Cornwall is a world-renowned destination for surfers, offering a variety of beaches with waves suited to every skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for the next big challenge or a beginner eager to catch your first wave, Cornwall’s beaches have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best surf spots in the region.
Sennen Cove: Beginner to Intermediate
Sennen Cove is a beautiful beach offering a wide range of conditions that make it suitable for both beginners and intermediate surfers. The beach’s location on the Atlantic coast means it picks up plenty of swell, but the waves are usually forgiving, especially during the summer months. Sennen Cove’s sandy bottom and long, rolling waves make it an ideal spot for those who are just starting out or looking to improve their skills in a picturesque setting.
Porthmeor Beach: Intermediate to Expert
Porthmeor Beach in St Ives is a fantastic spot for intermediate to expert surfers. The beach faces directly into the Atlantic, allowing it to catch some powerful swells. On a good day, Porthmeor can deliver hollow, fast-breaking waves that provide an exhilarating challenge for more experienced surfers. The beach is also known for its scenic beauty, with the vibrant town of St Ives just a short walk away, making it a popular destination for those seeking both surf and culture.
Praa Sands: Intermediate
Praa Sands is a stunning beach that offers powerful waves, particularly suited to intermediate and expert surfers when larger swells arrive producing powerful and often hollow waves. The beach break at Praa Sands can produce fast, steep waves, especially during larger swells. This spot is well-known for its consistency and the quality of its waves, making it a favourite among south coast locals. With its white sandy beach and dramatic cliffs, Praa Sands is as visually impressive as it is exciting for surfing.
Polzeath Beach: Beginner to intermediate
Polzeath Beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular spots for beginner surfers. The waves here are typically small and gentle, providing a perfect environment for learning the basics. The beach’s sandy bottom and the availability of surf schools make Polzeath an ideal location for those just starting out. The wide expanse of beach also means there’s plenty of room to practice, even during busier times.
Portreath Harbour: Expert
Portreath Harbour is known for its challenging conditions, making it a spot best suited for expert surfers. The waves here break close to the pier, creating fast, powerful rides that demand a high level of skill. The reef break can produce some of the most intense waves in Cornwall, particularly during the winter months. Portreath is not for the faint-hearted, but it offers a rewarding experience for those who are up to the challenge.
Porthleven Harbour: Expert
Porthleven Harbour is another spot that’s famous among expert surfers for its powerful, hollow waves. The reef break here can produce some of the best—and most challenging—waves in Cornwall. The surf at Porthleven is consistent, but it can be particularly fierce when the conditions are right, making it a magnet for experienced surfers looking for a thrill. The rugged beauty of the coastline adds to the appeal, but surfers should be aware that this spot requires respect and experience.
Gwithian Beach: All levels
Gwithian Beach is a great spot for surfers ranging from beginner to intermediate levels. The beach offers long, gentle waves that are perfect for novices, while more experienced surfers can enjoy the faster waves that come in as the tide changes. Gwithian’s wide, open beach provides plenty of space to spread out, making it a welcoming spot for surfers of all levels. The beach is also known for its stunning views, with Godrevy Lighthouse in the background.
Porthtowan Beach: Intermediate to Expert
Porthtowan Beach is well-known for its powerful waves, making it a favourite among intermediate to expert surfers. The beach break here can be fast and heavy, particularly at low tide, providing a thrilling ride for those with the skills to handle it. The surrounding cliffs and dunes add to the dramatic setting, making Porthtowan not only a great surf spot but also one of Cornwall’s most scenic beaches.
Perranporth Beach: All levels
Perranporth Beach is ideal for beginners, offering long, gentle waves that are easy to ride. The beach is expansive, providing plenty of space for surfers to spread out and enjoy the waves. Perranporth’s consistent conditions make it a popular choice for surf schools and those just getting started. The village of Perranporth is also a great place to relax after a day on the waves, with plenty of cafes and shops to explore.
Fistral Beach: All levels
Fistral Beach in Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most famous surfing destinations, and for good reason. The beach offers a range of conditions that cater to surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts. Fistral is known for its consistent waves and the variety of breaks, including a reef break for more advanced surfers. The beach is also home to several major surfing competitions throughout the year, making it a hub of surfing activity in Cornwall.
After an exhilarating day riding the waves at Cornwall’s top surf spots, there’s nothing better than retreating to a peaceful, comfortable base. Trewena Cottages offer the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day in the surf. Nestled in the Cornish countryside, Trewena provides a tranquil escape where you can recharge for another day of adventure. With beautifully landscaped gardens and private outdoor spaces, Trewena is the ideal home away from home for surfers looking to experience the best of Cornwall.
