About Falmouth

The three main beaches at Falmouth - Maenporth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase - can break when an Atlantic storm rolls through or when a solid southwesterly swell marches up from the Bay of Biscay. Between Swanpool and Gyllyngvase there's a rocky protrusion called Falmouth Reef that can produce long, walling rights. Large local surf population supplemented by the Uni students so will be busy if breaking.

Source: Falmouth Surf Guide

Ability Level

Beginner - intermediate

Beg Int Adv

Not amazing waves but the reef needs a degree of experience as rocky and busy.

Local Vibe

Welcoming

Welcoming Intimidating

Competitive.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

Mellow Heavy

Can get crowded when it's working.

Spot Rating

Fun

Poor Perfect

Pretty average beach that rarely breaks with a reef can get good.

Shoulder Burn

Light

Light Exhausting

Fine.

Water Quality

Clean

Clean Dirty

Generally good, but sewage out Autumn from river after rains.

Additional Information

Hazards

Crowds, rocks.

Access

Beachside car parks at all three locations.

Bring Your

Shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, bodyboard

Seabed

Small sandy bays with rocks and a wide reef.

Best Season

Needs big swells that tend to run December - February.

Swell Consistency and Wind Overview

Photos & Videos