About Cornwall Surf Travel
Southwest England has been the traditional hub for the UK surf scene since the 60’s, with Cornwall’s Newquay taking on the role of surf city. The coastline is fringed with a series of sweeping sandy bays – often dividing into smaller coves with rocky outcrops as the tide pushes in – punctuated by the (very) occasional reef or point. However receiving a steady stream of westerly and southwesterly swells straight out of the North Atlantic, consistency is the name of the game. The mild climate and warmer waters make the beaches of Cornwall an irresistible tourist draw while the quality of the banks mean that you rarely surf alone.
Cornwall Surf Crowds:
As with many places, it’s really only the well-known spots that pack in the crowds – there are plenty of classic empty setups for those who want to explore.
Cornwall Surf Hazards:
England is supposedly free of man-eating sharks. Every year, however, another fisherman claims to have seen a great white (usually explained away as a basking shark) and many non-native fish are turning up off the southwest as global warming kicks in. Spiny weaver fish lurk under the cover of sand in the low-tide waters off the southwest coast, just waiting for a passing foot to step on them.
Best Surf Seasons in Cornwall:
1) Fall
With more consistent northwesterly and westerly swells juicing up the southwest coastline, this is the season when England really comes into its own. Southwesterly swells also roll through with an increased regularity, lighting up the south coast breaks. Crowds drop off and water temperatures remain in the early 50ºF’s but increased air chill means its time to break out those 4/3’s.
2) Winter
Winter can be more unpredictable but still able to deliver. The southwest can endure westerly storms lashing the coastline but with the north and south coast of Cornwall in easy reach of each other, you can often find somewhere to escape the brunt of the storm. Solid southwesterly swells roll in, often accompanied by northerly winds creating good south coast conditions.
3) Summer
In the southwest small summer swells push through delivering mellow 1-3ft days, with the occasional low sneaking through to deliver something with a bit more punch. In the best years, blocking highs sit over England meaning gentle off-shores to accompany summer sessions.
4) Spring
Spring can be a great season for the southwest although the wind can be more erratic. The air remains fresh until around May when temperatures average 60ºF. The odd early summer day sneaks through accompanied by high temperatures and mellow swells that the locals are all over. 4/3’s take over.
Directions to Best Surf in Cornwall:
From London, you can either fly direct to Newquay or make the drive south taking the motorway – M4 to Bristol then M5 to Exeter followed by A30 south – or you can take the scenic route via Stonehenge M3 then A303 to Exeter.