Due to the location of Cornwall and its position in the Atlantic, it is perfectly positioned to catch any passing swell. This consistency is what makes Cornwall the mecca of British surfing. Fistral Beach is known as the Home of British Surfing, meaning it is the perfect place to learn to surf in Cornwall.

Newquay has long been an established surfing destination. Due to its surfing history and the number of surfable beaches all within easy reach. This means whether you are looking to learn to surf in Cornwall, or a seasoned pro- Newquay is likely to be able to provide the conditions suited to you.

Where to Learn to Surf in Cornwall

learn to surf cornwall

If you are looking to learn to surf in Cornwall, then you are going to be spoilt for choice. With over 422 miles of coastline and more than 300 beaches if you want to enjoy being by the sea then Cornwall can deliver.

When looking to surf in Cornwall the conditions change the most between the North and South Coast. The North Coast is notorious for its consistent surf throughout the year. The South Coast offers less consistency but if you get the conditions right there can be numerous locations to choose between. The North Coast is the most popular destination for surfing. Learning to surf in Cornwall on the North coast is amazing due to the conditions being so reliable.

When deciding on where to learn to surf in Cornwall; Newquay cannot escape anyone’s attention.

We may be slightly biased, as we get to enjoy the great surf on offer in Newquay. Being based at Fistral Beach the Home of British Surfing, we can assure you it is a very well deserved reputation. Fistral Beach experiences extremely reliable conditions, and can offer a variety of waves throughout the tides. If you are looking to learn to surf in Cornwall. Come and visit us at Fistral Beach Surf School and experience some of the best waves the UK has to offer.

When to Learn to Surf in Cornwall

This is one of the reasons which makes Cornwall so special for surfing. You can genuinely surf at any time of the year.

Each and every season can bring a range of conditions, however some are more slightly more anticipated at certain times of the year compared to other times. But with some small adaptations throughout the year, the waves at Fistral can be enjoyed in every month of the year.

Learn to Surf Cornwall: Winter

A great season for learning to surf, you just need a little preparation. Over the winter months then some consideration needs to be made towards the water temperature, daylight hours and weather conditions. The water will be at its coldest. However, with the fantastic improvements in equipment this shouldn’t be enough to put you off going in the Atlantic. The surf in the winter can very much be enjoyed. You will want to be kitted out in a winter wetsuit, boots, gloves and a hood (the addition of a thermal wetsuit rashvest will make it even better!). All of these items are included in your lesson if you have chosen to learn to surf in Cornwall in the winter with us. Alternatively you can hire all of these items. The surf in the winter months tends to be very consistent.

Learn to Surf Cornwall: Spring

During spring the days are getting longer, the temperature is on the up and everyone knows summer is on the way so it is a beautiful time to be in Cornwall. The surf in the spring is very reliable often with spells of light winds and a good wave size. Surfer’s always have a hopeful optimism for the conditions that the spring months bring with them.

Learn to Surf Cornwall: Summer

The summer days should be full of sunshine, long days and great sunsets. Often the general surf is slightly smaller than at other times of the year, but still extremely reliable with fewer storm swells expected to appear over these months. The summer months are all about water time, enjoying the warmer water, fewer layers and longer days. There will be many days which leave you truly feeling surfed out.

Learn to Surf Cornwall: Autumn

Autumn swells always hold a lot of promise. With light winds and larger swells starting to roll in, the summer should have prepared you well for the start of the bigger surf. The water stays warm for a good few months after summer, so there is plenty of time to enjoy being in fewer layers and enjoying the waves.

learn to surf cornwall

Top Tips for When you Learn to Surf in Cornwall

  • Wave count. Practise does indeed make perfect, so catch those waves!

  • Use the correct equipment. If the board isn’t suited to your ability then the task in hand will become much trickier!

  • Keep central on your board. Don’t fall in to the trap of being too far back on your board, this essentially puts the brakes on making it harder to catch and stay on the wave. If you end up too far forward you will find out quickly..

  • Have fun! Remember whatever your level, whether you are learning or competing we all surf because we love it, so make sure you enjoy yourself

  • Check the beaches where the RNLI operate (they are at Fistral from Easter until the end of October full time, with weekends cover at periods outside of these months)

  • Be aware of the conditions. You may in lessons where your instructor will let you know about conditions, talk to other surfers at the beach or ask the lifeguards.