Porthleven Reef
Porthleven is Cornwall's heavy-water arena--a powerful reef break that detonates beside the harbour wall when sizeable SW groundswells wrap into Mount's Bay. The wave is an A-frame but the right is the prize.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 260°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Porthleven Reef?
Porthleven Reef works best on a low to mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Porthleven Reef?
Offshore wind at Porthleven Reef blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 70° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Porthleven Reef?
Porthleven Reef wants SW swell (200° to 260°) between 1.2m and 3.6m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Porthleven Reef?
The main season at Porthleven Reef is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, Sep. Winter storms bring the best swells
How do I get to Porthleven Reef?
Fly into NQY, then allow about 60 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Porthleven Reef?
Porthleven Reef is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter storms bring the best swells
Getting There
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