Towan Beach Guide

Go Surfing:

Towan is a really special beach in Newquay due to its position tucked up against the Towan headland and the harbour wall. Apart from perhaps Porth at high tide, Towan is usually the most protected spot to surf in Newquay as the headland blocks much of the prevailing swell, dampening the power of the waves, and creating conditions ideal for beginners.

For every surfer coming to Newquay to chase the thrill of big waves, there are several more coming to try surfing for the first time. That’s where Towan comes in handy, it’s the ultimate classroom experience, and a great beach to build confidence on before venturing to other more exposed surf spots.

The harbour wall can give a great left hander at around mid tide, there has to be enough power in the swell to wrap around fly cellars and the harbour wall, but when it’s on it is a fun wave to catch. A local secret is to use the harbour for a dry hair paddle out as you can cruise straight out to the line up. Some more advanced surfers also enter via the rip in the harbour wall or via south west coast path at fly cellars, as these are also shortcuts to getting out back.

As the tide rises the island can start to work, forming right hand wedges which are really fun.  There is a local byelaw that says no surfing once the rising tide passes the island, but often the waves drop out at high tide anyway.

At high tide Towan can be a fun playground for Hand Planing, Body Boarding and Body Surfing. On high spring tides when there is a big swell then you’ll often see bodyboarders playing around in the backwash off the wall by the aquarium. It’s a fun spot for those with experience to get thrown around, but certainly not for the faint hearted.

If you like to paddle board then it’s best at high tide as you can launch in the harbour and paddle straight out into deep water, just be aware of boat traffic as this is a working harbour and high tide is a key time for them to bring the boats in and out. You can also launch your SUP from the beach at Towan, but you’ll have waves, submerged rocks and possibly crowds to contend with. If there is an offshore wind, or a strong wind in any direction we do not recommend paddle boarding here.

Towan is Newquays town centre beach, so it attracts swimmers, and as mentioned above, a lot of learner surfers and bodyboarders. Therefore please exercise caution in the water if it’s crowded. The biggest danger to your safety is often other people, so keep your wits about you for rogue surfboards etc.

Surfing is a sport guided by etiquette rather than strict laws, it’s a moral code which states the right thing and the wrong things to do in the water. Surfers are quick to spot and correct water users who aren’t following the correct etiquette, as it’s not only rude, but often unsafe to ignore these guidelines. Be aware of your surroundings as Towan has a reputation for lawlessness, but this is mainly due to the number of beginners in the water who haven’t yet learnt correct etiquette.

Food and Drink:

Best views are to be had from 12 Beach Road, the back deck of Beluchi’s, the deck at Sailors and the terrace at The Fort (the later three are all on Fore Street).

Local coffee and baked good recommendations are Pavilion Bakery Newquay & Box & Barber on Fore Street.

For interesting food we recommend The Boat House which is in the harbour, it’s a pop up street food market and has a variety of vendors offering global cuisine.

For a picnic vibe with a view try Killacourt, it’s a grassy area just above Towan beach with fantastic views.