About Polzeath Surf Travel
Polzeath is one of the more popular and dependable zones. While the surf can get quite good when all of the conditions come together, it’s also a hotbed for beginners on holiday. An ideal location for those who want to experience a little international surf culture, but maybe aren’t ready to tackle the heavier spots around Europe, Polzeath is a beautiful stretch of coastline that’s become a favorite destination for English surfers. Primarily consisting of beachbreak set-ups, variables like sand flow, swell direction and, most importantly, what the tide is doing. Europe is renown for dramatic tide swings and a little knowledge before you head down to the beach can make all the difference.
Fistral Beach:
One of Cornwall’s premier beachbreaks, situated in the heart of Newquay – the UK’s self-styled surf capital. Little Fistral near Pentire Head is a low tide performer breaking in front of the rocks, producing long walling rides and cover-ups. North Fistral is the best known and busiest of the spots, generating powerful, hollow, SW France style rides, with the banks usually holding up to 8ft. Continuing down, South Fistral is often less crowded and the headland offers some shelter in light SW winds. Some decent lefts can be found off rocks here, depending on the banks. Summer crowds, bolstered by surf school peak periods are insane and just not worth the hassle but as the swell picks up towards the Autumn, the crowds thin out, reminding everyone why Fistral was always such a popular proposition. In huge swells the mythical Cribbar breaks out on the headland. Fistral is also the home of the National Surfing Centre and annual WQS event.
Surf Hazards
In the summer the biggest surf hazard in Polzeath is the crowds. Surf schools and so may beginners is a wonderful thing, but it can also make for some congestion in the lineup. Be careful not to run anyone over. And come wintertime, when the air and water temps dip, it’s important to be mindful of the hypothermia factor, as well as any dangerous currents or conditions brought on by winter storms.
Surf Pollution
Polzeath does have its fair share of environmental concerns, primarily the release of sewage into the water. In recent years there have been reports of heavy rains causing sewage spills and overflows into the ocean. The non-profit group Surfers Against Sewage is helping to combat the problem. Until it’s fully resolved, like so many spots around the world, avoiding creeks, river mouths and other outflow points for 72 hours after periods of heavy rain is advisable.
Best Surf Seasons in Polzeath
1) Winter
(December-February) in the winter months the North Atlantic bombards the Polzeath coast with a seemingly continuous battery of powerful swells. Getting the conditions to cooperate and finding a set-up that can hold all the swell is the challenge, but when it all comes together, there are kegs to be scored.
2) Spring
(March-May) spring can be brutal on this stretch of coast. Biting winds and cold water temps don’t make it that inviting, and if the North Atlantic goes to sleep expect to be scrapping for wind swell wedges.
3) Summer
(June-August) long days and fun, playful surf is the usual during the summer months. So are large crowds of vacationers and surf school students. A bit hectic, it’s also a lot of fun with all of the summer activities and entertainment on hand.
4) Fall
(September-November) with warmer water and early Atlantic swells, the fall around Polzeath is a surfers delight. The summer crowds have gone, the beaches are considerably more wide open and the conditions are considerably more cooperative.
Directions to the Polzeath
The main airport that services the Newquay area is the Cornwall Airport. The area is also well served by buses and trains. It’s about a five hour trip from London if you’re down for a classic English road trip.