Long Sands

Tynemouth Longsands stands as the beating heart of the Newcastle surf scene—a sprawling, open beachbreak that delivers both playful waves for beginners and punchier, more challenging peaks further out. This long stretch of golden sand offers a mix of lefts and rights, with consistent surf schools dotting the shoreline making it an ideal hub for learning, while the outer banks hold enough power to test experienced surfers. With a history that includes hosting the British Nationals and nurturing several of the UK’s top professional surfers, Longsands has earned its reputation as a proving ground. When a clean, medium-sized swell rolls in, the setup can be truly excellent—offering long, rippable walls that draw locals and visitors alike. Tides and winds play a critical role, so keep an eye on the forecast to catch this classic Northumberland break at its best.

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic is in full attack mode through the autumn and winter months, and Long Sands sits squarely in the firing line. As deep extratropical cyclones track northeast across the Atlantic, they aim a blend of NNE, NE, ENE and E swell into this east-northeast-facing beach, while the accompanying cold fronts often leave behind SW, WSW and W offshore flow. Average surf heights run 1.1-1.3m (4-4.5ft) and periods hover in the 7.6-7.8s range, giving punchy, rideable, occasionally powerful waves. This is the window when the percentage of ideal wind jumps to 30-37%, and the combination of clean offshore wind and organised sea-state is what puts Long Sands at its best. During winters dominated by a positive North Atlantic Oscillation, the storm track is amplified and delivers even bigger and more consistent Atlantic swells to this part of the North Sea. Water temperatures are cold - 6-12°C - but that is the price of quality on England's northeast coast.