Tolcarne Wedge
Tolcarne Wedge is Newquay's bodyboard-friendly wedge, a short, punchy setup that can throw surprisingly square barrels when swell, tide, and rebound line up. It is a compact urban wave rather than a long ride, but that intensity is exactly the draw. Expect tight takeoffs, shallow sand, and a crew that knows the tiny window well.
Tolcarne Wedge surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 310°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Bottom
Sand
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Tolcarne Wedge?
Tolcarne Wedge is a beach break in Newquay, UK, with peaks that run both left and right over a sand bottom. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What swell works best at Tolcarne Wedge?
Tolcarne Wedge picks up swell from the W round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 1.8m, with the sweet spot around 1.3 to 1.6m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s 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 Tolcarne Wedge?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Tolcarne Wedge, and anything from the E round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Tolcarne Wedge?
Tolcarne Wedge is at its best around high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Tolcarne Wedge?
The most reliable run of swell at Tolcarne Wedge comes Sep to Mar.
How cold is the water at Tolcarne Wedge?
The water at Tolcarne Wedge averages around 13°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Tolcarne Wedge good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Things to watch for: strong rips.
How do I get to Tolcarne Wedge?
The nearest airport on our list is NQY, then it's roughly a 5-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Tolcarne Wedge?
The closest breaks we track are Little Fistral (1.0 km), Fistral Beach (1.0 km) and The Cribbar (1.2 km), handy when Tolcarne Wedge isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Little Fistral
South Fistral reef - More technical than main beach - Local knowledge rewarded
Fistral Beach
England's surfing capital - Year-round waves - Ground zero for UK surf
The Cribbar
England's big wave beast - Breaks a few times per year - Expert only
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