Surfing at Newquay

In September 2005 I moved to Cubert, near Newquay, with my housemate Jess and another friend Adam. Being much closer to Newquay allowed me to surf the beaches in the Newquay area. I regularly started to surf the beaches in the Newquay bay. Towan beach has proved to be a favourite. This is because the shelter of the harbour keeps the waves cleaner at that end of the bay. The next beach Great Western offers bigger waves, but the waves are not so clean. Tolcarne beach has bigger waves again, but offers the least shelter. Lusty Glaze is not the best of these beaches for surfing, and as yet remains un-surfed by me. Surfing the beaches in the bay gave me a lot of experience as the beaches are all different. I have found free parking spots for all beaches.

I have surfed all of the beaches in the Newquay area. From west to east

• Holywell bay – not very clean surf, but always plenty of room


• Crantock – the current from the river is strong. Better for more experienced surfers.


• Fistral – very busy in summer, good waves out of season


• Towan – always the cleanest, but smallest wave. Crowded at high tide


• Great Western – great all rounder


• Tolcarne – big waves, watch out for ‘the Tolcarne wedge’ though


• Lusty Glaze – more for adventure sports, but good waves


• Porth – a family beach not for surfing


• Watergate Bay – similar to Fistral, not so crowded though, a good beach