Godrevy (Cornwall)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freerideWindsurfing waveWingfoil downwind
What's great
  • 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)
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
9–18 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, HoodApr–Sep: 4/3mm or 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Very crowded in July and August; quieter but still popular during winter swell events.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (November–February) see frequent Atlantic depressions and storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Works for wave-focused kitesurfing; strong rip currents are a key hazard.

FreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Excellent wave sailing that can handle large swells; cross-shore conditions referenced for northerly or southerly winds.

WaveFreeride
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Beach break
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).
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHoodGlovesLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • 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.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Picnic area
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn; spring (especially April) is emphasized for the best surf conditions.
Godrevy Lighthouse~2 km

Iconic lighthouse on Godrevy Island.

St Ives~20 min walk / ~10 km

Traditional Cornish town with galleries and cafes; home to an active art scene.

St Ives Town~20 min walk

St Ives town is about a 20-minute walk from the area.

South West Coast Path0 km

Scenic hiking trails along the cliffs and dunes of St Ives Bay.

The Red River Inn~1 km

Traditional local pub serving food and real ales in Gwithian village.

Gwithian Caféopposite car park

Café at the Gwithian car park.

Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary~5 km

Wildlife park and indoor play area nearby in Hayle.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.