Great Western is another beach in Newquay that surfers often check out. This spot features a cliff-lined cove that reveals a wide stretch of sand at low tide. It's a popular choice during big winter storms when other north coast breaks can get totally hammered. The crowd can get busy at times, especially in the summer and when the storm swells are rolling in.
The surf here usually sees wave sizes ranging from 3 to 8 feet (about 1 to 2.5 meters). The main swell directions that work best are West, West-Southwest, and West-Northwest. When the conditions align, the waves break over sand and offer both left and right rides. Most of the time, you'll find mostly close-outs, but there can be some fun banks that form on occasion, especially for beginners when the surf is smaller. It's worth noting that the preferable tide heights are in the low to mid range, and the best wind directions are South, South-Southeast, and Southeast.
For paddling, it’s good to know that there’s no real channel, so expect to do quite a bit of paddling. Given that the beach can disappear as the tide comes in, keep an eye on the water level. Shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, and bodyboards all work here, making it a versatile spot for different surfing styles. Just be prepared for the busy crowds, as the vibe can swing from chilled to a bit chaotic, depending on the conditions.