Godrevy (Cornwall)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Godrevy is an exposed Atlantic-facing beach break on the North Cornwall coast, known for fairly consistent surf and a sandy bottom. Surf can work at any time of the year, but spring—especially April—is repeatedly highlighted as the strongest window for clean, reliable conditions. The key setup described is a west-northwest swell paired with southeast offshore wind, which helps groom the wave faces. For surfing, conditions are described as peeling beach-break waves with good quality and moderate power. Sessions can produce straight, long rides (references include breaks that run for up to about 50 meters, with other notes indicating long peeling lefts and rights on good days). Larger swells are referenced as capable of holding size for longer before closing out, so the wave can remain usable when it builds—while still remaining an exposed environment. Tide and beach access matter: the beach is described as disappearing at high tide near the point, and guidance notes that the spot often works better around mid to low water. At high tide, waves can wall up against the cliffs, and shore break/heavy impacts are flagged as more significant then. Plan accordingly, especially because the most important safety concern is water movement. For kitesurfing, Godrevy is described as a wave-focused destination, but strong rip currents/currents are the primary hazard, alongside submerged rocks near the lighthouse area. Limited rescue availability and seasonal lifeguards are noted. Local rules include avoiding designated swim zones and not launching or landing near the seal colony; seasonal dog bans also apply.
- Iconic, exposed beach break with year-round surf potential
- Best conditions emphasized for spring (especially April) with W-NW swell + SE offshore wind
- Peeling waves with long ride potential
- Sandy bottom, but strong currents/rocks make safety planning essential
- Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf that can work year-round
- Spring—especially April—emphasized for clean, consistent waves with the right swell/wind pairing
- Southeasterly winds can be offshore for the spot, helping create cleaner/glassy conditions
- Peeling waves and ride lengths referenced up to ~50 meters (and longer on good days)
- Strong rip currents/currents are a major hazard
- Beach conditions and access vary strongly with tide (beach disappears at high tide near the point)
- Submerged rocks near the lighthouse and reefs/rocks around the northern point
- Often exposed: offshore grooming helps, but cross-shore breezes can still be an issue
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, S
- Offshore directions
- SE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Predominantly Atlantic-driven frontal winds (group-level), with offshore opportunities for clean surf when winds come from the southeast.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom described; wave breaks over sand.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf size commonly described as medium; good between waist-high and double overhead (as referenced).
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach at mid to low tide, but beach disappears at high tide near the point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Beach launch varies with tide; moderate difficulty is referenced.
Through the year
Very crowded in July and August; quieter but still popular during winter swell events.
Winter months (November–February) see frequent Atlantic depressions and storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Works for wave-focused kitesurfing; strong rip currents are a key hazard.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Excellent wave sailing that can handle large swells; cross-shore conditions referenced for northerly or southerly winds.
Possible but challenging due to consistent swell and waves; best attempted at mid-tide when the water is slightly calmer inside the bay.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break with consistent surf that works year-round; best described as spring-focused for cleaner conditions when west-northwest swell pairs with southeast offshore wind.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Group-level/spot-level guidance indicates it often works best around mid-tide; high tide can make waves wall up against the cliffs.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Southeasterly winds are offshore for the spot and can groom the waves into glassy/cleaner surf.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells up to about 3-4 meters before closing out (often stays cleaner than nearby areas).
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 75–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Peeling lefts and rights; can run for up to 50 meters (and up to 50 meters is referenced for straightforward sessions).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Godrevy (Cornwall) in the full forecast view.
Godrevy (Cornwall) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–29 ktsGusts 48 kts
- Direction
- SW227°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2429 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–3.5 m9s period
- Temperature
- 11–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Godrevy (Cornwall) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–29 kts, peaking around 29 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 48 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.4–3.5 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Currents (including strong rip currents)
- Submerged rocks near the lighthouse (The Stones)
- Heavy shore break at high tide
- Rocks/reefs near the northern point
- Seal colony (do not disturb)
- No kitesurfing in RNLI flagged swim zones
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards; RNLI coverage is noted as active during peak season across the bay (typically May–September).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Dial 999 for Coastguard (also possible: 999 or 112). Nearest hospital with A&E referenced as West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance or Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
South easterly winds are ideal for offshore grooming, but stay aware of strong rip currents/currents.
- Seasonal dog bans apply to the beach.
- Kitesurfers should avoid designated swimming zones.
- Do not launch or land near the seal colony at the far end of the beach.
- Plan for mid to low tide; the beach disappears at high tide near the point.
- Waves can wall up against the cliffs at high tide.
- Check the Red River for water quality after heavy rain.
- The walk from the top car park is steep but offers the best access to point-wave areas.
- Avoid launching/landing near the seal colony at the far end of the beach and respect designated swimming zones.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Carnhell Green
- Nearest Town
- Gwithian
- Parking
- Park at the National Trust/Trust car park near Navax Point; a lower car park near the beach entrance is also referenced.
- Access
- Drive to Gwithian via A30, head toward Navax Point, and park at the Trust car park (top car park referenced for access to point waves).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Campsites and holiday parks are referenced in Gwithian and Hayle.
- Food & Drink
- Godrevy Cafe is referenced as located by the main car park.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is referenced as available at nearby shops in Gwithian and via schools in the wider area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Dramatic North Cornwall coastline scenery with a strong surf culture, centered on the landmark Godrevy lighthouse and long stretches of sandy beach.
Iconic lighthouse on Godrevy Island.
Traditional Cornish town with galleries and cafes; home to an active art scene.
St Ives town is about a 20-minute walk from the area.
Scenic hiking trails along the cliffs and dunes of St Ives Bay.
Traditional local pub serving food and real ales in Gwithian village.
Café at the Gwithian car park.
Wildlife park and indoor play area nearby in Hayle.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Godrevy (Cornwall)?
The best overall months at Godrevy (Cornwall) are April, March, May. The best wind months are April.
Which wind directions work at Godrevy (Cornwall)?
Godrevy (Cornwall) works with SE, S winds. Offshore directions are SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Godrevy (Cornwall)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Godrevy (Cornwall): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Godrevy (Cornwall) suitable for?
Godrevy (Cornwall) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.