Surfing & Surf Life Saving

Perranporth beach has become renowned as one of the best surfing locations in Cornwall.

Surfing origins at Perranporth go back to the 1920s.  Wooden boards were introduced to the area by South African soldiers who were visiting their WW1 comrades after the end of the First World War.  The museum has examples of these early boards which were ‘coffin lids’ provided by the local undertaker.

In 1957 Perranporth Surf Life Saving Club was formed. This successful organisation has promoted beach safety and encouraged generations of youngsters in swimming and surfing qualifications. Its headquarters can be seen on the beach and is the base for the RNLI lifeguards who patrol Perranporth beach during the tourist season.