The Surf Window

Widemouth Bay

Cornwall, England

Beach breakIntermediate

Just south of Bude, Widemouth Bay is a long, exposed beach that catches the full brunt of Atlantic swells, one of north Cornwall's most consistent breaks, popular with surfers of all levels who appreciate the reliable peaks and the wide, open beach.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–3m at 12–16s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the beach, powerful in big swells

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Exposed beach takes the full swell energy, powerful peaks reward experience

Hazards

  • •Strong rip currents, one of the more dangerous beaches in Cornwall
  • •Rocks at both ends of the beach
  • •RNLI patrolled in summer, mandatory flag zones

Local Tips

  • •The south end near the rock outcrops gets the best shape from northwest swells
  • •Bay View Inn above the beach has great views over the break for condition checks
  • •One of the few north Cornwall beaches with good parking and facilities outside of summer

Location

Map showing the location of Widemouth Bay in Cornwall, England

50.7667, -4.5500