Summerleaze: works hard and plays hard
On the beach, just off the beach and in the seaside town centre, we talked to Friends of Bude Sea Pool, Life’s a Beach and Rooted Ocean to discover the go-getting community who don’t just work hard but play hard too.
Summerleaze is Bude’s meeting point – a wide sweep of sand at the edge of town, watched over by cliffs and the curve of the breakwater. At one end, the tidal sea pool fills and empties with each tide; at the other, surfers catch waves rolling in from the Atlantic.
A few minutes from the shoreline, the streets hum with cafés, surf shops and local retailers. It’s a place where sea and town spill into each other, and where work and play share the same horizon.
“The pool welcomes visitors who are looking for a relaxing dip, escaping the tumultuous riptides of the ocean, or seeking out a different swimming experience in more tranquil and protected waters.”
A COMMUNITY SAFE HAVEN
Situated between slippery rocks at Summerleaze Beach, Bude Sea Pool is a relaxing, semi-natural saltwater swimming pool built in the 1930s to provide those who weren’t strong swimmers with a swift, safe alternative.
Now managed by local, volunteer-run charity, Friends of Bude Sea Pool, over 160 volunteers help with maintenance, events and merchandise at the pool.
Communications manager, Jody, tells us that the charity fosters a “beautiful sense of hope” within the volunteer community at Bude.
“We’ve always had very active groups who look after the town, there’s a lot of people who care deeply about what goes on here.”
In 2012, a group of locals formed a campaign named ‘Save Our Sea Pool’ after the council cut funding to the site and thus Friends of Bude Sea Pool was born, continuing the amenity’s legacy.
The pool welcomes visitors who are looking for a relaxing dip, escaping the tumultuous riptides of the ocean, or seeking out a different swimming experience in more tranquil and protected waters.
A BITE BY THE BEACH
Overlooking Summerleaze’s sweep of golden sand, Life’s a Beach has been serving locally-sourced, “serious but not too serious food” since 1999. Mouthwatering menu staples include the salt-baked bream and tiger prawn and spiced monkfish curry.
The team of cooks add a unique twist to their age-old recipes every so often, honing in new techniques and skills to create a menu that is modern and memorable.
Head chef, Alexander, describes his restaurant as a “laid back” spot for travellers and locals.
“We like to feel we’re more of a punk edge aesthetic than pretentious.”
From fresh seafood by Sanjay Fisheries to the flavourful mushrooms of Nonstick Fungi Co-op, the eatery’s locally supplied ingredients play an essential role in serving up the finest dishes alongside a picturesque view of the Blue Flag beach.
Outside of the kitchen, Alexander spends his beach time with his two children, taking up energetic activities in the sea whenever he gets a chance. “It’s like home for me, it’s so much fun.”
APPAREL FOR ENDLESS BEACH VISITS
From their workshop in the heart of Bude, the team at Rooted Ocean design, source and manufacture sustainable gear to inspire a love of nature, surfing and outdoor activity.
Co-director Matt tells us about his business’s defining trait: “Everything we make comes with lifetime repairs, so we take responsibility for the products we manufacture.”
From making wetsuits watertight again to fixing up surfboard bags, Rooted Ocean makes sure seaside wear and tear doesn’t end in discarded gear.
It’s not just the work that keeps Matt motivated – the friendly faces that enter his shop are at the heart of the business. “You never know what’ll come through the door. It’s such a great little vibe.”
An avid surfer himself, Matt has no preference to rain or sunshine when it comes to seizing the waves at Summerleaze.
“There’s a reason we live here. It’s all stunning. There are big cliffs, beautiful beaches and big open spans of sand at the low tides.”
Your Beach. Found
From the feel of the sand underfoot to the anticipation as you near the sea, your beach is the one that stays with you. Find your beach with the Beach Match Quiz.
Beach Match Quiz