Looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy the waves in St Ives? Bodyboarding is the perfect seaside activity for all ages and abilities. It’s simple to pick up, doesn’t need loads of gear, and guarantees plenty of laughs as you catch your first few waves. Whether you're visiting with kids or just fancy a splash about yourself, St Ives is a brilliant place to give bodyboarding a go.
Why Try Bodyboarding in St Ives?
Bodyboarding is one of the most accessible watersports out there. All you need is a board, a wetsuit, and a bit of wave action, which St Ives has in abundance. It’s a great way to enjoy the sea without needing the balance or experience that surfing or paddleboarding requires.
St Ives has some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, and when the waves are right, it’s ideal for bodyboarding. From gentle white water waves for beginners to more powerful surf for the more confident, there’s something here for everyone.
Best Beaches for Bodyboarding in St Ives
Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor is hands down the best beach for bodyboarding in St Ives. It’s west-facing, which means it picks up good swell, and has a wide, sandy bay with lots of space. The waves here are consistent and there’s usually a perfect stretch of white water that’s great for beginners.
Best for: All abilities
Facilities: Lifeguards (in season), surf and bodyboard hire, café, toilets
Porthminster Beach
Not as well known for surf, but occasionally gets small, manageable waves. It’s more sheltered, so it’s great for younger kids just starting out with a bodyboard.
Best for: Gentle waves and young families
Facilities: Lifeguards (in season), surf and bodyboard hire, café, toilets
Porthgwidden Beach
Lovely little beach, often sheltered. It gets small waves which are really fun for little ones to play in. The beach also gets netted during the Summer months which makes it a little safer as it doesn't have a lifeguard.
Best for: Gentle waves and young families
Facilities: Café, toilets, nearby parking - no lifeguard.
Where to Hire Bodyboards in St Ives
If you haven’t packed your own board, no worries, you can rent one.
St Ives Surf School (Porthmeor and Porthminster Beach)
They offer bodyboard and wetsuit hire, as well as lessons for anyone wanting to learn wave safety and techniques.
Click here to contact the St Ives Surf School >>
Don't Buy Cheaply Made Body Boards
Lots of supermarkets sell cheaply made body boards (at not so cheap prices!). These tend to not be great to use, making body boarding frustrating. They also easily break. It is best to invest a little more in a decent body board which you can use year after year.
West Cornwall Surf Company located in the St Erth industrial estate is a good place to go to buy a board.
Another good place to go in Down The Line in Hayle.
What to Bring For Bodyboarding
- Bodyboard (foam boards are ideal for beginners)
- Wetsuit (the sea stays cool even in summer)
- Swim fins (optional, for better control in bigger waves)
- Towel and change of clothes
- Plenty of energy — you’ll be smiling from start to finish
Top Tips for Bodyboarding in St Ives
- Start in the white water as it’s easier to catch waves closer to shore
- Always bodyboard between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are present
- Keep your elbows on the board and feet up when riding
- Watch the waves for a few minutes before getting in to spot the best place to catch them
- Respect other beach users, especially swimmers.
- Don't body board where to surfers are!
When’s the Best Time to Go Body Boarding?
Summer (June to September) is the most popular time to go bodyboarding in St Ives, thanks to warmer weather and lifeguarded beaches. Spring and autumn can also be great, with fewer crowds and still decent waves.
Avoid going out in stormy conditions or when the waves look too big. Bodyboarding should be fun, not intimidating!
Final Thoughts
Bodyboarding in St Ives is a brilliant way to enjoy the sea without needing any experience or fancy equipment. Whether you’re spending the day on Porthmeor with the kids or heading to Gwithian for a bit more wave action, there’s something for every level. It’s fun, affordable, and a great way to make the most of Cornwall’s amazing coastline.
So grab a board, hit the beach, and get ready to ride the waves!
