As a Kent surfer, there’s nothing quite like the arrival of autumn. When the leaves start to turn and the evenings draw in, it signals the start of the best surf season we get around here. Those of us who know the local breaks look forward to this time of year because it’s when the swells really start to kick in. With the mix of North Sea swells coming down from the north and the south-westerly swells funnelling up the Channel, autumn is when Kent’s surf comes alive, offering some of the best conditions of the year.
For me, Joss Bay is always one of the first places I check when autumn rolls around. Joss is an iconic spot for Kent surfers, with its wide sandy beach and consistent breaks. As the autumn storms start sending down north and north-easterly swells, Joss can really light up. It’s not just a place for beginners, even though the surf school might make it seem that way in summer. When the conditions are right, you get proper punchy waves that’ll challenge even the more experienced surfers. On a solid swell, you can expect anything from chest to head-high waves, with the wind often coming in offshore, giving those perfect, clean faces we all dream of.
Viking Bay, just a short drive from Joss, is, for many, a favourite spot that deserves attention during autumn. It’s smaller and more sheltered, making it ideal when the winds are a bit too wild elsewhere. Viking’s the kind of place you go for a mellow session, maybe dust off the longboard and cruise on the slower, more forgiving waves. But don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you, Viking can still pack a punch, especially on a good day with the right swell direction.
One of the things I love about surfing in Kent is the variety of breaks you can hit up, depending on the conditions. When those south-westerly swells start to push up the Channel, places like Folkestone start to come into their own. Folkestone is often overlooked, maybe because it doesn’t have the same reputation as Joss Bay, but in autumn, it can really deliver. With the right combination of swell and wind, Folkestone’s sandy beach and harbour walls create some surprisingly fun waves. You can find yourself carving up a clean face, which is always a bonus.
Then there’s St Margaret’s Bay. Now, if you’re after something a bit more dramatic, this is the place to be. Nestled beneath those towering chalk cliffs, the waves at St Margaret’s feel powerful and fast, especially when the swell builds. It’s not as busy as some of the other spots, which makes it feel like a hidden gem. St Margaret’s is a real test of skill when it’s firing – you’ve got to be on your game to handle the wave and conditions, but when you get it right, it’s one of the most rewarding sessions you can have along the Kent coast.
Of course, autumn surfing isn’t just about Kent. Sometimes, when you feel like mixing it up, a trip over to Camber Sands in East Sussex is well worth the drive. The beauty of Camber is its ability to pick up any ripple of southerly or south-westerly swells, making it pretty consistent in the autumn months. The vast expanse of sand and the sandbars help to form nice peaks that are great for all levels. It’s a bit more exposed, so you’ve got to watch the wind, but when it all lines up, you can score some really fun sessions out there.
One of the best things about autumn surfing is the drop in crowds. Don’t get me wrong, I love the buzz of summer surf culture, but there’s something special about those crisp autumn mornings when it’s just you and a few mates out in the lineup. The water’s still warm enough in September and October that you can get away with a 4/3mm wetsuit, but as November approaches, the thicker suits, boots, and gloves come out. But by then, we’re all so hyped on the waves that the cold doesn’t really matter.
Autumn also brings a change in the atmosphere. The beaches, which were bustling with holidaymakers just a few weeks ago, become quieter, almost serene. There’s a different kind of energy in the air. The swells are more powerful, the wind more unpredictable, and the waves have a sense of urgency to them. You’ve got to keep an eye on the charts because the conditions can change quickly in Kent. But that’s what makes it exciting – the unpredictability, the thrill of scoring a great session when everything aligns.
For those just starting out, autumn is an ideal time to get into surfing in Kent. The waves are more consistent, and with the summer crowds gone, there’s more space to practise. The autumn swell also gives you a chance to progress faster, with more regular opportunities to get out in the water and hone your skills.
As a Kent surfer, autumn is something we all look forward to. Whether you’re hitting the classic breaks like Joss and Viking Bay or exploring lesser-known spots like Folkestone and St Margaret’s, this is the time when our coastline truly delivers. The blend of North Sea and Channel swells, combined with the quieter beaches and powerful waves, makes autumn surfing in Kent an experience like no other. So, grab your board, check the charts, and get ready to enjoy some of the best waves of the year. The autumn swells are here, and they’re not to be missed.