From St.Austell follow the signs to Mevagissey. You drive right past the beach. Park in the entrance to the Pentewan Sands Caravan Park. They don't seem to mind. Otherwise park in the village.
Pentewan only breaks well a few times a year as it is very sheltered. It is most consistent in the winter. There are usually waves after an easterly gale although of poor quality. During the winter, storms send loads of swell up the English producing great waves. When the North Coast is huge and blown out, chances are the South Coast is offshore and firing.
When it works there are peaks all along the beach. There is also a right off the cliff on the right of the beach and a sketchy rivermouth on the far left.
The trouble with the south is the tides and short duration of swell. Waves can come up from nowhere and be classic for a couple of hours then vanish as the tide changes.
Overview
Atmosphere
When it is working this is a great place to surf. The waves are usually hollow, well formed but not very powerfull.
Be friendly to anyone else you meet in the water and the atmosphere is good. They may take you to a hidden gem.
General
Quite novel surfing it as in the summer it is a full tourist spot with speed boats, waterskiers, jetskies and will be flat as a dish for months.
It was firing this winter
I live just 5mins away and see it when its classic in the winter. Lucky that most people miss the left hander just round the corner. The local campsite moves the river in the winter which sets up sand banks that make the wave stack up and barrel. Really good bodyboarders wave.
comment by Surf of God, 2006-04-25 00:24:40
Who put this place up?
I know it quite well! Not really a surf spot but ok for a dip in the sea.As the the few people bit it's right next door to (several) holiday campsites!! It is heaving in the holiday season.
comment by Anonymous, 2007-03-26 14:26:26