Mothecombe beach is magical, but in a shit way. If Bantham is predicted to be surfable you can knock off about 2 foot to guess the conditions at this particular spot. Mothecombe will still find a way to try your patience though. Often what will make you begin paddling like a twat will either double-up just before you take off or just plain die. But that’s all part of the fun of Mothecombe, it will surprise you by either being alright or really shit when everything about the weather says it scientifically must be good. However don’t be completely put off, the scenery is epic. It’s a beautiful place and even when it does work really well it’s not too busy.

For the brave and athletic there is a natural reef that works really well – it’s a fair way out mind. Best bet is to walk a bit of the coast path toward Newton Ferris to get closer to the reef and a lesser paddle. Otherwise, fill your boots and paddle from the main beach to it. Be aware that depending on the tide (and the conditions) the reef can be exposed and nobody wants to see a collar bone pierced through the wetsuit, so a bit of caution perhaps.

If you’re not feeling like paddling/walking distances the ‘Private’ beach (Meadowfoot Beach) has a break and the estuary mouth can have a really nice wave on a rising tide. When the sandbanks are working surfable waves flow up the estuary. So perfect conditions for a long longboard wave. If on one of the 5 days a year (or less) that this happens it’s best to walk all the way down the hill to ‘Public’ beach (Coastguards Beach) and walk/paddle up the estuary.

If the waves aren’t working at all, it is one of the most beautiful spots in the South West. Take a walk around it. Walk up the hill beyond the sexy little weird building in the far corner of the beach and when you hit the summit you get breath-taking seascape views. And in the hot summer, when the sea is still it’s an incredible place to explore with a snorkel.

Above all, Mothecombe works best with a hangover.