Porthleven
Reef right · Cornwall · Advanced → Charger
Porthleven surf today
Forecast for Friday 16 October
Advanced : Not great, but surfable around 13h. — Best window: 13h
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Advanced 45
- Charger 35
- Waves 2.2 m · 10 s period
- Wind NW 15 km/h (gusts 37 km/h)
- Tides: ▽ 02:00 · ▲ 08:00 · ▽ 15:00 · ▲ 20:00
About this spot
England's best reef, right outside the harbour mouth. A short, hollow, very shallow right — experts only.
Spot photos
Porthleven in detail
When to surf here
Autumn and winter give the best swells but water is cold. Summer = smaller waves, max crowd.
Advanced → Charger
For experts only. Powerful waves, strong currents or technical bottom. Ask locally first.
Access & landmarks
Direct access from the beach, but mind the rocky bottom. Wetsuit + booties recommended, do not surf at low tide.
Safety
Wear an appropriate wetsuit. Scout the currents before you paddle out. Respect the locals and right-of-way. Check weather and tides.
Frequently asked about Porthleven
What tide is best for surfing Porthleven?
Porthleven usually works best around mid-falling. The tide shapes the sandbanks and the depth over the reef, so check the day's tide times before your session.
Is Porthleven suitable for beginners?
Porthleven is rather recommended for advanced surfers. If you're a beginner, prefer a surf school, a small swell and a suitable tide, or look for a more sheltered nearby spot.
What wind is ideal for Porthleven?
The ideal wind at Porthleven comes broadly from North-East: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Porthleven?
Around Porthleven, you can also check conditions at Praa Sands, Porthmeor, Porthtowan. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.