November 23

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5 Places To Surf In Cornwall For Beginners

By Mark Roberts

November 23, 2022

Adventure, Cornwall, surf

Cornwall is well-known for its rugged coastline, dramatic scenery, and strong waves — all of which make it a fantastic place to learn how to surf.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want to dip your toes back into the water after a few years away from the beach, there are plenty of places in Cornwall that are perfect for learning how to surf. However, with so many different beaches to choose from and such varying wave conditions, it’s important to know where you’ll be most comfortable when starting out. Here are 5 places you can go if you want to learn surfing in Cornwall. They are accessible from anywhere in the county, no matter what your skill level or experience.

Image of two surfers in the sea. Walking back to shore with dramatic cliffs behind them.

Surf At St Merryn Sands

St Merryn Sands is a beautiful and quiet surf beach located between Padstow and Newquay. It’s always accessible and is a great place to learn how to surf if you want somewhere low-pressure with a super friendly vibe. It often has a small swell, which means it’s a great place to start learning how to surf if you’re not very confident in the water. However, if you are a beginner, it’s important to check the swell forecast before you go so that you know you’ll be able to paddle out. You’ll want to bring your own board as there are no rental boards available here. St Merryn Sands is a great place to go with friends and family, so it’s the perfect option if you want to learn how to surf with a group of people.

Surf In Newquay

Newquay is one of the most popular surf spots in Cornwall, and it’s an ideal place to learn how to surf if you want somewhere with a vibrant and friendly surf scene. There are plenty of surf schools in Newquay where you can hire a board, and there’s also space for beginners to practice their skills on the sand. Newquay is one of the most consistent spots in Cornwall when it comes to swell, so there’s always plenty of water moving around to catch. It’s important to check the surf forecast before you go, though, as you want to make sure the conditions are right for you to start learning. If you’re a complete beginner, it’s worth looking into group lessons offered by surf schools in the area before you go so that you can get used to the feeling of being in the water before going out on your own.

Kingsurf and Tolcarne Beach Surfing

Kingsurf and Tolcarne Beach are two beaches that are just a short drive from Newquay, but they have a completely different vibe. Kingsurf is a popular place to learn how to surf, and it has a lovely chilled-out atmosphere. It doesn’t have the same consistency that Newquay has, but it’s a great option if you want to learn how to surf in a quieter setting. Tolcarne Beach is another quiet surf beach located nearby. It’s a great place to go if you want to learn how to surf near Newquay, but want to avoid the busy crowds at Kingsurf. Both of these beaches are great places to go if you’re a complete beginner, as they’re quiet enough that you can focus on learning without feeling too self-conscious.

A man walking to the surf. He has his boots in one hand, surf board in the other walking along the sand
Surfing instructor carrying his shoes and surfing board on the beach in Saint Ives, Cornwall, UK

Surf Through Cornwall’s West Coast

The west coast of Cornwall is an amazing place to learn how to surf, but you do need to be aware that it’s a much wilder and more challenging environment than the east coast. It’s also a much longer drive from the centre of the county, so it’s best to go if you have your own transport. The best places to learn are Fistral Beach and Newquay, although you do need to be aware that the surrounding areas can be quite challenging to get to. If you’re a complete beginner, it’s worth checking if the surf schools in the area run group lessons during the off-peak season so that you can learn at a more comfortable pace. If you’re an experienced surfer, the west coast is an excellent place to go to get some big, challenging waves.

Surfing At Watergate Bay

If you want to learn how to surf with a view, then Watergate Bay is the place to go. It’s an extremely popular tourist spot, so it can get busy during the summer months, but it’s a great place to go if you want to learn how to surf in a more relaxed and picturesque environment. It’s a great option if you’re a complete beginner, as it’s often very calm and you can easily stand up in the water. It’s also a good place to go if you want to learn how to surf with your friends or family, as there are plenty of places to rent boards in the area.

Conclusion

Cornwall is a fantastic and beautiful place to learn how to surf. It has a range of different surf spots, so you can find the right one for your skill level and experience. If you want to learn how to surf, you can go to any of these beaches and be sure to have a great experience. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in the car, grab your board and get to one of these amazing places to learn how to surf in Cornwall. Now, all you have to do is choose which one you want to go to first!

Mark Roberts

About the author

Mark is Co-Founder of Cornish & Cosy. He is focused on the website and making sure all of our customers are happy. Can be found in the sea or working on his van conversion.

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