Crantock is a northwesterly facing beachbreak that offers a good escape from the usually crowded Newquay surf spots. It’s a rivermouth that provides a mix of waves depending on the sandbars and swell conditions. You’ve got parking options like the Bowgie Inn for the south side and Pentire Headland for the north side. Just keep in mind that it can get really busy, especially at the rivermouth, particularly with local surfers who are a bit heavy-handed in the Bowgie area.
The surf here is pretty versatile. You can catch waves that range from thigh high to head and a half (about 0.6m to 4.6m), with the best conditions usually happening in low to mid tides. The optimal swell direction is from the west, but it also handles south-west and north-west swells, so there’s a decent chance you’ll find something rideable pretty much year-round, though autumn, from September to November, is when it’s at its best. The wave types are primarily beach breaks, providing both lefts and rights. If you're into longboards or fish, you might find the northern rivermouth works well when it's mellow, while more experienced surfers should be cautious around the Bowgie end, where the waves can get challenging.
One thing to watch out for is the paddling when the swell picks up; it can be quite demanding, with some big rips on the bigger days. So, whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert, you’ll find something at Crantock for your board type, be it a shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, or bodyboard. Just remember to show respect to the local crew, especially during the busier times.