Surfing in Cornwall

Cornwall’s Best Beaches

Polzeath is mainly a west facing beach which picks up most swells, therefore making it a popular beach for all abilities of surfers.

Newquay is the renowned home of British Surfing and the British Surfing Association.

It has achieved its renown due to the wide variety of surf available; with beaches around here and the Atlantic Coast of Cornwall being among the finest in Western Europe. Fistral beach is the best and most famous beach in Britain, where all the big competitions are held throughout the year.
Regardless of your ability level, there will always be a right conditioned beach for you to surf on since there are beaches facing all directions; all you need to do is try them!
Watergate Bay is a fantastic beach for learners since it is relatively flat.

Perranporth is the most southerly of the North coast surfing areas, with a whole range of surf for all abilities along the long sandy beach. It is another of Cornwall’s finest beaches which stretches for miles and consistently gets more quality surf than many other beaches. If you are a capable surfer Chapel Porth may be for you. It is a small beach that has the surf for people with real strength and ability.

The West Coast, once you leave the main surfing areas of the north coast you will need to pick your beaches carefully, as they can show some big waves.

Carbis Bay, St.Ives provides good surf when big swells are running, it does tend to become very crowded during the height of the summer, and with its highly regarded reputation it is clear to see why. However, Porthmeor is the beach to surf at St. Ives should you be experienced enough, since the waves here are heavy and shouldn’t be taken on by beginners.

The South Coast beaches are best for the northerly winds, and therefore are best for the experts. However, The East Coast presents more of the pretty beaches, which appeal to beginners to surfers of a middle ability.

Falmouth has four superb beaches; Gyllynvase, Castle, Swanpool and Maenporth which present themselves on the South Coast. Their waves are more suited to the more competent surfers. However, for the keen learners, there is always the option to book a surf lesson, or join a surf school where you can be taught safe in the knowledge of real expert surfers. F

Lifeguards are present on all main tourist beaches during the summer period