Gwithian

Surfing at Gwithian

Surfing at Gwithian Beach, near Hayle, encompasses beautiful stretch of uninterrupted golden coastline when the conditions are right. Its sheer length means the threat of ‘shanty town surfing’ is never a real problem, and there are often numerous peaks to choose from.

The beach is very exposed, so it takes the brunt of northerly and southerly swells, and waves are at their best at low to mid tide.

When a south-easterly wind is blowing, fast hollow waves are not uncommon and the further north you venture up the beach, the bigger the waves.

Gwithian is a mecca for happy families in the summer who lap up the sun-soaked coastline, bustling nearby town and inevitably have a go at surfing.

But surfers at Gwithian need to follow the example of the beach’s lifeguards and watch rip currents closely in the summer.

The Jam Pot Café overlooking Gwithian Beach provides refreshment, as does the Sandsitters Bar nearby. And for those who are a little nervous of the water and want to brush up on their surfing skills, the Gwithian Academy of Surfing is at hand.

Multiple parking opportunities are available around the beach.

Surf challenge: 6