Summer may be the obvious choice for a surf trip, but ask any seasoned Cornish Surfer and they’ll tell you – Autumn is where the magic happens. With the crazy fun of summer well and truly behind us, we finally get the surf conditions we’ve been waiting for – and they haven’t disappointed! Rolling 3-4ft clean waves, minimal wind and the sea is still 18 degrees, and yet many have no clue Autumn is the best time of year for a surf trip. Many surf schools find themselves closing early but not Wavehunters, we are still here everyday at both Polzeath and Watergate Bay ready to get you out there.
Why Autumn is the Prime Season for Surfing in Cornwall
Why do we love Autumn surfs?
Uncrowded waves
Children are back at school, parents are at work and those fair weather surfers are searching for warmer waves outside of the UK leaving the waves to us. You’ll often catch 30–40 waves per session – no queues, just pure wave time.
Consistent Swell
For those who came to us this summer will have experienced the one week of flat surf – a surf school’s biggest nightmare. Something we don’t have to contend with in the winter as the Atlantic storms deliver reliable fun quality waves throughout September all the way to February!
Warm water
After a glorious summer of sun, the sea is its warmest throughout September, sticking at 18-19 degrees!
Autumnal Vibes
Think hot chocolate, warm lights, peaceful beaches. Golden evenings offer a tranquil atmosphere that feeds your soul leaving you rejuvenated.
Planning Your Autumn Surf Itinerary with Wavehunters
Book Your Autumn Surf Lessons
Teaching in Autumn is so valuable for becoming an all round surfer, you will be learning to navigate rougher seas, powerful waves and ever changing conditions. Becoming an expert at reading a surf forecast, you will focus on learning to understand how tides affect waves and how wave size differs beach to beach. Our coaches’ local knowledge means you will always be in the right place at the right time and as the Surf School is open throughout Autumn you have everything you need to conquer winter swells. P.S. We also have the best coffee shop recommendations, you can’t surf in the winter without a hot drink after to refuel.
Choose Your Autumn-Ready Gear
On the surface getting geared up for a surf seems simple, just a wetsuit and surf board right? But then you realise: each season requires different gear. Wetsuit thickness matters, boots and gloves come back into play, and you’ll have to decide — hooded suit or not? With over 20 years in the game, we know exactly what you need to make the most out of an Autumn surf. This time of year, the sea sticks at a tempered 17-18 degrees, meaning your ideal wetsuit would be a high quality 4/3mm, this will allow more movement but keep you toasty. Boots and gloves become a user preference as it’s too chilly for pesky weaverfish. In September you’ll get away without the additional gear but towards October, we recommend getting them ready, nothing worse than ending a good surf early because you can’t feel your feet. If you are lacking a warm wetsuit, don’t fret, here at Wavehunters we provide high quality thick wetsuits for lessons and surf hire, saving you a few pennies should you only fancy a few winter surfs. They are dry too!
Let Wavehunters Guide You to the Best Spots
We may be biased but we truly believe we have the best two beaches to surf on, offering protection from most conditions thrown our way in the winter. Big swell? Then head to Polzeath, its gentle sloping structure aids in decreasing that power, and brings a fun broken wave to play on. If it’s a windy day, then aim for a mid tide surf at Polzeath as it’s surrounded by huge cliffs giving you shelter from the winds. On a smaller 2-3/3-4ft day with gentle onshore winds, Watergate Bay is an improver/intermediate heaven. Providing clean rolling waves that hold enough power to make catching the waves a breeze. But with the epic winter swells comes ever changing conditions, local knowledge is key in ensuring a fun, safe surf. Give either one of our surf schools a call, we are always stoked to offer friendly local advice.
Your Autumn Surf Packing Checklist
What you need to bring to ensure a successful Autumn Surf trip.
- A swim suit and towel is all you need, hire the rest of your essential gear from us!
- Warm layers are a must for after your surf, a beanie, thick fleece and most importantly a waterproof coat.
- Essentials such as a changing robe (if you don’t own one, head to our surf school at Watergate Bay and use one of our indoor changing rooms), factor 50 suncream is a must all year round, and a good book to sink your teeth into when you’re physically exhausted.
Ready for Your Ultimate Autumn Surf Adventure?
A Cornish surf trip in Autumn provides a unique magical experience that is hard to put into words. That warm feeling you get in your tummy when you’ve had a wintery surf, followed by a hot shower and then popping on cosy warm clothes by the sea side is only truly understood if you’ve lived it.Finding a wave in the chaos of winter is, without a doubt, the best way to unwind. It allows your mind to focus solely on the surf and quiets the noise of day-to-day life. We are not ones for spirituality but taking the energy mother nature provides and turning it into a well ridden wave is truly magical. Here at Wavehunters we aim to share the love of fitness and the ocean in the Autumn too, not just the summer with the best gear available everyday, and highly experienced coaches on hand, we are the ultimate one stop surfing spot!
What are you waiting for? Give us a bell and get your Autumn surf trip booked in!
