Cornwall is a great destination for surfers. There are great beginner waves where you can learn to surf and more advanced surfing spots for those with experience.
Popular surf beaches close to Penzance with surfboard rentals
Sennen
Our favourite surf spot. Fifteen minutes’ drive from Penzance, just by Land’s End, the small coastal village of Sennen has a great surf beach. Very exposed, and usually gets a wave even during the flat summer months. Often heavy and big during winter. Favourite for longboarders and short boarders.
Beginner friendly on small swells, experience surfers only on big days.
Beach break. Watch out for dangerous rips.
Lifeguards on the beach (not during winter).
Sennen has two great surf schools where you also can hire boards and wetsuits: Smart Surf School and Sennen Surfing Centre (also have a surf shop).
There are several parking options and public toilets.
Praa Sands
This south coast surf beach is 15 minutes from Penzance. Works best during winter, spring and autumn. Often flat during summer. Heavy beach breaks during high tide. It can produce heavy and hollow peaks on smaller swells and clean waves for longboarders and short boarders.
Beginner friendly on small swells, experience surfers on bigger days.
Beach break.
Lifeguards on the beach (not during winter).
You can hire boards and get surf lessons at Global Boarders.
Several parking options and public toilets.
Check the forecast at Praa Sands.
St Ives
Porthmeor beach in St Ives is a popular break all year round. You might struggle to get parking. Smaller than Sennen and gets very crowded on a good day or during summer. Waves here range from small and fun to pumping barrels.
Beach break. Beginner friendly on small swells, experience surfers on bigger days.
Lifeguards on the beach (not during winter).
You can hire boards and wetsuits and get surf lessons at St Ives Surf School.
Check the forecast at Porthmeor.
Gwithian
Just north of St Ives, this beautiful sand beach stretches miles. Several spots along the beach. The most popular is Godrevy and Gwithian. Godrevy usually gets bigger, whilst Gwithian is a bit smaller. Consistent long lefts and rights (another popular longboard spot) and heavy waves that holds decent size on big days.
Beginner friendly on small swells, experience surfers on bigger days.
Park at either Gwithian or Godrevy gets very busy during summer, and parking can be an issue.
Lifeguards on the beach (not during winter).
You can hire boards and get surf lessons at Sunset Surf.
Check the forecast at Gwithian.
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