When it comes to planning a surf trip to the South West, one of the most common questions we hear at OA Surf Club is: “Where’s the best surfing beach Cornwall has to offer?” With dozens of great surf spots along the north coast alone, it’s not an easy question to answer. However, two beaches consistently stand out in the Bude area — Summerleaze Beach and Widemouth Bay.
At OA Surf Club, we’re lucky to call Widemouth our home break, but we also know the value of Summerleaze, just a short drive away. In this post, we’ll compare these two surf-friendly beaches and explain why both deserve a spot on your surfing checklist.
Widemouth Bay: Power, Space, and Progression
Let’s start with our local favourite. Widemouth Bay is a wide, open stretch of beach with plenty of room for all kinds of surfers. Thanks to its exposure to Atlantic swells, Widemouth picks up consistent waves and offers more power than some of the more sheltered Cornish beaches.
This makes it a fantastic location for improvers and those looking to push their skills further. On smaller days, it’s equally brilliant for beginners — especially with the guidance of our qualified instructors. We carefully plan lesson times based on the tide and swell conditions, ensuring our students experience the safest and most enjoyable surf possible.
Widemouth also benefits from having multiple peaks spread across the bay. Whether you’re joining a group lesson or heading out on your own, there’s space to find your own wave and avoid the crowds.
Summerleaze Beach: Friendly, Central, and Great for Beginners
Just a 5-minute drive north of Widemouth, Summerleaze Beach in Bude offers a different kind of surfing experience. It’s situated right in the town centre, making it one of the most accessible surf beaches in Cornwall. There’s parking just behind the beach, clean public toilets, and a range of cafés and shops within walking distance — perfect for a full day out.
But beyond convenience, Summerleaze is known for its mellow, beginner-friendly waves. The gently sloping sand and sheltered position often create softer, more manageable conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for first-time surfers or families looking to enjoy the ocean in a safe and friendly environment.
During the main season (April to October), RNLI lifeguards are on duty daily, adding an extra layer of reassurance — especially for younger surfers.
Which Beach Is Better?
If you’re wondering which is the best surfing beach Cornwall can offer, the honest answer is: it depends. Both Summerleaze and Widemouth have unique strengths, and the best choice often comes down to what kind of surf experience you’re after.
-
For total beginners, Summerleaze’s gentle waves and town-centre location make it incredibly welcoming.
-
For improvers or more adventurous surfers, Widemouth’s consistent swell and more powerful waves offer a great opportunity to progress.
-
For families or mixed-ability groups, both beaches are excellent options — and many visitors try both during their stay.
At OA Surf Club, we focus our surf coaching at Widemouth Bay but always keep an eye on the conditions at both beaches. If the surf at Widemouth isn’t ideal for a certain level, we’ll recommend a visit to Summerleaze instead. Ultimately, we want you to have the best possible experience in the water.
Surf Lessons with OA Surf Club
Whether you’re learning to surf for the first time or looking to take your skills to the next level, OA Surf Club offers high-quality surf lessons right here at Widemouth Bay. Our expert instructors are fully qualified, friendly, and experienced in tailoring each lesson to suit the individual.
We also understand that conditions can vary — so if you want to explore both Summerleaze and Widemouth during your stay, we’ll gladly point you in the right direction. With our local knowledge and passion for surfing, you’ll be in safe hands.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best surfing beach Cornwall has to offer doesn’t have to mean picking just one. Both Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze Beach deliver fantastic experiences for surfers of all levels — and each has its own character, charm, and wave quality.
At OA Surf Club, we’re proud to be part of Cornwall’s thriving surf scene and to help visitors enjoy these beautiful beaches the way the locals do — safely, confidently, and with a smile. So, whether you paddle out at Widemouth or ride your first wave at Summerleaze, you’re guaranteed a surf session to remember.
