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Porthleven

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Ideal surf conditions at Porthleven

Swell window
S, NW
Best swell direction
W
Swell size
4ft - 18ft
Swell breaks over
Uneven Reef
Wave types
Reef
Wave directions
Left, Right
Wind window
NE
Best tides at
Mid
Skill Level
Expert
Seasons
Autumn, Winter
Board types
Shortboard, Bodyboard

Porthleven surf guide

Surf: Fast, hollow, crowded reef peak to the west of the harbour. A short right barrel that gets very shallow on the inside and good lefts on certain swell directions. Cornwall’s best reefbreak is always busy when on with a large local crew, pros and media. Dangerous at high and low tide – experts only. Also another hollow right reef in front of the pier popular with lids. Environment: Limited parking on narrow residential street above the break and more parking in the village. Facilities around the harbour. Surf: General: 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. Tides: Best at mid but works on all tides. Size: Shoulder high to double overhead. Wind: NE Swell: SW Bottom: Rock reef. Paddling: Easy paddle round. Spot Rating: Short and hollow reef that can get epic in big swells. 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. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Insanely busy for such a compact spot. Local Vibe: Cornwall's most competitive line-up; feisty. Environment: Pretty clean. Hazards: Shallow reef, especially at low tide; crowds. Season: September - February are best when the big swells roll into the Channel.

Written by Joris de Ruiter

Joris is a dad, husband, surfer, software developer, yogi and swimmer. He combines his passion for surfing and technology to help others catch more and better waves.

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