Looking to surf in St Ives, Cornwall? This iconic seaside town is more than just art galleries and cobbled streets, it’s a top surfing destination on the north Cornwall coast. Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced surfer chasing the Atlantic swell, St Ives offers great waves, surf schools, and unforgettable beach vibes.
Why Surf in St Ives?
St Ives is perfectly positioned to catch consistent waves from the Atlantic Ocean, making it a go-to surf spot in Cornwall. With stunning beaches, beginner-friendly surf schools, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere, it’s ideal for surfers of all levels.
Best Surf Beaches in St Ives
🏄♂️ Porthmeor Beach – Best for All Levels
- Wave quality: Consistent and versatile
- Best for: Beginners to intermediates. Advanced in the Winter months
- Facilities: Surf hire, lessons, cafe, toilets, lifeguarded (seasonal)
Porthmeor is St Ives’ most popular surfing beach. Facing west, it picks up swell regularly and has safe zones monitored by lifeguards during the summer season.
🏄♀️ Porthminster Beach – A Calm Option
- Wave quality: gentle, often very calm
- Best for: paddleboarding or beginners surfing on small swell days
- Facilities: toilets, cafe, restaurant, equipment hire. Lifeguarded (seasonal)
More sheltered and not a traditional surf spot, but ideal for first-time surfers when conditions are calm.
🌊 Gwithian Towans – 15 mins drive from St Ives
- Wave quality: consistent beach break
- Best for: intermediate and advanced surfers
- Facilities: surf hire, lessons, cafe parking. Lifeguarded (seasonal)
Just a short drive away from St Ives, across St Ives Bay, Gwithian offers some of the most reliable surf in Cornwall, with room to spread out across a long stretch of sandy beach.
Top Surf Schools in and around St Ives
Learning to surf? You’re in good hands, there are some excellent surf schools to book with.
🏄 St Ives Surf School
- Location: Porthmeor Beach
- Offers: group and private lessons and equipment hire
- Ideal for: all skill levels
Click here to contact St Ives Surf School >>
🏄 Evolve Surf School
- Location: Gwithian
- Offers: group and individual lessons
- Ideal for: beginners and people needing gentle lessons!
Click here to contact Evolve Surf School >>
🏄 Global Boarders
- Location: Gwithian
- Offers: small group tuition for children and adults
- Ideal for: beginners and improvers
Click here to contact Global Boarders >>
When Is the Best Time to Surf in St Ives?
Summer
Conditions: small, gentle waves
Best For: beginners, families
Autumn
Conditions: consistent swell, warmer water
Best for: All levels
Winter
Conditions: Powerful surf, cold water, no lifeguards
Best for: experienced surfers
Spring
Conditions: Warming up, moderate waves
Best for: intermediates
Surf Equipment Hire in St Ives
If you don’t have your own gear, no worries. Most surf schools offer:
- Wetsuits (3/2mm in Summer, 5/4 in Winter)
- Foam boards for beginners
- Hardboards for more experienced surfers
- Bodyboards, leashes and boots
Local Surf Tips
✅ Check the surf forecast – Use Surfline or Magicseaweed to plan your session
✅ Respect local etiquette – Be polite in the water, take turns, and smile!
✅ Stay between the flags – Always surf in lifeguarded zones
✅ Book lessons early – Especially in July & August
Final Thoughts: Catch a Wave in St Ives
Surfing in St Ives is more than just a sport, it’s part of the culture. With beautiful beaches, quality surf, and friendly local instructors, it’s a great place to start your surfing journey or improve your skills.
Whether you're riding your first whitewater wave at Porthmeor or taking on a clean set at Gwithian, you'll leave with sandy toes and salty smiles.
