Staithes
A heavy slab left next to a picture-postcard fishing village.
Staithes is a fishing village tucked between cliffs. By the harbour entrance a fast, heavy left breaks over a rock slab, considered one of the best waves on the east coast.
It doesn't work often and is reserved for expert surfers.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Left |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | N, NE |
| Best wind (offshore) | SW, S, W |
| Tide | Mid |
| Size | 1–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A performance shortboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Staithes
The water is around 7 °C in winter and 14 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water below 7 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A very local peak with localism. Watch from the pier before considering a paddle out.
Surfing style
Heavy slab left.
Hazards
Shallow rock slab.
Map
Shapers near Staithes
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Yorkshire
A right by the jetty of an old mining village, working with northerly swell.
Whitby (Yorkshire)
A long beach north of Whitby, sheltered from the northerly wind.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea (Yorkshire)
Yorkshire's surf hub, with peaks on both sides of the Victorian pier.
Scarborough (Yorkshire)
Scarborough's North Bay, with waves for everyone below the castle.
All spots in North-East England →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.