Surfing in Brighton dates back to the sixties (and some of those people who surfed it then are still surfing it now). Cliff Cox, a British Masters Champion is Brighton based and can regularly be seen pulling off his signiture 360's down at the marina. Jock Patterson, with his unique laid-back but progressive style, a British Longboard Champ who's also often seen out in the line-up.

Surfing in Brighton
The south coast is nowhere near as consistant as the west country but if you get the right beach at the right time it can be a good second best without the 8 hour round trip. You need to surf regularly in Brighton to work out where is best to go and when but hopefully the guide below will give a good idea. All different beaches work at different tides and winds and with very small surfing windows (2ish hours) - this is why a lot of people don't think you can surf in Brighton.

If it's big and stormy Brighton, unlike a lot of areas further west is blessed with plenty of shelter in the form of walls, harbours and piers. These provide the shelter needed to surf any waves that invariably hit brighton with the prevailing cross-onshore south-westerly winds.

Brighton does get the occasional clean groundswell along with offshore winds. On these days some make the trip up to The Witterings which always gets more swell.

Starting Out
Just buy a cheap second had Mini-mal (around 8 foot) or a pop-out (epoxy board - cheap, robust, great to learn on and good fun). Buy a WINTER suit (5/3mm). Go out surfing around the west pier or hot pipe (or even just on any main beach) in the white water when it's about a foot. Stand in waist to shoulder-high water beside your board and then try catching the white water. Then try catching it and try to stand up.

South Coast Surf Spots
(Brighton to Hayling)

Brighton

West Pier
The west Pier has been surfed since the sixties. Now disused it still can hold a nice wave on clean groundswells. It can be a bit fickle year by year as the sand bars change on the bottom. Usually surfed around low tide this break can be good for beginners due to the sandy bottom and gentle waves.

Hot Pipe
A popular break (previosly due to it's easy access and parking...not necessarily so now thanks to Shoreham Port Authority!). This wave breaks from a concrete pier surrounding the hot pipe at Shoreham powerstation. You'll find it on the East side of the harbour practically in front of the powerstation's chimney that can be seen from miles around. This break works on the lower side of mid-tide.

Brighton Marina
A fast wave breaking over a chalk reef. Not for beginners. Respect the locals.

Westbeach
On the west side of the River Arun. A small spot that can get crowded and cramped out. Works well around high-tide.

The Witterings

Bracklesham and East Wittering
A southwesterly facing beach that picks up most channel groundswells due to the swell wrapping around the Isle of Wight. Can get busy due to weekend warriors but can take the crowds due to the size of the bay. Generally it works on a pushing tide from around mid-tide although Braclesham can work on a lower tide.

West wittering
A nice situation amongst the sand-dunes, this break works over high tide. You have to pay to get into the car-park though and this is quite expensive in the summer (about £3). Also you can find that during hot weekends the sea is full of bathers and you couldn't catch a wave without taking out a few kids.

Hayling Island

Sandy Point
The easterly point of the Island opposite West Wittering. Works well after high-tide during strong westerlies. Very strong rips that can take you out to sea. Not for beginners. Repect the locals.