Towan surf guide

Towan is one of the most sheltered beaches in Newquay, making it a go-to spot, especially during those big SW storms. When the conditions are right, you can find clean and offshore waves here, but during summer, it can get super crowded, particularly when the surf is small. There’s a left that breaks off the harbour wall, and the rest of the beach features fast short lefts and rights, although it often closes out when the swell picks up.

The surf at Towan works best with southwest swells, handling sizes from about 3ft (0.9 meters) to 7ft (2.1 meters). The waves break over sand with some rock patches, and you can expect to find both lefts and rights. It's generally more fun for beginners when the waves are small and manageable. Paddling can be a workout here since there's no real channel. The ideal wind direction is from the south, and the spot is best during low to mid tides. So, if you’re looking to ride some waves, just keep your eyes peeled and be ready for some action, especially during the winter season.

In terms of other surf-related info, the spot tends to get busier when the surf is up, and you’ll want to watch out for crowds, stray boards, and the rocky sections. There are a couple of car parks nearby to make getting there a bit easier. With all that said, Towan can be a mixed bag: fun in small waves, but chaotic when it’s pumping.