Porthmeor surf guide

Porthmeor is a known surf spot located in St Ives, Cornwall. It features a beautiful stretch of golden sand and is flanked by rocky headlands. This spot can get quite crowded in the summer due to the lively beach scene, but in the autumn and winter months, the surfers here become more committed and focused. The beach is northwest-facing, which offers some shelter against big swells from the south and southwest.

The surf here is pretty varied and can range from thigh high (about 0.6 meters) to overhead (around 2 meters). It works best with swells coming from the southwest and northwest and is most fun when the swell size is between 2 feet (0.6 meters) and 6 feet (1.8 meters). The waves can offer a nice mix of beach breaks, with peaks that break left and right. You'll usually find a few fun walls and even some thumping barrels, especially at a spot known as the Boiler. The tide plays a role here; low to mid tides are preferred for the best conditions, and the usual wind comes from the southeast.

Access to Porthmeor is straightforward, with a smaller car park at the southern end of the beach and a larger one at the top of the hill behind the graveyard. This spot welcomes surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, making it a versatile location for different types of boards like shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, bodyboards, and even for bodysurfing. Just be aware that when the swells get larger, it can get heavy and there are occasional rocks to watch for. Overall, it's a chill spot but expect a solid local crew especially in the off-season.