Why is St Ives good for surfing ?

St Ives offers a good mix of conditions that make it a great spot for surfing, especially for beginners and intermediate surfers. Here’s a breakdown of why:

• Wave Consistency:
  Porthmeor Beach, the main surf spot in St Ives, offers consistent waves most of the year, with occasional flat spells in the summer months.

  
  

  Water temperature:
  The water temperature at Porthmeor Beach varies throughout the year, ranging from around 10°C (50°F) in the winter to 18°C (64°F) in the summer.

  Wetsuits required between November and May .
  

• Offshore Winds:
  Due to its strategic location, Porthmeor Beach benefits from predominantly offshore winds from the South West . This wind direction results in clean waves with minimal choppiness, providing ideal conditions for both learning and riding the waves

• Many swells are from local winds rather than a distant ground swell
  

• What are the winds called?
  Offshore winds blowing from the land towards the sea are often referred to as offshore winds in surfing terminologies.

  Main break is know as the “Boiler ” as this breaks off an old shipwreck .
  

• Variety of Breaks:
  St Ives caters to surfers of all skill levels by offering a variety of breaks. For beginners, Porthmeor Beach is an excellent choice with its gentle waves, while more experienced surfers can seek challenges at spots like Breakwater.

  
  

  Break Height and Paddle Out Time:
  The breaks at Porthmeor Beach can vary in height, with some reaching up to 4-6 feet on good days. The paddling time to reach the waves depends on the specific break and conditions but typically ranges from a few minutes to around 10-15 minutes.

  The beaches are really clean and have Blue Flag Accrediation
  

• Learning Friendly:
  The combination of consistent waves, offshore winds, and beginner-friendly breaks at Porthmeor Beach makes St Ives a popular destination for surf schools. Whether you’re a novice looking to start your surfing journey or an intermediate surfer aiming to improve your skills, St Ives has something to offer.

  
  
• Overall, St Ives provides a welcoming environment for surfers of various levels, with good waves, helpful conditions, and the infrastructure to support a fun and safe surfing experience.