Map
Long Sands
Today's Surf Conditions at Long Sands
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Tynemouth Longsands stands as the beating heart of the Newcastle surf scene—a sprawling, open beachbreak that delivers both playful waves for beginners and punchier, more challenging peaks further out. This long stretch of golden sand offers a mix of lefts and rights, with consistent surf schools dotting the shoreline making it an ideal hub for learning, while the outer banks hold enough power to test experienced surfers. With a history that includes hosting the British Nationals and nurturing several of the UK’s top professional surfers, Longsands has earned its reputation as a proving ground. When a clean, medium-sized swell rolls in, the setup can be truly excellent—offering long, rippable walls that draw locals and visitors alike. Tides and winds play a critical role, so keep an eye on the forecast to catch this classic Northumberland break at its best.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic roars to life from October through March, delivering the most consistent and powerful swell to Long Sands. Average wave heights hover between 1.2m and 1.3m, with periods often in the 7.5-7.8s range – punchy and rideable, with plenty of storm-driven pulses pushing through. The wind regime plays heavily in our favor during these months, with dominant flow from the WSW and W blowing directly offshore across the EN-E facing beach. This is prime time – expect clean conditions on the best days thanks to ideal offshore winds blowing 29-37% of the time, funneling in long, grindy lines off the North Sea fetch.
Fair Surf Season (April & September)
Spring and early autumn deliver a mixed bag with average swell heights of 1.0m (April) and 0.9m (September) and periods around 7.3s and 6.7s. The North Atlantic storm track begins to weaken, but occasional pulses still sneak through, especially in September when the hurricane-tinged leftovers can add a bit of life. Offshore-friendly winds – WSW and W – are still present roughly 25-30% of the time, though wind directions become more variable. You’ll find sessionable waves, but consistency drops and you’ll need to pick your windows carefully – a solid mid-range SW to W breeze can make all the difference.
Low Surf Season (May - August)
Summer settles in with a whimper at Long Sands. Average wave heights plummet to 0.7-0.9m and periods drop into the 5.9-6.7s range – small, choppy, and often frustrating for anything but a log. The predominant swell shifts to shorter, locally generated windswell from the NNE, a direction that’s actually good for our spot, but the lack of consistent energy from the Atlantic leaves most days in the knee-to-waist fun-size range. Offshore wind frequencies also dip to 22-26%, making clean waves a rare treat. With the long summer days, you can still find a wave if you’re patient – but don’t expect to score anything epic.
Detailed Surf Information for Long Sands
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Long Sands with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
