Surfing in St Ives

Get your adrenaline pumping, try surfing in St Ives and Cornwall.

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a complete newbie, St Ives is a spectacular place to take to the water.

Just a few steps away from our luxury self catering accommodation is one of the most popular surfing beaches in the country. With swells rolling in from the Atlantic Porthmeor Beach attracts surfers throughout the year, so staying at the Sail Lofts means you can just grab your board and go!

There are also excellent surfing beaches just a short drive away such as; Sennen Cove, Carbis Bay, Gwithian and Godrevy so you will be spoilt for choice!

Surfing isn’t the only water sport to be enjoyed in Cornwall; kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving and coasteering are also popular, making St Ives the perfect base for an action packed holiday.

We can book surf lessons and board hire ready for when you arrive, but if you want to find out more here are a few of the best surf schools and hire companies around:

St Ives Surf School:

Based on Porthmeor beach, just a stones throw away from the Sail Lofts, Harris and his experienced team can help anyone learn to surf. Even more exciting, Sail Lofts guests receive a 10% discount on lessons, just quote ‘Sail Lofts’ when booking.

Shore Surf:

This British Surfing Association Level four surf school offers both half and full day. A safe, relaxed and affordable introduction to surfing.

The Gwithian Academy of Surfing:

Situated just outside the seaside village of Gwithian, this is the original surf school in St Ives Bay. As well as board hire and lessons they now also offer paddle boarding lessons and hire.

Smart Surf School:
With all of its instructors having at least three years professional life guarding experience, you can feel safe and sound with the Smart Surf School in Sennen Cove.

Pasty Adventures:

Learn to kitesurf with World Tour competitor Lee Harvey. Based in St Ives, Lee also offers a range of other adventure sport courses including: coasteering, windsurfing, sailing and surfing.

Freeriders Surf Shop, Falmouth:

Keith and the team are online, on the phone or in the shop (when they’re not in the water) and offer great advice on boards, wetsuits and equipment.

At the Sail Lofts we have dedicated facilities for surfers and kayakers, including a wet room with hot showers and storage for wet suits and surfboards. There’s also outdoor showers to rinse all your gear in.

Surf Hog provides a great range forecasts and a daily report of local surf conditions. You can also check Cornwall’s weather and coastal conditions with Destination Cornwall’s daily forecast. A reliable source for the weather in Cornwall.