SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers April 2014 lo-res free to read | Page 42
MINI Guide…Ives Bay, Cornwall
St
Overview
St Ives Bay sits in
deepest darkest
Kernow and has
long been
frequented by
surfers and tourists
alike. Pristine
white sandy beaches, breathtaking
scenery, fresh salty sea air, pounding
swells, historic landmarks and fine
dining experiences are all on offer.
Launching
Hazards
Gwithian and Godrevy are probably the two most
popular locations and nestle in the far right hand
corner of the bay. These breaks get maximum swell
coverage and even on the smallest of days can pack
a punch. Busy at peak times, it could be worth
hunting out quieter line ups further along to the left.
Potentially huge surf,
rocks in places, other
water users, dangerous
currents and ever
changing weather
conditions need to be
taken into account
before dropping in.
Head towards Hayle and you have the choice of
clambering down gargantuan sand dunes to access
‘Mexicos’ and ‘The Bluff’. Further west reveals the
tranquil (and beautiful) Carbis Bay. St Ives Harbour
is just in sight round the headland.
Google map
Summing up
Skill and conditions will
dictate where in St Ives
Bay you launch. If
you’re a hardened big
wave charger then pick
your time; downwind
aficionados will love it
when a good blow is in
effect while fair weather
paddlers will do better
in high season. St Ives
Bay has an ever
changing personality
with no two days the
same – perfect for all
SUPers on the right day.
All types of paddler should pay a visit.
Sheltered flat water, frantic coastal
runs and banging surf breaks – you
just have to choose your SUP poison.
Conditions
Amenities
During big swells the beaches of St Ives Bay will
challenge even the best and can get absolutely
huge. High tide sees fatter swells with water levels
rebounding off the cliffs below Gwithian. If it’s all
getting a bit much then head to Carbis Bay or St
Ives Harbour for respite.
RNLI lifeguards patrol sections of the beach
through the summer months, although they
shouldn’t be relied upon. Toilets can be found
behind the lookout at Gwithian, but there aren’t any
real changing facilities – beach mooning agogo.
North west winds are good for downwind SUP
missions across the bay, right to left, while
southerlies give potential for the opposite route.
Pick and choose your launch and landing spots
according to tides and swell.
Car parks are dotted up and down the coast but be
aware as charges are high and enforced rigorously.
You’ll find refreshments at the Sunset Café perched
above Gwithian who also offer SUP hire and lessons.
Abundant eating and drinking establishments are
available in the area, the Red River Inn in Gwithian
being a particular favourite. Alternatively crack out
the burgers ‘n’ beers for a beach barbie.
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