Surfing in Cornwall

Cornwall has for a long time been synonymous with surfing. The great Atlantic swell produces reliable waves on the north Cornish shores and the surfing resorts of Newquay and Polzeath are as popular as ever. With so many fantastic surf spots and such picturesque villages and towns lining the Cornish shores, you will be spoilt for choice when selecting your perfect surfing holiday in Cornwall.

As the mighty Atlantic Ocean reaches the north Cornish shores, it creates some of the best surfing conditions in the whole of Europe. Magnificent cliffs lined with rugged coastal paths look out over hundreds of miles of golden sandy beaches, perfect for surfing. With some of the best scenery, best rides and best breaks in the country, surfing in Cornwall is first-class.

The UK`s most famous surf spot is Fistral Beach in Newquay. The Rip Curl Boardmasters plus many other international surf competitions are held at Fistral every year. The reliable and often challenging waves make this the ideal surf spot for experienced surfers. While it is Newquay`s largest and most famous beach, it is not the only beach Newquay has to offer and more central beaches are better suited to novices and less experienced surfers, such as Lusty Glaze and a little further north, Watergate Bay. With numerous surf schools, surf shops and beachside cafes lining the beachfronts of Newquay and Watergate Bay, this area is extremely popular with tourists and surfers of all abilities.

Surfing at Polzeath is as consistent as Fistral but often fairly gentle, making it a popular spot with inexperienced surfers. The shallow shelves create mild and meek waves, ideal for novices. This stunning beach has plenty of places to drink and eat with numerous pubs, cafes and bars nearby. Other good spots for beginners and intermediates are Widemouth Bay with its mellow beach breaks, dark sand and gentle waves and Porthmeor Beach in St Ives with its friendly break and sheltered and reduced wave heights.

Crooklets beach in Bude stretches from Northcott Mouth to Summerleaze at low tide with rideable, fun waves spanning the whole length of Crooklets. Good for all levels of surfers, depending on the wind, this is a popular holiday spot. Along with Fistral, other challenging surf spots for experienced surfers include Sennan beach in the far west of Cornwall, Constantine Bay and Harlyn near the picturesque town of Padstow.

Most of these north Cornish beaches, bays and resorts are packed with cafes, pubs, restaurants and bars. Numerous surf shops provide surf boards, wetsuits and clothing, while surf schools provide lessons and coaching for all levels of ability. Most beaches have public showers, toilets and car parking available nearby, making it easy to spend your entire day at the beach.

Accommodation in Cornwall, particularly in the popular holiday resorts gets booked up early for the summer months. The autumn and winter months are the best time for good, challenging waves and accommodation is easier to come by then. There is a wide variety of choice ranging from budget to expensive places to stay. Choose from cheap and cheerful to elegant top class hotels, Cornish cottage rentals, self catering apartments, bed and breakfasts, pubs, caravan parks and camp sites to stay at.