Praa Sands Surfing in Cornwall

Praa Sands is a mile-long south-facing beach on the south Cornwall coast between Helston and Marazion — one of the few south-coast Cornish beaches that consistently picks up surf. Because it faces south, it catches the rarer south and south-westerly swells that don’t work for the more famous north-coast beaches.

What to expect

A wide beach break that works on a small-to-medium swell. The wave is generally gentler than the north Cornish beaches — suitable for beginners and longboarders, with cleaner peaks on the rare bigger south-coast days. Tides matter: mid tide is the sweet spot; high tide can wash out at smaller sizes. The peaks shift seasonally as the sand bars rebuild.

Practical notes

Surfable year-round when conditions align; the south coast catches fewer swells than the north, so check the forecast. Wetsuit: 5/4/3 winter, 4/3 autumn, 3/2 summer. Smart Surf Praa Sands runs lessons from the beach. The Sandbar restaurant on the beach is a fixture of the local post-surf scene. Combine with a Lizard Point walk or a Penzance day. Parking on the beach approach.