A surfer’s guide to Cornwall

Surfing was first introduced in the United Kingdom by four young Australians in 1929 in the Cribbar, a reef in Newquay, Cornwall. From the very beginning of the sport’s presence in Britain, Cornwall was at the centre of it. All over Cornwall, the sport grew as more people started taking advantage of the region’s surfing waves. The UK’s oldest surf club, the Cornwall Surf Club was founded in 1960 and took charge of planning events, competitions and hosting other surfing-related activities.

Since then, surfing has managed to embed itself more and more in local culture, reaching progressively wider audiences as time went on. Today, it’s safe to say that surfing is an undeniable staple of what makes Cornwall so special and feel so otherworldly to the rest of the UK.

This large sandy beach also happens to have multiple smaller beaches adjacent to it. The main beach is very large at low tide, making it ideal for people to find space to keep their belongings while they are off surfing or if they are in a group in which only a few people take part in the sport. Polzeath is laid back and easy to access and has therefore grown in popularity in the last few years for its ideal surfing conditions. 

Polzeath is a great place to learn to surf as many schools are located here and equipment is readily available for hire. Wavehunters offer fantastic surf lessons and equipment to hire and are located on Polzeath beach itself. 

Polzeath has level access from the beach car park and stairs to get to the main beach. In addition to the beach car park, the surrounding area has over 4 different car parks, giving ample space to get to the beach by car. Nearby facilities also include toilets, shops and restaurants. There are lifeguards on duty at Easter and then from the beginning of May until the end of September and dogs are only permitted onto the beach from October 1st until May 14th.

An undeniable pillar of surfing culture in the United Kingdom, Fistral Beach is a must in any surfer’s discovery of Cornwall. The unofficial home of British surfing, this place is a haven for every kind of surfer, from the most novice, to the most prolific. The consistency and quality of the waters is what keeps people coming back to it time and time again. 

The beach is also home to the International Surfing Centre where visitors will find a set of surf shops, restaurants, surf hires and more. 

The Fistral Surf School is on site and is a fantastic place to learn about the sport and receive coaching before hitting the waves. 

RNLI lifeguards are present on the beach from April to October. Do bare in mind that this beach is popular and therefore easily gets crowded in the summer months. The beach is open year-round. 

Don’t let appearances deceive you with Porthleven, it may seem calm and secluded, but the waves here are not to be taken on by beginners. The waves here are deep, rough and powerful and require skill to navigate. This is exactly what makes Porthleven Beach an ideal spot for experienced surfers who may find themselves in want of a challenge. 

The adjacent town provides many facilities, including some delightful restaurants, we really love Dan Dan the Lobster Man for some excellent fresh seafood. RNLI lifeguards are on duty on the beach only from July to September so please be cautious when enjoying the particularly difficult waters at Porthleven. 

This iconic Bay is a staple amongst Cornwall surfers. Located to the West of Padstow, it is a unique beach with small bays and rocky patches that make for a one-of-a-kind surfing experience. The waves are varied but consistently enjoyable. 

The Constantine Bay Surf School is a great place to get a sense of the sport and learn the basics as you get to enjoy the unique waters that make the Bay what it is. 

Keep in mind that surfing can be unpredictable here so you’re not always guaranteed to be able to take on the waves. Parking around the bay can also be rather nightmarish so be sure to arrive early. Lifeguards are at the beach from May to September. 

Safety is a key part of having a great surfing experience. Here is your checklist of things to bare in mind before heading off on your Cornish surfing adventure: 

• If you are not a seasoned surfer, please do not attempt to go surfing without having had any training from professionals. 
• Always surf between black and white chequered flags. 
• Never go surfing all by yourself and keep people informed of your whereabouts. 
• Always check weather and tides before going surfing and check for any changes. 
• Always wear a leash. You do not want to be separated from your surfboard. 
• Understand your limits and don’t try anything outside of your capabilities. 

For more information, please visit the RNLI website to find essential resources on how to practise safe surfing when visiting Cornwall. 

There are a great many deal of wonderful hotels near the seaside that make for great accommodation for surfers. Here are a couple of our favourites.