Penhale, also known as Perran Sands, is a long beach with beautiful golden sand and towering sand dunes. It’s a popular spot for surfers looking to escape the more crowded beaches nearby. The beach has a consistent beach break that works well at all tides, so you have plenty of options to catch some waves. The area is lifeguarded during the summer, which adds a layer of safety. Getting to the surf involves a long, uphill walk back from the beach, but the access is through a pay car park at the holiday camp, which overlooks the sea.

The surf at Penhale can handle swell sizes from about 2ft to 10ft (0.6m to 3m) and often works best with swells coming from the SouthWest, NorthWest, and even the West. The waves are a mix of lefts and rights, making it suitable for various skill levels, from beginners to more experienced surfers. The best conditions are usually when the wind comes from the SouthEast and at low to mid to high tides, creating a fun beach break that offers shifting peaks. Expect to see waves ranging from thigh to head high (1m to 3m), but keep in mind that it can get pretty rippy at times.

Penhale attracts a good mix of surfers, and while it can get busy, the atmosphere is generally laid-back. However, locals can be competitive on the better peaks, while other sections of the beach tend to be more relaxed. Besides the surfing, you might run into an occasional adder in the dunes, so watch your step as you stroll around. The best time to hit Penhale for surfing is from June to November, when the conditions are typically at their best.