Current Forecast & Tides

About this spot

Westward Ho! sits on the North Devon coast facing the Atlantic, with a wide sandy beach that works well in the prevailing westerly and south-westerly winds. It also catches northerlies that leave much of the south coast without wind, making it a useful alternative when other spots are becalmed.

The beach is fully tidal — avoid the two hours either side of high tide, when the beach narrows significantly and conditions become unsuitable for launching. Low to mid tide gives you the most room to work with.

Hazards

Local notes

Lessons

Nomadic Kitesurf Nomadic Kitesurf operate at Westward Ho! as one of their two permanent locations (the other being Calshot on the Solent). They describe themselves as a mobile school offering professional kitesurf, paddleboard and wingfoil lessons on the North Devon coast, running April to October.

Parking

The main long-stay car park is on Golf Links Road, managed by Torridge District Council. Charges run 8am–7pm in summer and 8am–6pm in winter, every day including bank holidays. Stays up to 30 minutes cost £0.70; longer stays are banded. See current rates on the Torridge car parks page.

Water quality

Storm overflow data for Westward Ho! is monitored in real time by South West Water via their telemetry network. Current water quality status — including active sewage discharges and recent spill alerts — updates automatically in the live forecast app.

Nearby spots

Saunton Sands is 15 minutes south and catches the same SW–NW window with a longer beach and the option of a south-end launch zone away from the public area. Croyde Bay is just around Saunton's headland for heavier wave days. For flatwater in similar conditions, Duckpond (Exmouth) on the south coast is worth the drive when the N wind is running.