Surfing at Porthtowan

Nestled in the heart of beautiful tin mining country, on the north coast of Cornwall, Porthtowan Beach is notoriously popular with local surfers who enjoy powerful surf and relative solitude in the autumn and winter months.

The surf at Porthtowan Beach favours any tide, with the beach steeping up at high. A big fan of ESE winds, well-shaped peaks on the southern side are a real highlight for the intermediate to expert surfer.

Porthtowan Beach is surrounded by beautiful coastal walks through Cornwall’s tin mining yesteryear. And for the more eagle eyed, dolphins and seals often share water space with users, which is a real treat for the eyes.

When the summer comes this small beach becomes a congested mass, with surfers of all abilities squashed together on one peak. So bring your helmet.

The Blue Bar at Porthtowan offers excellent food and drink, with lovely views of the beach. And a plethora of equipment and board hire shops such as Sick, Lame &Lazy, are its neighbours.

Two car parks provide ample parking.

Surf challenge: 7