One of the better options in the surrounding miles of beachbreak as Cromer's pier gives the nearby sandbanks some shape.

West of pier works best with a large NW swell, and east on any NE swell, particularly low-mid. Offshore reef intercepts swell at low. Not suitable for beginners for a couple of hours either side of high tide. Pier can provide some shelter from onshores. Some limited free roadside parking, or often busy paid pier carpark. Beware of pilings, pier, groynes, longshores (particularly around high), rips (particularly on the pull), sharp flints and pollution - check SSRS app.

Check out the nearby stone groyne for a fickle, but occasionally hollow, left.

Links

Glide Surf School - surf school, hire and shop on prom.
East Coast Surf - surf shop.
East Anglian Surf Buddies - facebook group.