The Zorba
The Zorba is the Cribbar's lesser-known but equally fearsome sibling--a big wave reef off Pentire headland.
The Zorba surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (250°)
- Direction range
- 225° - 280°
- Size range
- 4.5m - 12m
- Ideal size
- 6.6m - 8.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 170°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is The Zorba?
The Zorba is a big-wave spot in Newquay, Cornwall, UK, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at The Zorba?
The Zorba picks up swell from the SW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WSW. It starts working at around 4.5m and keeps going up to about 12m, with the sweet spot around 6.6 to 8.8m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at The Zorba?
A SE wind is dead offshore at The Zorba, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at The Zorba?
The Zorba is at its best around low tide.
When is the best time of year to surf The Zorba?
The most reliable run of swell at The Zorba comes Oct to Feb. There's a second window in Mar and Sep too.
How cold is the water at The Zorba?
The water at The Zorba averages around 12°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is The Zorba good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Un-ridden big wave reef. Massive granite finger reef. Tow-in territory only.
How do I get to The Zorba?
The nearest airport on our list is NQY, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near The Zorba?
The closest breaks we track are The Cribbar (2.6 km), Fistral Beach (2.7 km) and Little Fistral (2.8 km), handy when The Zorba isn't working. We track 4 spots around Newquay, Cornwall in total.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Sep
Getting There
Nearby Spots
The Cribbar
England's big wave beast - Breaks a few times per year - Expert only
Fistral Beach
England's surfing capital - Year-round waves - Ground zero for UK surf
Little Fistral
South Fistral reef - More technical than main beach - Local knowledge rewarded
Tolcarne Wedge
Newquay wedge • Bodyboard barrel window • Tide-sensitive setup
St Agnes
Cornish village vibes - Reef and beach mix - Strong local crew
Porthtowan
Punchy Cornwall beach - Hollow low tide peaks - Cliff-flanked cove
Plan a trip around The Zorba
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.