Godrevy is one of Cornwall's most popular beachbreaks, an exposed stretch of sand that picks up plenty of swell and throws up peaks the length of the beach. The Red River running onto the sand helps build good sandbars, and at lower tides the beach links up with Gwithian to the south, opening a huge expanse of peaks. Waves tend to run a little fat. The middle of the bay can close out on anything above a small swell, but the rivermouth usually offers good lefts and rights.
When It Works
It draws swell from southwest through northwest, with west the best direction, and is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. The bottom is sand with occasional rock outcrops toward the southern end. Godrevy works year round but is at its best in autumn, roughly September to November, when it comes into its own.
Wind and Tide
Look for southeast offshore wind, though the workable wind window runs from southeast through northeast, and even north or northwest on the right tides. It breaks through all tides, with mid tide generally best and a rising tide the better call. Expect it to get noticeably smaller at high, when the waves break on pebbles and stones.
Local Tips
This one suits beginners and intermediates, and handles everything from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, and bodyboards, though a board with some extra volume helps with the fatter walls. Expect a busy lineup, especially through summer and whenever it turns on. The crew is somewhat reserved and values etiquette, so mind your manners in the water. Experienced surfers use the rip from the river to get outback, and general rips can be strong in bigger swells.
Access
There's a National Trust car park with paid parking and a great cafe, plus extra parking at the Rockpool Pub; the Trust runs two parking areas in summer and just one in winter, and it fills fast on good days. Reach the beach via the path through the dunes, or over the bridge and down the side of the Red River. Facilities include restrooms, a lifeguard, a surf school, and camping. Be aware that sewage can spill from the river after heavy rain, so pollution can be bad following a downpour.
