A Guide to Surfing in Cornwall

Introduction to Surfing in Cornwall

Surfing in Cornwall is a popular pastime due to the consistent swell and variety of breaks along the south coast. The breaks of Cornwall offer the perfect opportunity for all levels of surfer, from beginner right up to pro. The beaches, reefs, points and bays curve along the Cornish coast providing lefts and rights at each location. With surging swells, long boardable rides, good take-off points and plenty of sand banks it's no wonder surfing have become so popular from Falmouth to Bude.

So whether you're a first-time surfer or an experienced pro there's something for everyone here in Cornwall! With enough harder moments and softer sections, it's easy to find a spot where you fit in. We have put together this guide for anyone looking to surf in Cornwall - offering advice on tides, waves, beach safety and more. So let the waves be your guide!

The Best Spots for Surfing in Cornwall

Cornwall is a popular surfing destination for both beginners and experienced surfers due to its abundance of excellent spots for riding waves. This guide will provide an overview of some of the best spots for surfing in Cornwall that is suitable for all levels. 

Newquay: Newquay is renowned as one of the best destinations for surfing in Cornwall and England. It offers year-round waves, from gentle swells to full-force barrels, making it popular with all types of surfers, from beginners to pros. The most famous beach to try your luck at is Fistral Beach. It’s also home to some world-famous surf competitions. 

Perranporth: Perranporth offers a perfect mixture of steep and mellow swell that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. You can choose the beach or any one of its nearby rocky points or reef breaks depending on your level and the type of wave you want to ride.

Mawgan Porth: Mawgan Porth offers reliable conditions throughout the year and is a great spot when accompanied by other activities such as kayaking and jet skiing while taking advantage of its picturesque views. While popular amongst more advanced riders, newbies can take advantage by trying out its sheltered bay slightly further away from the more aggressive spots further along the coastline at Constantine Bay Enclosure or Harlyn Bay Enclosure. 

Sennen Cove: Sennen Cove has been attracting many visitors over countless decades and remains a renowned destination amongst locals and holidaymakers alike today due to its consistent conditions throughout the summer months offering larger groundswells with plenty of potential for bigger rides. 

The Best Time to Surf in Cornwall

The best time to surf in Cornwall is from late spring to mid-autumn. During this period, Cornwall generally benefits from long, warm spells of sunshine and plenty of swells. This produces awesome surf conditions for all levels of the surfing experience. 

The tail end of autumn can also provide good conditions, although wave quality will deteriorate into the winter months as low-pressure systems become more common and wave consistency decreases. The only exception to this may be when a large north Atlantic storm passes through the area producing waves over a longer period, rarely found during summer months.

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During any season, local wind directions play a key role in wave quality as they can make or break an otherwise good beach break or point break area; an offshore breeze particularly has a more positive impact over any other temperature-related variables. Advise can always be obtained on local wind directions at the nearest surf shop before venturing out for a session - local suppliers have the most up-to-date information on prevailing weather patterns!

What to Wear for Surfing in Cornwall

When you're surfing in Cornwall, the right clothing and equipment can make all the difference. Dressing for Cornish conditions can be tricky because the weather is extremely unpredictable and temperatures can vary by a few degrees from one week to the next. The best plan is to always layer up so that you can adjust based on your level of activity and how warm or cold it's feeling outside. Here are some tips for what to wear:

Wetsuits–Wearing a wetsuit when you go surfing in Cornwall is essential. A full five-millimetre neoprene suit will keep you warm at pretty much any time of year, but a 3-2mm shorty will do for summer months when temperatures are warmer.

Shoes – Water shoes are great for providing extra protection against submerged rocks, mussels and other sharp objects scattered across the shoreline. Around your ankles and up to your knees covering any exposed skin with rash guards or lycra wetsuits is advisable too (the sea temperature rarely rises above 14°C). 

Thermals – Layers of thermals will help wick away sweat from beneath your wetsuit and provide extra warmth in more extreme conditions. They can also protect feet, necks and hands from rashes caused by wearing wet suits all day long.  

Beanie–In colder months a thick beanie will keep some of the chills off your head while also protecting ears from water swells that could cause ear infections if not properly insulated against them. 

Hat – It's not essential to wear a hat while surfing in Cornwall but they are important to have with you if there’s any chance of strong sunshine during your surf session - this applies all year round! Wide-brimmed hats offer great sun protection in addition to helping keep salt spray out of the eyes while navigating bigger waves.

Safety Tips for Surfing in Cornwall

Surfing in Cornwall offers the perfect combination of waves and scenery, so it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular destination for surfers of all levels. While Cornwall is known as a surfing mecca, there are some safety tips to keep in mind when riding the waves.

An important tip to keep in mind while surfing in Cornwall is that the conditions can change rapidly, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Make sure you check the up-to-date local tide and surf forecasts before you head out for a session; this will help you identify any features or rips that might be hazardous. Additionally, you should always wear the appropriate protective gear including silk gloves and booties, a full wetsuit with a hood or vest when needed, and a buoyancy aid (recommended but not compulsory). 

In terms of etiquette on your board, always be considerate to other riders. It's important to find an appropriate spot for yourself on the break so as not to crowd other people out. Also bear in mind that it is illegal to disturb sea animals or throw rubbish into our waters - protect our environment by reducing your plastic waste whenever possible! Finally, if you are still learning how to surf make sure you go with someone more experienced than yourself who can help give advice and act as an extra pair of eyes when necessary. 

Safety is paramount when surfing anywhere - the unpredictability of nature makes sure that each swell brings its particular path - enjoy your waves but most importantly please respect them too!

Different Surfing Styles in Cornwall

When it comes to surfing in Cornwall, visitors and locals alike should consider their experience and preference when selecting a style of surfing. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced surgeon, there’s a style for everyone in Cornwall. 

Longboarding: Longboards are the classic board shape for more stable, easier riding in smaller waves making them perfect for beginners. Combining style with pure speed, longboarders spend more time on their feet riding from wave to wave versus quickly catching and dropping into the wave.

-Shortboards: Shortboards provide the most manoeuvrability for turning and gaining more speed down the line. Shortboarders generally do less traditional nose-riding but can make powerful turns plus achieve a greater level of performance when compared with longboarders or other styles of boards. These boards are a great way to get started while adding the technical skills necessary as surfers progress through their levels of surfing expertise. 

-Alternative Boards: Alternative board shapes such as fish, egg, and short fish hybrid shapes offer advantages over both shortboard and longboard shapes by combining characteristics from both types into one board giving surfers more versatility in challenging conditions or on days where the swell direction is inconsistent or changeable.

-Paddleboarding: Paddleboarding is another popular option with easier access than traditional body surfing or knee/waist high waves -- although paddling allows an alternative approach to getting out beyond breakers without having quite as much commitment due to steeper drops that sometimes accompany larger waves coming through sets. It also opens up different opportunities such as riding through slight swells when conditions can be difficult for conventional surf craft riders. This is due to incoming tide and/or shallow reefs not allowing time for paddling deep enough into bigger sets before getting dropped off by shifting water pressure required to complete shorter rides offshore sections that can be accessed outside main breaks when tides are low.

With SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards) you'll have a whole different perspective looking down at swells coming your way opening up many exciting riding possibilities and allowing those who enjoy being outdoors all year round whatever time conditions persist!

Surfing Equipment to Bring to Cornwall

When you’re planning a surfing holiday in Cornwall, it’s important to bring the right equipment to make your trip enjoyable. Depending on your level of experience and the type of waves you plan to ride, here are a few key pieces of equipment that should help you make the most of your surfing holiday. 

Basic Equipment:

-Surfboard: Unless you want to be hiring boards each time you go out, it is worth investing in a good quality surfboard that suits your level and style of riding. Many surf shops offer rental services so double-check whether they have any second-hand boards available before buying. 

-Wetsuit: Ensure that you have a good-fit wetsuit when choosing one for your trip as this will be essential when surfing in colder waters, making sure that you don’t get too cold and can keep on riding! Most areas will have rental services available but try to ensure that the suit fits correctly before heading out into the water. 

Advanced Equipment: 

-Leash: A leash is an essential piece of safety gear when taking part in surfing and should allow easy reconnection in case of a wipeout or disconnection from the board. Make sure not to skip on this as if detached from the board it can easily float away from reach! 

-Fins: Fins are an important factor for performance on shortboards as these will add drive and speed depending on the types used - look for fins with confidence if unsure - and many companies offer free setups with purchase meaning that finding something suitable shouldn't be difficult at all!

Surfing Etiquette in Cornwall

Surfing in Cornwall is a popular sport and can be immensely enjoyable with the right attitude. There are some unwritten rules of etiquette to observe when you’re out in the waves to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy them safely.

When paddling out, do not attempt to paddle over or ‘drop in’ someone else’s wave; it is considered very bad manners and can lead to confrontation, so give others their time in the water. Similarly, when riding a wave don’t try and close it off from other surfers; let others catch the wave after you’ve completed your ride.

Be mindful of other beach users who may be unaware of potential hazards associated with surfing; stay clear of swimmers and stick within your ability level rather than trying moves that are beyond you. Consider other nearby surfers too, wait your turn at take-off spots and avoid breaking peak waves early on as they should go to whichever surfer closely calculated durability correctly as they paddled out, or whoever paddled out first, depending on local customs. 

Check carefully for any signs in advance of your surfing session; there may be restrictions on boards allowed on certain beaches or even a voluntary disclaimer that needs to be signed before surfing. Last but by no means least – respect the sea! Be aware that nature always has the power to dictate – don’t overstretch yourself in competition with more experienced surfers and always remain conscious of sea conditions and what lies beneath the surface as these elements constantly shift unpredictably.