Porthleven Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW
Wind
NE
Surf Height
Shoulder high to double overhead.
Tide
Best at mid but works on all tides.
Porthleven Surf Guide
To the west of the harbour sits a Cornish gem, one of the few classic reefs in the county. This quality A frame serves up hollow rights and lefts for a frothingly committed crew of hard charging locals and pros from around the region who descend whenever it breaks. Always packed with a mix of shortboarders, bodyboarders and a couple of world-class longboarders. Definitely experts only. Works through the tide. Parking is an issue here. There's a heavy, slabby right to the east of the harbour channel popular with bodyboarder.
Ability Level
Advanced
Heavy, hollow, shallow, competitive plus a tiny take off spot means this is a wave for advanced surfers.
Local Vibe
Intimidating
Cornwall's most competitive line-up; feisty.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Insanely busy for such a compact spot.
Spot Rating
Fun
Short and hollow reef that can get epic in big swells.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Easy paddle round.
Water Quality
Clean
Pretty clean.
Hazards
Shallow reef, especially at low tide; crowds.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard
Access
Off the rocks, there is no nearby car park so street park respectfully - has become an issue with local residents; use footpaths - don't access the break over private land.
Bottom
Rock reef.
Best Season
September - February are best when the big swells roll into the Channel.
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