Why Cornwall is a Surfer's Paradise

Golden sands, a thrilling Atlantic swell and miles of spectacular coastline. Yep, it’s hard to beat Cornwall for water sports. With some of the best surfing conditions in Europe and palm trees to boot, it’s little wonder so many of us flock to the Cornish shores in warmer months.

If you’re a beginner, bringing children or just hoping for some light-hearted fun on the water then there’s no better place than Newquay. There’s always a good crowd here, with lots of surf schools that run, and if you venture over to Watergate Bay you’ll enjoy two miles of picturesque beach and long, gentle swells. Plus there are lots of great restaurants in the area to keep you entertained after hours. Try Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen for an impressive dinner or pull up a chair at Water Gate Bay hotel. If you want to stay close to the action, consider booking a room here. You’ll be in for a treat at the classy Bolt Hole, which boasts a hot tub overlooking the beach.

Over in St Ives you’ll find the more challenging tide of Porthmeor Beach that almost never goes flat. Its curving sandy bay is protected from harsher winds, so it’s great for surfers and sunbathers alike. Meanwhile Gwithian and nearby Hayle offer some exciting water for more experienced boarders, but the gently sloping beach still gives beginners time to find their feet. Stop by Godrevy Beach if you’re in the area, it prides itself on being one of the cleanest beaches in Cornwall and has a gorgeous view of the lighthouse. If you need refuelling post surf, stop by the Jam Pot Café for an unbeatable cream tea.

For those keen to find a busy hub near the surf action, point your feet towards Polzeath. There’s views aplenty from the cliff tops, but waves can seriously vary so be sure to check the forecasts before you turn up. Alternatively you could settle down in the infamous surf pub, the Oystercatcher, until swells pick up…

Steer clear of Fistral beach if you can. Its appeal is well known to young holiday makers, in particular stag and hen dos, so it can be crowded and overrun with beginners.

Not to be underestimated are the north coast swells that roll between the high cliffs at Chapel Porth. Only come here if you consider yourself a surf champion and can hold your own in the rough. Rips are aggressively strong and the exposed shore feels the full force of the Atlantic. If your friends are equally skilled on a board, bring a group down and rent one of the gorgeous nearby cottages available for hire.

Whatever beach you find yourself popping up on, you can be guaranteed an adrenaline-packed adventure in Cornwall.