuits
- Accessible beach access
- Accessible changing and toilet facilities
- Nearby disabled parking
Sessions are tailored to the individual surfer’s needs, with the appropriate equipment and level of support determined as part of the booking process.
Find out more
Wave Project – North Yorkshire
Wave Project – Adaptive Surfing
Wave Project – Official Website
Scarborough Boardriders Club
The Local Surf Club
The Scarborough Boardriders Club is another important part of the local surfing community.
Unlike a commercial surf school or surf shop, the Boardriders Club provides a community-based organisation for local surfers, families and younger surfers.
The club provides a way for surfers to become more involved in the local surfing scene, take part in club activities and connect with other surfers.
Scarborough Boardriders Club – Official Website
Membership
The club currently offers several membership categories.
Adult Membership
For surfers aged 18 and over.
Current annual cost: £30.
Junior Membership
For surfers aged 8–17.
Current annual cost: £30.
U8 Membership
For younger surfers aged 5–7.
Current annual cost: £30.
Family Membership
A family membership option is available.
Current annual cost: £80.
These are the membership rates currently listed by Scarborough Boardriders Club in August 2026.
Scarborough Boardriders – Membership Information
Who Is Scarborough Boardriders For?
The club is particularly useful for:
- Local adult surfers
- Junior surfers
- Young children getting into surfing
- Surfing families
- People wanting to become more involved in the local surf scene
- Surfers interested in grassroots surfing
- People looking to meet other local surfers
The dedicated junior and U8 categories make the club particularly relevant to families introducing children to surfing.
Why Join a Surf Club?
Being part of a local surf club can provide much more than simply having somewhere to surf.
It can help you:
- Meet other surfers
- Find out about local activities
- Get involved in events
- Support junior surfing
- Become part of the local community
- Encourage grassroots surfing
- Develop friendships within the lineup
- Learn more about the local surf scene
For someone moving to the Scarborough area, joining the Boardriders Club can be a good way of becoming part of the local surfing community rather than simply visiting the beaches.
Scarborough Boardriders and Junior Surfing
One of the strongest aspects of the club is its provision for younger surfers.
With dedicated U8 and Junior memberships, the club provides a pathway for young surfers to become involved with the local surfing community.
This also complements the work carried out by The Wave Project and the local surf schools, giving Scarborough a particularly strong network for developing young surfers.
Scarborough Boardriders Club – Quick Information
| Information | Details |
| Organisation | Scarborough Boardriders Club |
| Type | Surf club / community |
| Area | Scarborough, North Yorkshire |
| Adult membership | £30 annually |
| Junior membership | £30 annually |
| U8 membership | £30 annually |
| Family membership | £80 annually |
| Website | Scarborough Boardriders Club |
| Membership | Online |
| Contact | Club website |
Membership information checked August 2026.
How the Local Surf Community Fits Together
Scarborough has a particularly interesting surf community because several different organisations contribute in different ways.
Surf Schools
Teach people how to surf and provide coaching, equipment and local knowledge.
Scarborough Surf School
Based at Cayton Bay.
Dexters Surf Shop
Based at North Bay.
Surf Shops
Provide boards, wetsuits, accessories, equipment hire and local advice.
Secret Spot
Scarborough.
Cayton Bay Surf Shop
Cayton Bay.
Surf Club
Scarborough Boardriders Club
Provides grassroots community involvement, membership and opportunities for local surfers, juniors and families.
Surf Therapy and Inclusion
The Wave Project
Uses surfing to support young people’s wellbeing and provides Adaptive Surfing opportunities in Scarborough.
Together these organisations create a network that supports surfing from first lesson → developing surfer → local club member → experienced local surfer, while also providing opportunities for young people and people with disabilities.
Local Surf Schools
Scarborough Surf School
Scarborough Surf School operates from Cayton Bay and offers lessons for beginners, private sessions and group activities.
Address:
Killerby Cliff
Cayton Bay
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 3NR
Phone: 01723 585585
Official website:
Facebook:
Search for Scarborough Surf School on Facebook for its current official page.
Why use them?
- Beginner lessons
- Group lessons
- Private lessons
- Experienced local instructors
- Cayton Bay location
- Local surf knowledge
Dexters Surf Shop
Dexters is located directly on Scarborough’s North Bay seafront and combines a surf school, surf shop and equipment hire operation.
Address:
Unit 5, Kepwick House
Peasholm Gap
North Bay Promenade
Scarborough
YO12 7TN
Phone: 01723 377565
Official website:
Facebook:
Search for Dexters Surf Shop Scarborough on Facebook for its current official page.
Services include:
- Surf lessons
- Surfboard hire
- Wetsuit hire
- Beginner coaching
- Intermediate coaching
- SUP activities
- Kayak activities
- Bodyboarding
- Adaptive surfing
The Surf Coach
The Surf Coach is listed as a local Scarborough surf school and is another option to investigate for coaching and lessons.
Listed address:
15 West Pier
Scarborough
YO11
Phone: 07535 340322
Facebook:
Search for The Surf Coach Scarborough on Facebook to locate the current business page.
Note: Check directly with the business for its current operating location and lesson meeting point.
Slide Surf Co
Slide Surf Co is listed as a local Scarborough surf school.
Listed address:
Burniston Road
Scarborough
YO12 6PF
Phone: 07535 340322
Facebook:
Search for Slide Surf Co Scarborough on Facebook to locate its current official page.
As surf schools may use different beaches depending on conditions, contact them before travelling to confirm the meeting location.
Local Surf Shops
Secret Spot
Secret Spot is one of the best-known names in Scarborough surfing.
The shop sells surfboards, wetsuits, surf accessories and clothing and has been part of the local surfing scene since 1989.
Shop address:
4 Pavilion Terrace
Scarborough
YO11 2JU
Phone: 01723 500467
Official website:
Facebook:
Search for Secret Spot Scarborough or Secret Spot Surf Shop on Facebook for the current official page.
Cayton Bay Surf Shop
Cayton Bay Surf Shop is positioned directly above the beach and is a convenient place for surfers heading to Cayton Bay.
Address:
Killerby Cliff
Cayton Bay
Scarborough
YO11 3NR
Phone: 01723 585585
Official website:
Secret Spot / Cayton Bay Surf Shop
Surf School:
Local Surf Community Directory
| Organisation | Type | Main Location |
| Scarborough Surf School | Surf school | Cayton Bay |
| Dexters Surf Shop | Surf school, shop & hire | North Bay |
| Scarborough Boardriders Club | Surf club & community | Scarborough |
| The Wave Project | Surf Therapy & Adaptive Surfing | Scarborough |
| Secret Spot | Surf shop | Scarborough |
| Cayton Bay Surf Shop | Surf shop | Cayton Bay |
| The Surf Coach | Surf coaching | Scarborough |
| Slide Surf Co | Surf school | Scarborough |
What to Do If You Are a Beginner
If you have never surfed before, booking a lesson with a local surf school is the safest way to start.
A good beginner lesson should teach you:
- How to carry your board safely.
- How to read the beach.
- How to identify hazards.
- How to paddle.
- How to catch waves.
- How to pop up.
- Basic surfing stance.
- How to fall safely.
- Surf etiquette.
Once you have learned the basics, joining the Scarborough Boardriders Club can be a good way of becoming more involved with the local surfing community.
A Typical Scarborough Surf Check
1. Check the Webcam
Look at the live conditions before leaving.
2. Check the Swell
Look at:
- Wave height
- Swell direction
- Swell period
3. Check the Wind
Strong onshore wind can quickly ruin otherwise good waves.
4. Check the Tide
Different parts of the coast can work better at different stages of the tide.
5. Check the Beach Yourself
When you arrive, spend time watching:
- Where the waves are breaking
- Where surfers are paddling out
- Rip currents
- Rocks
- Sandbanks
- Other water users
My Recommended Scarborough Surf Route
If you are driving to Scarborough looking for the best waves, try checking:
1. Cayton Bay
The main surf option and often the first place worth checking.
2. North Bay
Compare the conditions with Cayton Bay.
3. South Bay
Worth checking when exposed beaches are too large or messy.
4. Filey
A useful alternative when the Scarborough beaches are unsuitable.
Final Thoughts
Scarborough has one of the strongest and most varied surfing communities on the Yorkshire coast.
It is not simply a collection of surf beaches. There is a network of surf schools, surf shops, a dedicated surf club, Surf Therapy programmes, Adaptive Surfing and grassroots surfers all contributing to the local scene.
The Scarborough Boardriders Club provides a community-focused route for adults, juniors and families, while The Wave Project demonstrates how surfing can be used to support young people’s wellbeing and make the ocean more accessible.
For someone new to Scarborough, the best way to become part of the scene is to:
Learn to surf → support the local surf schools and shops → meet other surfers → consider joining Scarborough Boardriders → get involved with the wider local surf community.
Check the webcams, check the forecast, check the tide and always assess the sea yourself before paddling out.
Surfing in Scarborough is about more than finding a good wave — it is about becoming part of a community.
No responses yet