Putsborough Beach

This is my "local" break of choice I like it because the pleasant grassy car park has an excellent view of the surf and it is much more mellow than other local breaks.
One particular caution. There are no lifeguards here or segragation between bathers and surfers so during the summer season sorting out safe space to surf can involve some discussions and negotiation.

Ian Kimber AKA Soul Surfer Regular British Isles surf forcasts on
http://i.am/waveski/

Atmosphere:
This is a beautiful spot with a friendly family atmosphere during the summer but in big winter surf it can produce some awesome and demanding waves that should not be underrated. It is privately owned and maintained and there is a beach hut with standard beach kit food and supplies for a small touring caravan site at the side of the car park. Camper van owners can also park overnight on the hard standing at the back of the car park. The toilets are excellent and have won awards. The car park is shut at quiet periods during the winter. If the gate to the car park road at the top of the hill is shut proceed with caution because although there is often acces available to the hard standing at the rear of the car park available there may not be and it is very difficult to turn round and get back out if the bottom gates are closed.

Additional Info:
A complex beach break that takes a lot of learning.
I could write several pages about the way the waves run under different conditions and states of the tide two main peaks are oppodsite a line of rocks and further down the beach. A strong rip can run out to sea near the rocks at the south end of the beack this can be helpful or dangerous according to your experience.
Nevertheless it is a good beginners break with very clean water.
Best known as a storm surf break because it is slightly sheltered from the south and south west and will filter out messy waves to give a good ride. Can tend to close out on large long range swells. Works best at the top half of the tidal push but can work at all states of the tide although usually very much smaller than the other local breaks at low tide but becomes equal to them or (under certain conditions)bigger at high tide because it can use very long period groundswells.

Narrow single track roads signed from Croyde and
Georgeham. Not suitable for very large vehicles.
Avoid times when tourists likely to be going to
or from beach to reduce hassle

Rips / undertow

None