Porthtowan

Why you'll love it here!

Porthtowan delivers that big, open north coast energy: a wide sandy bay that takes in Atlantic swell and can produce fast, punchy waves when the sandbanks are working. It is a beach that feels spacious on the sand but lively in the water, with shifting peaks that can offer anything from mellow practice waves to more powerful, steeper sections depending on the tide and conditions ​

One of Porthtowan’s strengths is the way the surf can vary along the bay. On many days you can walk a little and find a different shape, something slightly softer for building confidence, or something more punchy if you are chasing a cleaner face. Because the sandbanks change, the best take-off area is not fixed, which makes the beach feel more exploratory and keeps regular sessions interesting. ​

For surfers learning or progressing, Porthtowan can be a rewarding place to put time in. When it is smaller, it is ideal for repetition, dialling in pop-ups, trimming along the line, and linking turns without the pressure of a tight, crowded take-off zone. When the swell increases, it becomes a more serious surf with quicker take-offs and stronger pull, so good positioning and wave selection make the difference between a great session and a tiring one. ​

Even beyond the surf, Porthtowan has that proper Cornwall feel: rugged headlands, big skies, and a beach that looks and sounds like the Atlantic. It suits surfers who enjoy variety, do not mind a bit of rawness when the wind swings onshore, and want a spot that can move from friendly to powerful as the ocean picks up