Surfing Cornwall – A locals advice on where to surf
Trying to find the best waves in Cornwall can be hit-and-miss. Surfing in Cornwall isn’t about going to this beach or that, you have to adapt to the season and day’s conditions. Cornwall is exposed to the Atlantic and can change conditions quickly but the beauty of Cornwall is the North and South coasts, as well as all the hidden bays, if there is swell, there will generally be a wave somewhere.
Surf Forecasting
If you don’t know where to start, Surfline is pretty much the one and only surf forecaster around and you can find the Surf Forecast Map for Cornwall here to explore the region.
If you look at the map of Cornwall, all of the labels are recommended surf spots. Taking that into account, you can see there are so many beaches facing all different directions and this is what makes Cornwall such an amazing surfing destination.
Surfline Forecasting Site Map for Cornwall
Most of the swell comes from the west from the Atlantic, but depending on the time of year and location of the weather system creating the swell, it’ll either be coming more from the south or north and this will change which beaches have bigger or smaller waves.
If you are learning and surfing whitewash, the surf schools will make sure they put you in the right conditions at the right time of the day. If you want, you can always ask them to see which days upcoming are better suited and pick one of those. They are always watching the conditions to determine when to run classes.
Typically the North Coast tends to be more consistent as it is less protected but both costs have their days.
Adapting to the wind – the killer for good surf
If the swell is getting into both coasts, it’s all about which beach works better with the winds.
There is an amazing free app and website called Windy you can use to quickly check the winds in real-time and in the days ahead, hour by hour to help you plan where to go. The Windy map will change colours based on the strength of the wind and show the direction of the wind as well. It’s really easy. This is also a great app to use to pick the better beach or beachfront pub as Offshore winds (winds going from land to sea) will always look and feel better than being pummeled by the wind coming straight from the sea.
Predominantly South Winds
If the wind is coming from the south, most spots on the North Coast will work well and Sennen near Lands End.
Anything with some west wind in it, will mean you want to be in St Ives Porthmeor for the cleanest conditions but the swell doesn’t get into St Ives as well and it can be a foot small than elsewhere, but on a windy westerly breeze go here.
Windy wind map showing strength and direction of the wind.
The Windy app can also show swell, tides, temperature and a lot more. It’s great if you want to see everything and make your own choice.’
Spots like these are great for days on South Winds:
- Sennen – Camera
- Gwithian – Camera
- Hayle Rivermouth
- Godrevy
- Porthtowan
- Perranporth
Porthtowan Beach on mid-tide
Predominantly North Winds
You guessed it, most places on the South Coast will work but not that it’s kind of like a big bay and has some protection from swell. So do expect that on the day, depending on swell, it may be small but if you want the cleaner surf, go explore the South Coast.
Spots like these are great for days on North Winds:
- Porthcurno
- Perranuthnoe
- Praa Sands – Live Camera
- Porthleven – Beach break and Reef Break
- Marazion – Live Camera
Marazion is in a protected bay and usually needs more swell to work
Predominantly West Winds
As most beaches face slightly westward, big strong west winds can make it tough to find a spot. On days like that, go to Porthmeor in St Ives or Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes. Both will be smaller but offer protection from south winds. Just know, you and quite a few others will be thinking the same thing. On days of west winds, these beaches get more crowded than usual.
Adapting to the season of the year
Winter is the main surfing season here in Cornwall, with more consistent periods of surf and bigger surf, but this brings the big winter storms and sometimes un-surfable conditions or very photogenic big waves. Whereas summer can bring the heat and those weeks of perfect weather in summer can sometimes result in dead flat surf but this is where Cornwall shines and gives a chance to do a tonne of other water sports.
Cornwall shines its best in summer but can mean no waves sometimes
When it’s big go to these beaches
When the surf gets bigger and it’s out of your comfort zone these beaches are more protected and can offer smaller surf on those days.
- Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes
- Porthmeor in St Ives
- Marazion – tends to be a lot smaller
St Agnes – Trevaunance Cove at Sunrise
When it’s small go to these beaches
Summer in Cornwall has a tendency to have good weather but those high-pressure systems and sunny days can leave you with flat spells or longer periods of small waves. This is when you want to look for the more open beaches that will attract more swell.
A go-to beach for more swell is Chapel Porth, this only works on half-tide or low tide, because at higher tides the water fills up the small bay and it’s completely rocky or full.
Sennen, Perranporth and Porthtowan can pick up more swell as they are not as protected. But don’t forget to check Porthleven if the swell is coming South-West!
Surfing at Chapel Porth on a day when everywhere else is tiny.
What works at high tide
High tide is a killer here in England, it can completely drown out a beach with no waves. However, there are a few spots that do work on high tide and most with enough swell will break an hour or so before and after high tide.
Porthtowan is a go-to if you don’t have a choice of time and have to get in. It will work on high tides but is better on other tides. Just be mindful its cobblestones at the edge of the beach so high tide you will be surfing into them but as the tide drops, it’ll become just sand.
Escaping the crowds
It’s hard to escape the crowds most of the year, summer is busy with everyone on the beach and winter has the best surf and will still have a crowd. The more remote and open the beach is, the fewer people you’ll find. The less access or parking the better as this will be fewer people on the beach and hopefully in the surf.
Sennen and Chapel Porth attract a good amount of surfers but they are not as busy with the crowds on the beach.
The Porthleven Reef
The Porthleven Reef is an amazing wave but it is not for the average surfer or surfers who aren’t familiar with surfing reefs. You have to paddle out through the river mouth or jump off the rocks into the reef. It can get busy and not a place to rock up with a big group of friends, but on its day and the right tide, it’s one of the best waves around.
Porthleven in winter storms can produce iconic photos and moments of the waves crashing over the church.
Learn to surf at these surf schools
St Ives Surf School is a great place to start, the beaches are protected and will offer great waves for those learning. You can read our full blog on what it was like to get a lesson there, play with the dogs on the beach and have a cafe post-surf meal!
Summary
Trying to get good waves on a trip down to Cornwall is all about adjusting to the conditions, even as the day goes on. Thankfully there are almost three different coasts, North, South and West, so if you have to get in and are willing to drive, you’ll be able to find a beach that suits the conditions. If the winds are coming from the south, go to the north coast and vice versa. If the winds are westerly and/or it’s big swell, look for protected spots like St Ives and St Agnes. On smaller days it’s looking for the more open beaches. If you follow these rough principles you’ll be able to make sure you get waves on your trip down to Cornwall!
All of these beaches are beautiful in their own ways. Some nestled into villages and towns, others more off the beaten path. You’ll be able to find a spot for you and the whole family if you aren’t going solo. Drop everyone else off for an icecream or cafe while you surf or for the more adventurous let them explore the coastal path and rock pools.
Book your next Cornish Surfing Holiday
This luxury holiday apartment in central St Ives is perfect for a surf trip! Located right next to Porthmeor in St Ives, you can run into the beach and be back for a coffee before you feel cold!