Porthleven
Pasty by his self
England’s premier surfing reef. On its day possibly the best wave kiting spot in the UK.
DIRECTIONS
- Fishing village on the south coast of West Cornwall near Helston. Drive on the A394 from Marazion past Praa Sands and turn right into the village. Park at the Harbour on the left as you drive in or up the hill to the right for the viewing spot.
WORKING WIND DIRECTIONS
West - Northwest wind, with southerly swell.
CONDITIONS
- Porthleven is probably the most dangerous kite spot that has been ridden in Cornwall and is definitely for Expert waveriders only!
- A dodgy launch over rocks in a window shadow making it hellish gusty. You then have to battle out though a huge shore break which has a big undercurrent to boot. Next is a long slug upwind to the reef where if you venture too far inside you are back in no wind zone. Add to this a very small area to land back ashore and a small safety zone downwind before sharp cliff and you may be better off turning up just as a spectator for which it is a worthwhile experience as you can stand on the reef within touching distance of the kites as they bottom turn on a double overhead bomb.
- A very fickle spot it takes the perfect wind, swell and tide conditions to make it kiteable.
- Don’t go out when surfers are in the water as there is fierce localism.
- Don’t drop in on Pasty!
- A general rule for these type of heavy spots is- If in doubt, don’t go out! And know your limits, could you handle it if you had to ditch your gear and swim in? Would you be able to surf this spot?
WEATHER CAMS / WEBSITES
No web cams
MAKING A DAY OF IT
- 4 good pubs in the village, with the Atlantic up on the hill being the one you’ll find the boys checking the pics after a good session. An amazing view of the reef and a spectacular sunset along with amazing food make it a fine establishment to spend a few hours.
- One of the best Pasty shops in the World, The Horse & Jockey. So why not grab a Pasty and sit at the viewing spot amongst the photogs’, watching the boys do their stuff before heading to Maza for a much more user friendly kite session.
DIRECTIONS
- Fishing village on the south coast of West Cornwall near Helston. Drive on the A394 from Marazion past Praa Sands and turn right into the village. Park at the Harbour on the left as you drive in or up the hill to the right for the viewing spot.
WORKING WIND DIRECTIONS
West - Northwest wind, with southerly swell.
CONDITIONS
- Porthleven is probably the most dangerous kite spot that has been ridden in Cornwall and is definitely for Expert waveriders only!
- A dodgy launch over rocks in a window shadow making it hellish gusty. You then have to battle out though a huge shore break which has a big undercurrent to boot. Next is a long slug upwind to the reef where if you venture too far inside you are back in no wind zone. Add to this a very small area to land back ashore and a small safety zone downwind before sharp cliff and you may be better off turning up just as a spectator for which it is a worthwhile experience as you can stand on the reef within touching distance of the kites as they bottom turn on a double overhead bomb.
- A very fickle spot it takes the perfect wind, swell and tide conditions to make it kiteable.
- Don’t go out when surfers are in the water as there is fierce localism.
- Don’t drop in on Pasty!
- A general rule for these type of heavy spots is- If in doubt, don’t go out! And know your limits, could you handle it if you had to ditch your gear and swim in? Would you be able to surf this spot?
WEATHER CAMS / WEBSITES
No web cams
MAKING A DAY OF IT
- 4 good pubs in the village, with the Atlantic up on the hill being the one you’ll find the boys checking the pics after a good session. An amazing view of the reef and a spectacular sunset along with amazing food make it a fine establishment to spend a few hours.
- One of the best Pasty shops in the World, The Horse & Jockey. So why not grab a Pasty and sit at the viewing spot amongst the photogs’, watching the boys do their stuff before heading to Maza for a much more user friendly kite session.
