The Cribbar (Newquay)
Towan Headland, Newquay, Cornwall, England
About This Break
The Cribbar is the reef that runs out to sea from Towan Headland in Newquay, Cornwall, at the northern end of Fistral Beach — and when it breaks, it produces the most famous big wave in Britain. Its Cornish name, Kribow, simply means reefs; surfers know it as the Widow Maker.
When the Cribbar breaks
Only a few times a year, and in some winters not at all. The reef needs a very large, long-period North Atlantic groundswell before it starts to break, ideally with a south-easterly (offshore) wind and a low tide. On those days it throws up a mostly right-hand wave with faces that can top 20 to 30 feet, visible from all over Newquay.
History
The Cribbar was first surfed in September 1966 by four visiting American and Australian lifeguards — Jack Lydgate, Ric Friar, Pete Russell and Johnny McElroy. It became internationally known after South African big-wave surfer Chris Bertish rode it in December 2003, and it has drawn Europe's big-wave community on every major swell since.
Watching it
The best view is from the end of Towan Headland, beside The Headland Hotel, and from the Fistral side of the bay. For everyday surf, Fistral Beach next door is the UK's best-known beach break.
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Spot Characteristics
Local Knowledge
A handful of experienced big-wave surfers, and a crowd watching from Towan Headland
Big waves over rock, strong currents and cold water far from the beach. Strictly for experienced big-wave surfers with water safety support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cribbar in Newquay?
The Cribbar is a reef running out to sea from Towan Headland, the headland at the northern end of Fistral Beach, where The Headland Hotel stands. When it breaks, it can be watched from the end of the headland and from the Fistral side of the bay.
How often does The Cribbar break?
Only a handful of times a year, and in some winters not at all. It needs a very large, long-period Atlantic groundswell, ideally with a south-easterly wind and a low tide, before the reef starts to break with faces that can exceed 20 to 30 feet.
Who first surfed The Cribbar?
The Cribbar was first ridden in September 1966 by four visiting American and Australian lifeguards — Jack Lydgate, Ric Friar, Pete Russell and Johnny McElroy. South African big-wave surfer Chris Bertish brought it international attention with a session in December 2003.
Why is The Cribbar called the Widow Maker?
The reef has earned the nickname through the violence of its wipeouts: heavy waves over rock, strong currents and cold water, a long way from the beach. It is strictly for experienced big-wave surfers with water safety support.
