Surf Newquay

Newquay beaches

Newquay is justifiably king of the UK surf scene, with consistent waves and a fantastic array of beaches to suit different tides, weather conditions, mood or ability. Click here for our interactive beach map or check out our surfing breaks guide to Newquay beaches below.

North to South surfing guide:

Watergate Bay
A great mid-high tide sandy beach break with both left and rights. SE wind direction generally considered the best. Also a good beach for novices.

Whipsiderry
Not one for the novices as there is no lifeguard service and has the additional danger of being cut off as you move towards high tide! Access at low tide only by a steep set of concrete steps. Both left and right breaks here due to a gently sloping sandy floor. Before entering know your tide times and water levels.

Porth
Watch out for rip currents during high surf. Big tidal range so can be a long walk out at low tide! You'll find it popular with bodyboarders and novices alike with both left and right breaks depending on what the sand bars are doing. Picks up good swell as it is an exposed beach with low to high tide considered best for that extra bit of zip.

Lusty Glaze
Can pick some serious swell but be aware of rocky outcrops on mid to high tide. You'll also find the National Beach Lifeguard Training Centre so you're well patrolled! Good for novices with both left and right break, with low to high tide considered the best time.

Tolcarne
Pretty consistent surf and works well all year round but can be unuseable in messy winter surf. Works best in offshore SW winds with the ideal swell conditions being from the west. At high tide bodyboarders love this beach as a "wedge" or cross wave is created off the headland as a result.

Great Western
Slightly less exposed than Tolcarne but stills get consistent fun waves on all tidal ranges making it a great beginner option. There is however a hidden rocky outcrop on high tide so watch out for that.

Towan
The least exposed of all the Newquay beaches and so needs good swell to work best. Good lefts that eminate off the harbour wall at mid tide. Popular with beginners. Can get crowded when its the only surfable beach especially in winter. No surfcraft longer than 5 feet 1st April to 30th September between 10am - 6pm.

Fistral
Can be split between North and South Fistral:

North Fistral
Works best at all tides when big swells are coming in. On low tide, some cracking barrels and peaks are produced. Mainly a right hander with submerged rocks and rips for lefts during high tide. Good for beginners although can get very crowded in summer.

South Fistral
Usually left breaks here and best from mid to high tide. Best swell direction west southwest. South to southeast wind is offshore. Suitable for beginners although watch for dangerous rips.

The Cribber
An exposed and rarely seen reef break off Little Fistral that can pick up huge swell in Autumn and Winter if westerly swell conditions are right. Experienced surfers only, no beach break here!

Crantock
Good, consistent river break due to the Gannel flowing out at the northern end. The best wind direction is from the south east with the ideal swell angle being from the west. On big swell days the southern end produces a good left hander. Crantock is suitable for beginners when conditions not too big although there are some dangerous rips here.