Westward Ho! is a beautiful beach, situated on the North Devon coast. Being my local break, it has a special place in my heart- it was the first beach I ever learnt to surf at, when I was 5 years old.
On a small swell and light winds, the wave at Westward Ho! is mellow and fun- a perfect time for beginners to catch the surf bug.
With a little more swell, and perhaps a pushing tide, the wave starts to have more energy. Light offshore winds allow for fun waves that peel consistently along the line.
As the swell grows, and with a nice long wave period, surfers have a clean face of the wave to perform more advanced manoeuvres.
On a particularly large swell, the paddle out at Westward Ho! becomes especially challenging. Keeping an eye out for a long wave period will make it slightly easier.
Westward Ho! is beautiful to watch change through the seasons. It is a wave that draws longboarders and shortboarders alike, mellow in gentle conditions, and punchy in stronger conditions.
Being my local spot, it is the beach I photograph at the most. The fluctuations of colour throughout the seasons, the changing light throughout the day, and the flow and connection between people and the ocean are all things that inspire my art behind the lens.
Whether local or visitor, I hope you have a wonderful time surfing at Westward Ho!.
If you would like to book a private shoot, whether a beginner or advanced surfer, you are more than welcome. I photograph those of all ages, and family/friend discounts are available.
