I grew up surfing the waves at Redcar and at times can be fickle, but those who know... know. It was a great training ground for various trips up and down the coast and further a field to Thurso. A good swell window that can provide powerful waves that will reward the amateur surf forcaster. The outer reefs are the waves to pioneer, I have surfed them with a local legend, Kelly Slater. Watch out for the underwater caves.
Redcar has a very large beach with a few surfable spots. Can be very hollow around Leo’s nightclub at high tide (dodgy peel). Further towards Alovie's groin it's more consistent and works between mid and high tide, It can't handle a large swell though. All breaks work on southwest winds. Local ripper named Jim. No crowds but is not really worth a visit as Saltburn is usually a few feet bigger with a bit more power and speed.
Not as popular or big as Saltburn but is certainly as big on easterly swells. Best surf in between the groins opposite the coast road. Best at high tide and is totally uncrowded (1-4 locals). A very long beach with a wave that is at best average but can still produce some great sessions.