Kent Surf
Surf tips, local news, fitness, travel and stories from the Kent coast.
For the past few months here at Kent Surf, we’ve been trying to find out what is actually happening with the proposed Sea Hive Surf Park at Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal. When the concept first appeared, it certainly caught attention across Kent’s surfing and outdoor community. The idea of a modern inland surf lagoon
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After a few hit-and-miss seasons, the early signs are starting to get our hopes up—this summer could be one to remember for surf in Kent. While it’s always tricky to guarantee swell long-range (we’re not fortune tellers, after all), the forecast models are showing some encouraging patterns. There’s a strong chance that we’ll see a
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“Kent Braces for Once-in-a-Lifetime Surf This Weekend” Surfboards at the ready! Kent is reportedly set to receive its largest swell ever recorded, with offshore winds lining up perfectly for Monday morning, creating what experts are calling “the most pristine and powerful surf event the county has ever seen.” According to an exclusive (and definitely not
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Warmer Days, Fresh Swells & Thinner Rubber As the seasons shift and winter loosens its grip, spring surfing in Kent is finally upon us. It’s time to shake off the cold, wax up the boards, and drop down the wetsuit thickness as we welcome longer days, milder temperatures, and some fun, short-lived swells. Spring is
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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
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Longboard surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a poetic dance with nature, a harmonious interplay between human and ocean. With its roots deeply embedded in the history of surfing, longboarding offers an experience that is both timeless and transcendent. The beauty of longboard surfing lies in its simplicity and elegance, reminiscent of a
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In the tapestry of Kent’s coastal allure, the lesser-known surf spots weave a story of discovery and tranquillity, inviting surfers to venture off the beaten path. While the celebrated breaks of Joss Bay and Viking Bay often steal the spotlight, Kent’s coastline is adorned with secret spots that offer both challenge and charm in abundance.
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Nestled along the southeastern coast of England, Kent offers a hidden gem for surf enthusiasts that is often overshadowed by more famous surfing destinations in the UK. However, the county’s unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and gentle, rolling waves makes it a haven for those who appreciate the art of longboarding. With its
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Can you surf Joss Bay on a south-westerly swell? The answer is yes, well, sort of. Joss Bay has always been an intriguing surf spot and never fails to surprise even the most dedicated Joss Bay surfers. Let’s face it, 99% of surfers at Joss Bay would raise an eyebrow at the idea of surfing
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The gradual reduction in the strength of surf reaching Kent’s beaches may be an unintended consequence of the United Kingdom’s ambitious pursuit of renewable wind energy. The North Sea, a relatively shallow body of water surrounded by numerous countries, is becoming a hub for extensive wind farm networks, particularly in regions like Dogger Bank and
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The proposed Sea Hive Surf Park at Betteshanger Country Park presents a mix of opportunities and challenges, reflecting the dynamic balance between economic development, community well-being, and environmental stewardship. However, we have looked hard at this within our small group and discussed all the pros and cons, and after looking at everything, we all 100%
Read article →Kents Surf’s Wesley statement: “Having been deeply immersed in the global surf industry for over three decades (owning the world’s largest surf travel company and two surf equipment businesses) and being an avid local Kent surfer for more than 40 years, I have a comprehensive understanding of the surf interest for this site. In addition,
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The sun is just peeking over the horizon as our plane touches down in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico. Our destination, the enchanting beach town of Puerto Escondido, holds a reputation for its notorious adrenaline-pumping waves. This picturesque surfing paradise on the Pacific coast is our chosen terrain for our much-anticipated surf trip. Puerto Escondido
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Getting barreled, also known as getting “tubed” or “shacked,” is one of the most exhilarating and sought-after experiences in surfing. When a surfer gets barreled, they ride inside the hollow, curling part of a breaking wave, which forms a tube or “barrel” around them. This manoeuvre requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of wave
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The effect of offshore wind turbines on the swell reaching Kent surf beaches is not significant enough to cause a noticeable reduction in wave quality. Offshore wind farms are designed to harness wind energy, not to act as barriers for ocean waves. However, they can have a small impact on local wave conditions, and it
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Local Towns on High Alert Local authorities in the Kent seaside towns of Broadstairs and Whitstable have issued a high alert after a Great White shark was reportedly sighted off the coast of Kent. Dubbed “Jaws of Kent,” the shark has sent shockwaves through the garden of England as residents and tourists brace themselves for
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Are you aware that Surfer’s ear, also known as exostosis or external auditory canal exostosis, is a condition where abnormal bone growth occurs in the ear canal? This condition is commonly seen in surfers who participate in cold water surfing. The bone growth is thought to be the body’s response to repeated exposure to cold
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Duck diving is an essential technique in surfing, and mastering it is critical for any surfer who wants to catch more waves and have more fun out in the water. Duck diving is diving under an incoming wave as you paddle out to the lineup. It’s a skill that takes time to perfect, but once
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Waxing a surfboard is an essential maintenance task that helps provide traction and grip for you when surfing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wax a surfboard: Remember that surfboard wax is designed to melt and become sticky in the sun, so keep your waxed board out of direct sunlight and store it in
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Surf fitness is essential for anyone who wants to improve their surfing skills and have a more enjoyable experience surfing in Kent. Surfing requires a combination of physical fitness, balance, and coordination, which can only be achieved through proper training and conditioning. The weaker wave conditions in Kent mean that getting a high level of fitness
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The Algarve region in Portugal is a popular destination for surfers worldwide. With its stunning coastline, warm climate, and consistent waves, it’s no wonder that surf enthusiasts flock to this region every year. If you’re considering taking a surf trip from Kent, the Algarve is a great choice, only 2 hour’s flight away Kent surf
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Portugal’s Lisbon area is a renowned destination for surfers from all over the world. The city has a great surf culture, with numerous surf schools, shops, and surf camps available. With a vast coastline, great waves, and stunning scenery, Lisbon has something to offer surfers of all levels. Lisbon is a vibrant and historic city
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Surfing etiquette is a set of unwritten rules that every surfer should know and follow. It’s a way to show respect to fellow surfers and create a positive surfing experience for everyone in the surf. This article will explore some critical elements of surfing etiquette and how to implement them into your surfing in Kent. In
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Surfing here in Kent is thrilling and invigorating activity, but like any physical activity, it carries a risk of injury. One common type of injury for surfers is a back injury. Various reasons, such as improper surfing technique, overuse, or a sudden impact from a wave, can cause a back injury. Whatever the cause, recovering
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Surfing in Kent is an exhilarating and challenging water sport that requires the right conditions to enjoy. Picking the best swell to surf can make all the difference in your surfing experience, and although Kent has two coastlines north and south, it has a range of conditions for surfing and several local micro-climates too. A
Read article →Kent is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque coastline, but could the county soon be home to a new surf park? The possibility of a surf park being built at Betteshanger Park is causing quite a stir among both surfers and the local community. Betteshanger Park is a 250-acre former coal mine in East
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Longboarding has become increasingly popular over the past two decades, with surfers opting for a more classic style and relaxed approach to riding waves. Kent is known for its stunning beaches and has perfect weaker, gentle waves ideal for longboarding that attract surfers from all over the county. One of the best beaches in Kent
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Surfing has been a popular water sport for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that it began to gain popularity in the UK. While many people associate surfing with places like California or Hawaii and closer-to-home areas such as Devon and Cornwall, the sport has a rich history in Kent. The first documented
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