The weather has finally got the memo about summer, and it’s the perfect time to head off to the beach. Here in the UK, we enjoy thousands of miles of coastline and hundreds of beautiful beaches that make an ideal base for watersports equipment for activities such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, and paddleboarding.

Here are some of the best beaches with watersports friendly bays or coastline to explore in the UK this summer.

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

This popular two-mile long sandy beach lies between the towns of Padstow and Newquay and is classic surfer territory. It regularly hosts national competitions such as the European Long Board Championships, and there’s a surf academy that caters for all abilities. There are excellent facilities on hand and the beach is dog-friendly. 

Llangennith Beach, Gower Peninsula

This long stretch of dune backed beach in the Gower Peninsula in south Wales is another popular surfer’s beach with safe shallow waters that are ideal for beginners. The west-facing waters provide a consistent ocean swell, and it’s possible to take lessons throughout the summer. Rhossili Bay is another excellent beach for watersports and a short distance away. 

Porth Neigwl or Hell’s Mouth, Pwllheli, Gwynedd

Over to north Wales, and Porth Neigwl on the Llyn Peninsula is a well kept secret. It tends to be quiet even at the height of summer, as tourists are more often drawn to the fashionable resort of Abersoch nearby. If you prefer facilities on hand such as toilets and cafes it’s not the place for you as it is quite remote, although there is usually a snack van in summertime.

However, the three mile long bay is often lapped by a rolling Atlantic swell that’s ideal for surfers and wakeboarders. It can get rough in higher winds and there are strong currents further out of the bay, so beginners should be wary of this. However, if you are an experienced surfer looking for an uncrowded spot with stunning views, this is a hidden gem.  

Woolacombe Beach, North Devon

Woolacombe Beach has it all: three miles of beautiful beach, plenty of family-friendly features on hand, and a range of watersports facilities including equipment hire and lessons. It regularly wins awards as one of the best beaches in Britain, and it is superbly maintained with daily cleaning, excellent water quality, 3000 parking spaces and beach huts for hire. 

The most popular activities include jet skiing, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing, and there’s a lifeguard service. The waves roll in consistently in the right conditions, and at the end of the day there’s an excellent choice of pubs and restaurants to choose from.

West Sands Beach, St Andrews, Fife

If you are in Scotland then West Sands Beach is the choice for sports enthusiasts, with surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking all very popular. It’s also noted for land-yachting and the famous golf course that borders the beach.