Surfing Reserves explained by Kevin ‘Cookie’ Cook

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The coveted accolade recognises the quality of the surf as well as the sport’s importance to the wider community. The county joined the ranks of world-famous surf spots including Malibu and Santa Cruz in California, and the Gold Coast and Manly in Australia who have also received the designation.

With a history steeped in fishing and farming, north Devon has also become known as a go-to destination in the surf world in the UK, drawing surfers from all over the country.

It has now become the first true cold water reserve in the world.

The reserve covers about 30km (19 miles) of coastline.

A WSR spokesperson said: “Its high density of outstanding surf, at iconic breaks such as Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe, and Lynmouth, caters to wave-riders from beginner to expert and a variety of surfing styles.”

The idea of making the area a surfing reserve was proposed by north Devon surfer Kevin Cook.

He hopes being designated with the accolade would “help influence” decision-makers and ensure the protection of the landscape for future generations.

He said: “We are about collaboration and taking existing good practice to keep an eye on what’s going on and ensure that the future of north Devon is protected.”

One key concern for Kevin is water pollution.

He said: “It seems crazy to be pumping out gallons of sewage into the ocean and spoiling the beaches we have.

“Our water quality is good but it could be better and we need that extra spending on infrastructure by water companies to make sure we are not tarnishing the future.”

North Devon’s surf ecosystem is subject to unique threats that will be addressed by the World Surfing Reserve and the expansive Local Stewardship Council.

Some of the threats they plan to tackle include the loss of coastal areas, water quality and the impact of climate change on the area.

Kevin also wanted to support “projects to encourage wellbeing because there’s something very special about surfing”.

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He said: “Being in the water brings a special feeling you can’t experience anywhere else so it’s important for as many people to share it as possible.

“We are really excited about it, north Devon is a very special place.”

Adam Hall, the co-founder of the surfing reserve in north Devon, noted how the status will help them celebrate and protect the area in a similar style to National Parks.

He said: “Our core focus is looking after the quality of the waves themselves and preserving the ecosystems that produce them.

“Surf spots need to be celebrated, recognised and protected in the same way we protect and recognise beautiful national parks like Exmoor.”

The WSR scheme was launched in 2009 in California with the aim of “protecting surf ecosystems around the globe”.

The North Devon coast also holds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty protection status.

An area around Braunton Burrows is also classed as a Unesco Biosphere for its landscapes, wildlife areas and cultural heritage.

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