Short answer: St Agnes has two surf beaches: Trevaunance Cove, which is sheltered and works in south-westerly winds when others are blown out (powerful waves for experienced surfers, whitewater for beginners), and Porthtowan, a big lifeguarded beach just down the coast. Breakers Surf School teaches from Trevaunance; Tris Surf Shop in Porthtowan hires boards and gives lessons.
St Agnes is a surf village. The St Agnes Surf Life Saving Club is based here, and on a good day the cove fills with locals.
The cliffs shelter the cove from the prevailing south-westerlies, so it works in south and south-west winds, which is unusual on this coast. The waves can be fast, hollow and powerful, best left to experienced surfers, with whitewater for beginners. It gets crowded and rips occur. Trevaunance Cove guide.
A wide, lifeguarded surf beach about 3 miles south-west, with a surf shop and the Blue Bar at the back. Better for beginners in most conditions. The council car park is free from November to March.
Check prices and the season directly when booking; most lessons run spring to autumn.
Aggie Surf Shop at Peterville hires wetsuits and boards.
Try coasteering instead: Coastal Rush runs guided sessions round Trevellas Cove, jumping, swimming and scrambling, with reviewers saying it suits beginners and children from around 11.
Surf between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on; outside the season, nobody is watching. Respect the locals at Trevaunance, where the peak is small.
Everything else: the St Agnes guide. More surf: beaches near Perranporth and St Agnes.
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