Praa Sands is a popular surf spot located on the south coast of Cornwall. It’s quite well-known among surfers, especially during the winter months when the waves can get pretty solid. The beach is mostly sandy, and there are a number of pay car parks close to the beach, making access easy. On days when the surf is pumping, you can expect it to get pretty busy with surfers heading in for a session.

The surf at Praa Sands works best with south-west swells, but it can also handle swells coming from the south and north-west. Ideal conditions usually occur when the swell sizes range from about 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters). The waves are beach breaks that can run either left or right, offering something for everyone. The north-east winds are preferable here, and the best tide heights tend to be low to mid. Don’t forget, paddling out can be a workout, so be ready for that! If you time it right, you might catch some fun walls or even a hollow peak, especially on lower tides. It’s more suited for intermediate surfers, and you can ride various boards, whether it's a shortboard, longboard, fish, or even bodyboarding and bodysurfing.

Expect a competitive vibe, with lots of surfers out when the conditions are good. While the crowds can make it a bit hectic, there are different peaks along the beach that help to spread things out a bit. Just be aware that it gets packed when the surf is on, particularly in the winter months from December to February, when big Atlantic storms roll in. Overall, Praa Sands is a solid spot to check out if you're in the area and looking for some action.