Praa Sands
Beach break · Cornwall · Beginner → Advanced
Praa Sands surf today
Forecast for Friday 16 October
Intermediate : Not great, but surfable around 13h. — Best window: 13h–16h
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Beginner 50
- Intermediate 40
- Advanced —
- Waves 1.5 m · 8 s period
- Wind N 18 km/h (gusts 40 km/h)
- Tides: ▽ 02:00 · ▲ 08:00 · ▽ 15:00 · ▲ 20:00
About this spot
An exposed south Cornwall beach that rarely crowds — a quiet alternative when other spots are packed.
Spot photos
Praa Sands in detail
When to surf here
Autumn and winter give the best swells but water is cold. Summer = smaller waves, max crowd.
Beginner → Advanced
Good level required. You can stand, paddle and read a peak. When it fires, better know what you're doing.
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 Praa Sands
What tide is best for surfing Praa Sands?
Praa Sands usually works best around mid-tide. The tide shapes the sandbanks and the depth over the reef, so check the day's tide times before your session.
Is Praa Sands suitable for beginners?
Praa Sands is rather recommended for intermediate 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 Praa Sands?
The ideal wind at Praa Sands comes broadly from West: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Praa Sands?
Around Praa Sands, you can also check conditions at Sennen, Porthtowan, Fistral. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.