Beautiful Cornwall beaches dominate a new list of the UK’s top surfing spots according to a fashion brand – taking five places in the top ten – but we’re not convinced actual Cornish surfers would agree with their ‘science’. Porthowan, Trevone Bay, Polzeath, Widemouth Bay and Crooklets Bude all made the cut in a new ‘ranking’.
However Cornwall beaches failed to take the top spot, with the clothing company instead crowning Westward Ho! in Devon the best out of more than 100 beaches surveyed. Porthtowan was Cornwall’s highest ranked beach, sharing second place with Croyde in Devon.
The ranking looked at factors including surfer ratings, water cleanliness and accessibility. Researchers from apparel brand D-Robe also assessed photographic appeal and Instagram posts along with average levels of wind, sunlight and pollution before assigning each beach a weighted score for an overall top ten.
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Of Cornwall’s top-ranked beach, Porthtowan, it said: “Its consistent Atlantic swells create reliable surfing conditions for experienced surfers all through the year (being mindful of rips and rocks). The beach is equipped with various facilities such as rental shops and surf schools, and is even known to host surfing events and competitions, where surfers can meet like-minded people and enjoy a supportive surfing community.”
Close behind is Trevone Bay, with D-Robe praising its “picturesque coastline setting and mixture of rocky and sandy bottoms”. It added: “While rocks can present a hazard to surfers, they also help to make for some excitingly diverse waves and that couldn’t be more true for Trevone Bay, which provides both lefts and rights.
“While its peak time for surfing may have passed (February) due to waves being blown out or considered too small the rest of the time, it means it’s perfect for beginners looking to cut their teeth during low-traffic periods.”
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Polzeath rounds out the top five, with D-Robe saying it offers “breathtaking views of the North Cornwall coastline”: “With a mix of groundswells and windswells, Polzeath has a fairly consistent surf any time of year, though surfers are advised to watch out for dangerous rips.
“Its thriving surfing community and variety of surf schools, rentals, events and competitions make it ideal for newbies and experienced surfers to come together and do what they love best.”
The UK’s 10 best surf spots, according to D-Robe
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Westward Ho! in Devon – 66.4 points out of 100
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Croyde in Devon – 64.4 out of 100
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Porthtowan in Cornwall – 64.4 out of 100
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Trevone Bay in Cornwall – 63.9 out of 100
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Polzeath in Cornwall – 63.2 out of 100
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Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire – 63.1 out of 100
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Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire – 62.6 out of 100
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Widemouth Bay in Cornwall – 62.5 out of 100
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Crooklets Bude in Cornwall – 62.5 out of 100
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Newgale in Pembrokeshire – 61.6 out of 100
The data used for the analysis can be found HERE.