Watergate Bay
A 3 km beach north of Newquay, with plenty of space and consistent banks.
Watergate Bay is a long beach below the cliffs, north of Newquay. It has consistent sandbanks and plenty of space, so it's usually quieter than Fistral.
At high tide the beach almost disappears against the cliff.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2.5 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or funboard; a longboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Watergate Bay
The safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
An open vibe.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
High tide against the cliff and currents.
Map
Shapers near Watergate Bay
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
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Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.