Winter surfing in Cornwall

Winter surfing in Cornwall is very different from summer. With big prevailing westerly swells and wind churning up the Atlantic Ocean, the unexpected sheltered surf spots often come to life. 

Photography James Warbey

Safety 

If you’re a beginner surf, it is not a good idea to surf alone in the winter months as there are no lifeguards on duty. The only beach run all year round by the RNLI is Fistral Beach in Newquay. Alternatively, it is recommended to have lessons with a surf school whose instructors are also qualified lifeguards. 

You will often see locals surfing on their own but it's not a good idea to paddle out alone at a surf spot you haven’t surfed much before. Always surf with others or a friend just in case the unexpected happens, you can never underestimate the power of the ocean.

Surf schools 

Only a few surf schools stay open all year round. Fistral Beach Surf School is one of them who take advantage of having the lifeguards patrolling the beach all year round. St Ives Surf School on Porthmeor Beach is open during all school holidays but is weather dependent for safety reasons during off-peak times. You can also book private lessons all through the winter months with St Ives Surf School upon request. 

Photography James Warbey

Surf Spots

Porthmeor Beach

A very busy surf spot due to facing North and protecting itself from the westerly winds. You will always find a surfer at this beach as its easily accessible and offers smaller waves than all the west-facing beaches. The westerly swells and southerly winds bring The Boiler to life. Notorious for its hollow right-handers on the Island side of the beach, good ones are few and far between but if you find a gem it’ll definitely have you stoked for a while. 

Fistral

With lifeguards patrolling all year round this is a great place for novice surfers with their own kit to surf. Also, Fistral is home to The Cribbar, Cornwall’s big wave. You’ll find locals tackling the steep takeoffs and it is spectacular to watch. 

Porthleven

Comes alive in the winter. Wait for a North wind and southerly swell and the reef gets a very nasty very busy. If you can stand the crowd you may get the best barrel you’ve ever had. It is just as impressive watching from the pier. Experienced surfers only. 

Winter storms in St Ives harbour, photography Nick Pumphrey

Swell

Cornwall is well known for seasonal work. You’ll find a lot of surfers dedicate their winter to surfing. Big swells light up all corners of the coastline. If you’re an explorer, you will get epic waves all to yourself. Keep an eye on the swell charts, wind direction and tide, you never know you may score world-class waves with a few friends and no one else around.

Alternatively, take a walk at an exposed beach, find the local cafe, grab a cup of coffee and a Cornish pasty and watch the impressive stormy seas. Gwithian and Sennen are always a good option. Always take care and respect the water when you’re close to the coastline.