Porthtowan Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Porthtowan over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, it’s a bit of a slow start. The window kicks off Saturday morning, the 5th of September, with a 5ft WNW groundswell rolling in – that’s a 12-second period, so there’s some proper energy behind it (748). The water’s sitting at 64°, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year. But here’s the kicker: it’s a light onshore breeze, and the report flags it as marginal. It’s a beginner-friendly break, fairly consistent, but the wind direction is just not playing ball. Saturday afternoon is even worse with a cross-shore breeze and the swell dropping off. Honestly, Saturday’s a write-off.

Sunday the 6th is a no-go – small dribble and bumpy wind. Monday the 7th sees a much bigger pulse: 8ft of W swell at 13 seconds, and the energy is pumping (1783). But it’s cross-onshore and choppy, which at a beach break like Porthtowan is just messy. That’s more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle session. Tuesday through most of the following week is a mix of onshore winds and poor conditions, with the swell bouncing around but never really lining up clean.

Now, let’s fast-forward to the standout. Sunday, the 13th of September, is your best bet. That morning sees a 5ft WSW swell, but it’s the afternoon that’s the real gem: glassy conditions – dead still, with a 5ft WSW groundswell at 10 seconds. The energy is moderate (334), and with the wind going totally glass, it’s going to be clean as a whistle. Porthtowan can be a fun little wave when it’s like that, and the offshore direction (SE) isn’t in play, but glassy beats offshore any day for a beginner-friendly spot. Expect crowds though – this spot is often busy, so get there early.

After that, the following week is a bit of a letdown. Swell stays small, mostly under 3ft, and the wind is all over the shop. There’s a brief moment on the 17th with a clean 3ft swell and a light offshore, but it’s ordinary. The 20th is tiny and glassy, but you’d be scratching for a waist-high wave.

Overall, it’s a tough run. The best window is the afternoon of Sunday the 13th – that’s the one to circle. Everything else is a battle with the wind or just too small.

Rusty.

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