Porthmeor (St Ives)
Beach break · Cornwall · Beginner → Advanced
Porthmeor surf today
Forecast for Friday 16 October
Intermediate : The wind wrecked it. Not today.
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Beginner —
- Intermediate —
- Advanced —
- Waves 1.5 m · 10 s period
- Wind NW 25 km/h (gusts 49 km/h)
- Tides: ▽ 02:00 · ▲ 08:00 · ▽ 15:00 · ▲ 21:00
About this spot
St Ives' own beach, facing north. It takes over when the rest of Cornwall is too big or too windy.
Spot photos
Porthmeor in detail
When to surf here
Autumn and winter give the best swells but water is cold. Summer = smaller waves, max crowd.
Beginner → Advanced
Ideal for starting out or longboarding. Mellow waves, little current, surf school usually nearby.
Access & landmarks
Easy beach access, parking usually nearby. Ask locally about seasonal currents.
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 Porthmeor
What tide is best for surfing Porthmeor?
Porthmeor 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 Porthmeor suitable for beginners?
Porthmeor is rather accessible to beginners when the waves stay small and the wind is light. Still, check currents, tide and local guidelines before entering.
What wind is ideal for Porthmeor?
The ideal wind at Porthmeor comes broadly from South: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Porthmeor?
Around Porthmeor, you can also check conditions at Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Porthleven. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.