Limavady (Londonderry)
Beach breakAll levels
An 11 km beach below the Binevenagh cliff, with room for everyone.
The coast faces north and gets Atlantic swells coming between Scotland and Ireland; it works with a north-west or north swell and a southerly wind. The best season runs from September to April. Water is 8–9 °C in winter and about 14 °C in summer: a 5/4 hooded wetsuit, booties and gloves in winter.
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Coleraine (Londonderry)
Beach breakAll levels
A quiet beach by the Mussenden Temple, with banks that work on any tide.
Portstewart (Londonderry)
Beach breakAll levels
About 3 km of National Trust beach, with peaks along the whole strand.
Portrush (Antrim)
Beach breakBeginner
Portrush's gentlest beach, by the harbour: good for learning.
Portrush (Antrim)
Beach breakIntermediate
Portrush's main beach, with barrels by the Arcadia on good days.
Portrush (Antrim)
Beach breakIntermediate
Below white chalk cliffs, the most powerful peak on Portrush's beach.
Bushmills (Antrim)
RivermouthIntermediate
A bay next to the Giant's Causeway, with a short, hollow river-mouth wave.
Conditions at a glance
| Spot | Wave type | Level | Best swell | Best wind (offshore) | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benone Strand | Beach break | All levels | NW, N | S, SE, SW | All tides |
| Castlerock | Beach break | All levels | NW, N | S, SE, SW | All tides |
| Portstewart Strand | Beach break | All levels | NW, N | SE, S | Mid |
| West Strand | Beach break | Beginner | NW, W, N | SE, E, S | All tides |
| East Strand | Beach break | Intermediate | NW, N | S, SW, SE | All tides |
| Whiterocks | Beach break | Intermediate | NW, N | S, SW | All tides |
| Portballintrae | Rivermouth | Intermediate | NW, N, W | S, SE, SW | All tides |
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.
Which wetsuit to bring
The water is around 8 °C in winter and 14 °C in late summer.
5/4 hooded wetsuit
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
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5 mm booties
Warm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
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4/3 wetsuit
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
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