Porthmeor is a quality beachbreak in St Ives, with a sandy and rocky base. Semi sheltered, it can be a lifesaver in solid swells, although it does get swiftly crowded, particularly over summer. Classic longboard break, it can get fast and hollow on its day. Works tide round, but low to mid is best - high can get fat and shorebreaky, particularly when bigger.

Webcams

• St Ives Surf School
• Sloop Inn
• Aspects Holidays

Peaks

• The boiler - fast, occasionally hollow, right that breaks off an old ship's boiler buried in the sand
• The island - quality peak next to the island
• *The point - fickle left off west headland that tends to break mid to high

Along with a range of beachbreak A-frames.
If it's large, and you're feeling adventurous, see if you can sniff out Foxholes, a fun left shingle break in the area. Too big in general, check out Hayle Rivermouth. Too small, check out Godrevy and Gwithian.

Rocky, rippy, and gets very crowded, particularly over summer. Small height limited paid car park behind beach, and larger one at top of hill. Surf school and shop on beach, along with cafes, bars and facilities.