You don't need to be a surfer to love Watergate Bay. But if you're staying right above it and you've never tried it, you'd be mad not to give it a go at least once. Here's what you need to know.
Is it right for beginners?
Yes. The beach faces northwest and gets a consistent Atlantic swell — not giant waves but reliable enough to learn on. The sand is soft (important when you fall off, and you will fall off). The schools here are very used to complete beginners, including older adults and kids.
Extreme Academy — Watergate Bay
The big one, based right on Watergate Bay. They do surfing but also kite surfing, coasteering and land boarding. Lessons are professional, well-run and the instructors are patient. Great for groups because they can take a lot of people at once. Book well in advance in summer — they fill up fast. watergatebay.co.uk/extreme-academy
Revel Surf School
A slightly smaller, more personal option based in Newquay but operating on Watergate too. Good if you want smaller groups or one-to-one instruction. Good for kids who might get a bit lost in a big group lesson.
What to wear / bring
The schools provide boards and wetsuits, so you don't need to bring anything except a swimsuit to wear underneath, a towel and some enthusiasm. The water is cold even in summer — you'll be glad of the wetsuit. We have an outdoor shower at Bluehouse for rinsing down when you get back.
Body boarding instead?
Totally valid and honestly brilliant fun. We have body boards at the house you can use. Grab fins if you have them (you can buy cheap ones in Newquay), get in the water and let the waves do the work. Kids love it, adults who claim they're too old for it always end up staying in for two hours.
Best time to go
Early morning is best — the beach is quieter, the surf schools are less busy, and there's something genuinely special about Watergate Bay at 7am on a clear morning. Outside of August it's almost empty. We'd take that over a crowded summer beach any day.