Porthmeor

Porthmeor is one of the best-known surf spots in west Cornwall, right below St Ives on the Atlantic-facing coast. It’s a sandy beach break with a scenic setting, backed by the town and cliffs, and it can produce fun, punchy waves when the swell lines up.

Surf character

• Type: Beach break
• Wave quality: Can be very good on the right swell, with reasonably clean, rideable waves
• Best swell: W to NW swells from the Atlantic
• Best wind: E to SE offshore winds
• Tide: Works at multiple tides, but conditions can change quickly with tide movement

What it’s like

Porthmeor tends to be more consistent than many exposed coves in Cornwall because it’s open to Atlantic swell. It can offer: - mellow waves for beginners on smaller days - faster, steeper sections when the swell gets bigger - occasional closeouts if the sandbanks aren’t well formed

Because it’s a beach break, sand movement affects the peaks a lot, so the spot can change from week to week.

Conditions and crowd

• Crowds: Popular, especially in summer and when conditions are good
• Skill level: Suitable for beginners on small surf, but more challenging as it gets larger
• Hazards: Strong rip currents, busy lineup, and powerful surf on bigger swells

Local feel

One of the highlights of Porthmeor is the setting: wide sandy beach, views over St Ives Bay, and a classic Cornish surf-town atmosphere. It’s a good spot if you want surf with easy access to cafés, surf shops, and amenities.