Porthleven
Porthleven is Cornwall's premier reef break, producing powerful, hollow waves that break over a rocky shelf in front of the harbour wall. Facing south-west, it needs a decent swell to work and is best at high tide. Not for beginners — strong currents, shallow reef, and heavy waves make this an experienced-surfer spot. When it's on, it's one of the best waves in the country.
Conditions look mixed today with moderate onshore wind and a dropping swell period through the afternoon. Best bet is the early morning push before the wind picks up. Tomorrow looks cleaner with a slight shift in direction.
Create a free account for the full 7-day forecast
Get the extended forecast, save your favourite spots, and set surf alerts. Completely free, no card required.
Sign up — it's freePorthleven Surf Spot Guide
Everything you need to know before paddling out at Porthleven, England.
Hazards & Safety
Shallow reef — serious injury risk. Strong currents around the harbour wall. Heavy waves. Not for inexperienced surfers.
Local Tips
Only works on a decent SW swell at high tide. The main peak breaks in front of the harbour wall — a right and a left. Paddle out from the harbour steps. Watch it for 20 minutes before going in. If you have to ask if it's for you, it probably isn't.
Getting There
Park in Porthleven town, walk to the harbour wall to check conditions.
Parking: Town car parks, some free. On-street parking in winter.
Facilities: Pubs, cafes, restaurants in town. No surf hire — bring your own gear.
Crowds
Small dedicated crew when it's on. Respected local pecking order.
Water Temperature by Month
Water temperatures and recommended wetsuit thickness by month
Tide data from Porthleven
Average daily wave height and wind speed from past forecast data. Updates as more data is collected.
Surfed here recently? Share a photo to help others see what it's like.
Know Porthleven? Share tips on tides, wind shelter, hazards, or best conditions.
Porthleven is Cornwall's premier reef break, producing powerful, hollow waves that break over a rocky shelf in front of the harbour wall. Facing south-west, it needs a decent swell to work and is best at high tide. Not for beginners — strong currents, shallow reef, and heavy waves make this an experienced-surfer spot. When it's on, it's one of the best waves in the country.
Conditions look mixed today with moderate onshore wind and a dropping swell period through the afternoon. Best bet is the early morning push before the wind picks up.
Tide data from Porthleven
Water temp & wetsuit by month
Average daily wave height and wind speed from past forecast data
Shallow reef — serious injury risk. Strong currents around the harbour wall. Heavy waves. Not for inexperienced surfers.
Only works on a decent SW swell at high tide. The main peak breaks in front of the harbour wall — a right and a left. Paddle out from the harbour steps. Watch it for 20 minutes before going in. If you have to ask if it's for you, it probably isn't.
No photos of Porthleven yet