Porthtowan

Truro, Cornwall

Porthtowan is a quality beach break which gets crowded when it’s working and can serve up some punchy waves. Porthtowan is a northwest-facing beachbreak which works on all tides; one of the few beaches in the area which is good around high tide when the cliffs offer some protection from southerly winds. These also create some good fun wedges, great for bodyboarding.

From mid- to low-tide is where Porthtowan shows it's true colours with a large expanse of sandbanks to choose from and amazing views down to Chapel Porth beach and the tin mines on the cliffs.

Lushington's Lefts at the southern end of Porthtowan starts working around mid tide to low tide and offer less crowded peaks as you have to paddle/walk around to the southern end. Mind the rocks as the tide drops/pushes.

Porthtowan is popular with all abilities and all sorts of surfcraft from kneeboards to bodyboarders with swimmers in the middle - a great place for a surfing holiday. As well as great surf, Porthtowan offers great cliff walks, cycle routes and amazing views. The Blue Bar overlooks the surf and has live music and serves excellent food.

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Local Photo's

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Surf Information

Break type: Sand
Offshore wind direction: South easterly
Swell direction: Westerly
Wave direction: Lefts and rights
Ability: All
Water quality: Good - EU blue flag award
Lifeguard service: From 1 May to 30 September
National Trust: No
Access: Easy off the A30
Car Park: Pay and display carpark with some on-road parking by the Blue Bar and shops.

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Tips

The Blue Bar and Unicorn pub are excellent places to park non-surfers while you surf.

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Hazards

• Crowds.
• Strong rips when over three feet.
• Strong rips at low tide.
• Busy with local surfers.

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Facilities

• Pubs.
• Cafes.
• Toilets.
• Surf school.
• Children's swing park.

Local surf forcast for Porthtowan

Webcams viewing Porthtowan

http://www.tiger24.com/Camerapages/Southwest/Porthtowan.php

Google map location for Porthtowan

Facilities at "Beach name", "Town", "County"