Porthleven is a small fishing harbour and the wave is one of Britain’s best right-hand reef breaks and for expert surfers only. Winter south-westerly swells see the best Levy has to offer.

It breaks over a shallow flat rock ledge with a very makeable tube on clean offshore days. The strength of the wave and shallowness means mistakes can be costly. Hold-downs can be long on big overhead days, and the rip is wicked and there are caves to be wary of at high tide. But the sheer perfection when ‘Leven is on fades that into insignificance.

For the reef to kick in it needs a big south or south westerly groundswell with a light north to north-east wind to caress the wave face. Paddle out by the harbour channel to the reef on the right. At low tide the waves gets super hollow and the reef is very exposed so don’t bother. High tide can pick up some backwash from the rocks under the cliffs. Paddle out from the rocks.

Definitely not a beginner’s break and always crowded under six foot, with a talented local crew including Dan ‘Mole’ Joel and local pro’s like Mitch Corbett who love the place. Usually a good crowd watching as well.

You can surf the beachy to the south of the harbour wall as well, and the left that breaks off the wall called The Pier.

Surf Information

Break type: Reef (and small sand beach)
Offshore wind direction: North easterly
Swell direction: South westerly
Wave direction: Lefts and rights
Ability: All
Water quality: Good
Lifeguard service: From 19 May to 30 September
National Trust: No

Hazards

Don’t attampt surfing here unless you know what you’re doing.
Rocks.
Crowds on good days (including some of the countries best surfers).
Localism.

Facilities

Cafes.
Pubs.