Cornwall is a surfer's paradise, boasting some of the best surfing beaches in the UK. With its rugged coastline and powerful waves, it's no wonder that Cornwall attracts surfers from all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Cornwall has something for everyone.
If you're looking for the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, you're in luck. From the world-famous Fistral Beach to the hidden gem of Porthtowan, there are plenty of options to choose from.
With over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall offers a variety of breaks to suit all levels of experience. So, grab your board and get ready to ride the waves at some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
You might also like 19 best bodyboarding beaches in Cornwall!
Jump to:
Top 6 Surfing Beaches in Cornwall
Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach in Newquay is the most famous and popular surfing spot in Cornwall, attracting surfers from all over the world. The beach is known for its consistent waves, which are perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. However, due to its popularity, it can get quite crowded during peak season. If you're looking to improve your surfing skills, there are several surf schools and rental shops available.
📍Fistral Beach, Newquay, TR7 1HY
Gwithian
Gwithian is a beautiful beach located on the North Coast of Cornwall, near St. Ives. It's known for its consistent swells and is a popular surf spot for both locals and visitors. The beach is also home to several surf schools, making it an excellent place to learn to surf. However, the beach can be quite exposed to the wind, so it's best to check the surf forecast before heading out.
📍 Hayle TR27 5BT
Praa Sands
Praa Sands is a stunning beach located on the South Coast of Cornwall, near Helston. It's a popular spot for both beginners and experienced surfers due to its consistent waves and accessible location. The beach is also family-friendly and has lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
📍Praa Sands, Penzance TR20 9TB
Polzeath
Polzeath is a charming village located on the North Coast of Cornwall, near Land's End. The beach is known for its consistent waves and is a popular spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. The village also has several surf schools, making it an excellent place to learn to surf. However, due to its popularity, the beach can get quite crowded during peak season.
📍Wadebridge PL27 6UE
Perranporth
Perranporth is a beautiful beach located on the North Coast of Cornwall, near Newquay. It's known for its consistent waves and is a popular spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. The beach is also home to the Extreme Academy, which offers surf lessons, paddleboarding, and kayaking. If you're planning to stay overnight, there are several accommodation options available, including camping and holiday cottages.
📍Beach, 19 St Pirans Rd, Perranporth TR6 0BH
Widemouth
Widemouth Bay, located in North Cornwall, is a popular spot among surfers of all abilities. Whether it's your first time riding the waves or you're an experienced surfer looking for the biggest waves, Widemouth Bay offers plenty of space and an ideal spot for everyone.
📍Widemouth Bay, Bude EX23 0AW
North Coast Surfing Beaches
If you're looking for some of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, then the North Coast is a great place to start. With its rugged coastline and exposure to the Atlantic, it's no surprise that this region is home to some of the most popular surfing beaches in the UK.
Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is a long, sandy beach that's perfect for surfing. It's a popular spot with both beginners and experienced surfers, thanks to its consistent waves and excellent facilities. There are plenty of surf schools and equipment rental shops in the area, so you'll have everything you need to get started.
📍Newquay TR8 4AA
Mawgan Porth
Mawgan Porth, nestled between the cliffs of the North Cornwall coast, offers one of the best beach breaks in Cornwall. With a great surf shop nearby, it's the perfect place for a surfing day out.
📍Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4BL
Porthtowan
Porthtowan is another fantastic surfing beach on the North Coast. It's a smaller beach than Watergate Bay, but it still attracts plenty of surfers thanks to its reliable waves and stunning scenery. The beach is backed by rugged cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop to your surfing experience.
📍Porthtowan, Truro TR4 8AW
Crantock Beach
Crantock Beach is another popular spot for surfers. Boasting a beach break that's perfect during both high tide and low tide, and with a car park a short walk away, it's a great place to spend a day riding the waves.
📍Crantock, Newquay TR8 5RN
Bude
Bude is a town on the North Coast that's famous for its surfing beaches. There are several beaches in the area that are great for surfing, including Summerleaze, Crooklets, and Sandymouth. Each beach has its own unique character, so it's worth exploring them all to find your favourite.
📍Bude EX23 8HN
Harlyn Bay
Harlyn Bay is a beautiful beach in North Cornwall with a reputation for some of the best surfing conditions. Its natural beauty combined with the presence of big swells makes it a great place for both advanced and beginner surfers.
📍St Merryn PL28 8SB
Constantine Bay
Constantine Bay is an advanced surfer's paradise. Known for its great waves and offshore winds, it offers the best conditions for an exciting surfing experience. The Smart Surf School located here caters to the needs of experienced surfers.
📍Padstow PL28 8SH
Carbis Bay
A quieter alternative to the bustling St Ives, it's the ideal spot for surfers looking for a peaceful surf session.
📍Bay, Beach Rd, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 2NP
South Coast Surfing Beaches
If you're looking for some of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, the south coast has plenty to offer. Here are three of the top spots to catch some waves.
Sennen Cove
Sennen Cove is a popular destination for surfers of all levels. The beach is known for its consistent waves, making it a great place to practice your skills. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, ensuring that you can surf safely.
📍Penzance TR19 7DF
Porthcurno
Porthcurno is a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. The beach is also a great place to catch some waves, with surfers flocking to the area to take advantage of the consistent swell. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, so you can surf with peace of mind.
📍Porthcurno, Cornwall TR19 6JX
Praa Sands
Praa Sands is a beautiful beach with a long stretch of golden sand. The beach is known for its consistent waves, making it a popular spot for surfers. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, so you can surf safely.
📍Praa Sands, Penzance TR20 9TB
Surf Schools and Surfing Lessons
If you're new to surfing, or just looking to improve your skills, Cornwall has plenty of surf schools and coaching options to choose from. Here are two of the best:
Wavehunters
Based at Watergate Bay and Polzeath, Wavehunters offers a range of surfing lessons for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced surfers looking to hone their skills. Lessons are taught by experienced instructors, and all equipment is provided.
MLH Surf Coaching
Run by Miles Lee-Hargreaves MLH Surf Coaching is a great choice for anyone looking to take their surfing to the next level. Based in Bude, the school offers a range of coaching options, from one-to-one sessions to advanced lessons.
So if you're looking to learn to surf or improve your skills, why not give one of these surf schools a try? With expert instructors, top-quality equipment, and some of the best waves in the UK, Cornwall is the perfect place to take to the water and experience the thrill of surfing.
Surfing Events and Festivals
If you're a surfing enthusiast, then Cornwall is the perfect destination for you. The county is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the UK, and there are plenty of events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate the sport.
Boardmasters Festival
The Boardmasters Festival is one of the biggest events on the surfing calendar. Held annually in August, the festival combines music, art, and surfing, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves the beach lifestyle. The festival takes place over five days and attracts some of the biggest names in surfing, as well as musicians from around the world.
Pro-Surf Competitions
Cornwall is also home to a number of pro-surf competitions throughout the year. These events attract some of the best surfers from around the world, and are a great opportunity to see the pros in action. Some of the most popular competitions include the Surfing England National Championships, the English Adaptive Surfing Open, and the UK Pro Surf Tour.
Surfing Safety and Etiquette
When surfing in Cornwall, it's important to follow proper safety and etiquette guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Lifeguards and Surf Reports
Before heading out into the water, it's important to check the surf report and make note of any potential hazards or dangers. You can find surf reports online or at local surf shops. Additionally, always be aware of the location of the nearest lifeguard station and be sure to follow any instructions or warnings given by lifeguards.
Surf Etiquette
When surfing in Cornwall, it's important to follow proper surf etiquette to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Respect the locals: If you're surfing in an area where the locals are known to be territorial, be sure to show respect and give them their space.
- Don't drop in: Dropping in on someone else's wave is considered extremely rude and can be dangerous. Always wait your turn and respect the lineup.
- Communicate: If you're unsure of the proper etiquette in a particular lineup, don't be afraid to ask someone for guidance. Communication is key to avoiding collisions and accidents.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of other surfers around you and avoid cutting in front of them or blocking their path.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable surfing experience for everyone. Remember to always respect the ocean and those around you, and have fun!
Surfing in Cornwall: A Recap
You've now discovered the 25 best surfing beaches in Cornwall, and hopefully, you're excited to hit the waves. Cornwall has some of the best surfing beaches in the UK, and it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for surfers from all over the world.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there's a beach for you. Cornwall's beaches offer a variety of waves, from gentle rollers to powerful breaks, so you can find the perfect spot to suit your skill level.
Surfing in Cornwall is an experience like no other. The stunning coastline, clear blue waters, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfing enthusiasts. The beaches are also surrounded by breathtaking scenery, so even if you're not surfing, there's plenty to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to surf in Cornwall varies depending on your skill level. Beginners might prefer the summer months when conditions are milder, while more experienced surfers often enjoy the big swells of the winter months.
Some of the best beaches for beginner surfers in Cornwall include Summerleaze Beach, Towan Beach, and the middle of Sennen Beach, where the waves are usually gentler. You might also like to read 19 best surfing beaches for beginners.
Advanced surfers may prefer beaches with bigger waves and swells, such as the northern end of Fistral Beach, Constantine Bay, and Sennen Cove.
