Surfing at Praa Sands is one of the best known spots on the south coast of Cornwall and for good reason. The waves are often bigger than many other places in Cornwall, especially in the winter when the swell is really coming in. For this reason it’s one of the most popular beaches in the south which is good if you like company but bad if you’re not a fan of the crowds.
The best conditions for surfing at Praa Sands is when the winds are from the north and there’s a south swell. It’s best for beginners at low tide and more advanced surfers will prefer the waves at high tide.
Praa sands beach itself is a beautiful golden sand, about a mile long and can be found about 8 miles from Penzance. There are very little rocks here, mostly just at the end of the beach, so you don’t need to worry about hurting your board or yourself on them.
In terms of facilities on hand Praa sands is well setup with toilets a surf shop and there’s a seasonal lifeguard service. There is plenty of parking close by so you won’t need to carry your board too far from the car to the water.
It’s definitely worth putting Praa Sands surfing on your list of things to do in Cornwall whether your a local or a visitor.
What does Praa Sands Surfing look like?
Praa Sands Surf forecast
Getting To Praa Sands Beach & parking
Directions
Use postcode TR20 9TG
Located 8.5 miles and 16mins from Penzance (between there and Helston), Praa Sands beach is about a mile off the A394.
The nearest train station to Praa Sands Beach is Trewarth Road, Praa Sands which is 140 meters away, 3 minutes walk.
Parking
There are 2 car parks at Praa Sands but they were cash only (this may have changed).
Surf lessons & hire At Praa Sands Beach
| School / Shop | Address | Website | Phone | Hire | 3hrs | 8hrs | Week (5 days) | Lessons | 1 Lesson (2hrs+/-) | 2 Lessons | 5 Lessons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Boarders | TR20 9TQ | https://globalboarders.com/praa-sands-surf-school/ | 07980 432 313 | Surfboard | £20.00 | Group | £40.00 | £75.00 | |||
| Wetsuit | £10.00 | Private | £90.00 | £180.00 | £450.00 |
Food & Accommodation
Food
The Beachcomber cafe is in a lovely beach front location selling everything from a full English to fish and chips or a Cornish cream tea – but you can also just grab a coffee.
Accommodation
Cottages – https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/praa-sands-cottages.html
Camping – https://www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-in-cornwall/praa-sands
Hotels – https://uk.hotels.com/de1912519/
Looking for more surfing locations in the UK?
Check out our full guides to other surfing spots in the UK Surfing In The UK Surfing In Devon Surfing In Cornwall