The Cribbar
The Cribbar is England's answer to big wave surfing--a monstrous reef that lurks off Towan Head in Newquay, only awakening when massive Atlantic storms send long-period groundswell crashing into the Cornish coast. It breaks a handful of times per year at best.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (250°)
- Direction range
- 225° - 280°
- Size range
- 4.5m - 15m
- Ideal size
- 9.7m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at The Cribbar?
The Cribbar works best on a low tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at The Cribbar?
Offshore wind at The Cribbar blows from the SE (135°). Anything in the 90° to 180° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at The Cribbar?
The Cribbar wants WSW swell (225° to 280°) between 4.5m and 15m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf The Cribbar?
The main season at The Cribbar is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Mar. Breaks a handful of times per year during major storms
How do I get to The Cribbar?
Fly into NQY, then allow about 5 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is The Cribbar?
The Cribbar is a big wave break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar
Breaks a handful of times per year during major storms
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Fistral Beach
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Little Fistral
South Fistral reef - More technical than main beach - Local knowledge rewarded
Tolcarne Wedge
Newquay wedge • Bodyboard barrel window • Tide-sensitive setup
The Zorba
Cornwall's un-ridden big wave - Pentire reef - Last frontier
St Agnes
Cornish village vibes - Reef and beach mix - Strong local crew
Porthtowan
Punchy Cornwall beach - Hollow low tide peaks - Cliff-flanked cove