Coldingham Bay

Coldingham Bay is a scenic sandy bay on the southeast coast of Scotland, just north of the England–Scotland border in the Scottish Borders. It’s one of the more reliable surf spots in the region, offering a mix of beach break waves with nearby reef and point-style options depending on conditions.

Surf character

• Wave type: Mostly a beach break, with shifting sandbanks that can produce fun peaks and sections.
• Best swell: Works best on east to northeast swell with enough size to wrap into the bay.
• Wind: Generally prefers west or southwest offshore winds.
• Tide: Can be surfed at various tides, but the banks often work best around mid tide.
• Wave quality: Can be playful and rippable on smaller days, but bigger swells can make it powerful and less forgiving.

Conditions and setting

• The bay is relatively sheltered compared with some exposed North Sea spots, so it can handle conditions that are too messy elsewhere.
• It’s popular with beginners and intermediate surfers, especially when the swell is moderate.
• On larger days, it can become more serious and punchy, with stronger currents and a quicker takeoff.

Local vibe

• Coldingham Bay has a beautiful coastal setting, with cliffs, beach, and access to the village nearby.
• It’s a well-known spot in the local surf scene and can get busy when conditions line up.
• The beach is also used by swimmers and families, so surfers should be mindful of others in the water.

Things to watch for

• Currents and rips can be strong, especially after bigger swells.
• Water temperature is cold year-round, so a good wetsuit is essential.
• Sandbank changes mean the wave quality can vary a lot from week to week.