North Cornwall

Porthtowan surf guide

St Agnes, Cornwall

Porthtowan is a steep-sided village beach with straightforward access. At low water the sand extends towards Lushington Cove and Chapel Porth.

Photo by Dave Barnwell

Break: Beach break
Exposure: Exposed north-west coast
Can suit: Improvers and experienced surfers; learners on suitable patrolled days

How the beach surfs

This is an exposed, often punchy beach break. The banks can give short, strong rides, while the shelving beach and confined high-water cove make size and tide especially noticeable.

Access and orientation

A public car park and village facilities sit close to the beach. Do not assume the low-water route along the sand will remain open as the tide returns.

Check before entering

Steeply shelving shorebreak
Rip currents and shifting banks
Cut-off risk beneath the cliffs

Nearest wave buoys

Offshore and inshore measurements near this beach. Distance is straight-line, not a prediction of breaking wave height.

View all wave buoys

Nearest webcams

Camera links open the provider's site in a new tab. Some services require paid access.

View all webcams

Five-day surf report

A calibrated report for this beach is planned. For now, use the measured buoy readings and cameras above, then inspect the beach on arrival.

Sources and review

Guide reviewed 23 August 2026. Official information can change at short notice.

RNLI Porthtowan beach information, opens in a new tab