Porthmeor is the surf beach, facing the open Atlantic on the north side of St Ives. The waves here can be substantial and there is surf hire and instruction available from several outfitters on the beach. RNLI lifeguards patrol during summer months.
The beach is also simply beautiful, backed by sand dunes and the white facade of Tate St Ives, with views west across the bay to the lighthouse at Godrevy. On a stormy day the surf is dramatic; on a clear summer morning the water turns a Caribbean shade of turquoise. It is one of the better surf beaches in Cornwall, which is saying something.