Nick Thorn Surf Sauna at Putsborough

Nick Thorn is one of North Devon’s most experienced and respected surf coaches, based at the glorious stretch of beach at Putsborough Sands and known for teaching everything from complete beginners to improvers who want to seriously level up their surfing. What fewer people know is that Nick also offers sauna and ice bath sessions at Putsborough, combining the physical benefits of surf with one of the most restorative post-activity rituals available.

The offering sits within a broader six-week programme that pairs surf sessions with sauna and ice bath recovery, giving participants the full picture of what it feels like to train hard and then treat your body with proper care. For those on holiday, individual sessions are well worth enquiring about. Putsborough Sands is one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon, a wide arc of sand sheltered slightly from the prevailing winds by the headland and beloved by families, surfers and walkers in equal measure.

The sauna and cold water experience here carries a particular charge because it follows directly from time in the sea. There is something deeply satisfying about going from the cold Atlantic into heat and then back to cold water, a rhythm that feels entirely natural in this coastal context. Nick and his team are knowledgeable, encouraging and completely at home on this stretch of coast.

Nick Thorn Surf School is based at Putsborough Sands, reachable via the coast road from Georgeham, with parking available at the beach. The website at nickthorn.com has full details of the sauna and ice bath sessions, current availability and how to book. Putsborough Sands is a relatively short drive from Woolacombe and easy to find via Georgeham. The beach itself is wonderful at any tide, and arriving early enough to combine a session in the sauna with a walk along the headland to Baggy Point is an excellent way to spend a morning.

Surf, sweat, plunge, repeat: it is as good a holiday formula as you are likely to find.