Why Fistral Beach is the best surf spot in the UK (and the best beach!)

If you were thinking about learning to surf or looking for your next surf spot in the UK, then you’ve probably heard of Fistral Beach.

Fistral is the home of British surfing and for good reason, the 750 metre golden sand beach provides some of the most consistent and best conditions in the UK. Fistral hosts major surf competitions including the English Nationals and Boardmasters, so even if you’re not a surfer yourself – Fistral gives the opportunity to watch the pros in action. Some big names you may have heard of, who have surfed Fistral include Kelly Slater, John John Florence and Tom Curren. In addition, you’ll find Newquay’s very own Lukas Skinner enjoying the waves at his local break.

However, by no means is Fistral exclusive to the professionals. Beginners, improvers, intermediates, bodyboarders, body surfers, swimmers and dog walkers … everyone is welcome! Fistral is the perfect family day out beach and is dog friendly all year round.

Due to the size of Fistral, it is divided into two (South and North). In the summer, South Fistral typically provides small clean waves, this is great for those in the early stages of their surfing journey. In addition, this is generally the quieter side of the beach and also the side which we are based (come and say hello!). Our hire centre has a range of boards and equipment, so we will guarantee all your surfing needs will be catered to. Our changing rooms also have lockers, toilets and hot showers (yes, we did say hot!) – so after a long day of surfing at the beach you can wash away all the sand and salt water ready for your evening.

North Fistral tends to welcome bigger swell and for that reason the more experienced surfers.

Alongside South and North Fistral, hidden away is Little Fistral – which seems to get forgotten for some bizarre reason? It holds the same beauty as Fistral but is just condensed into a smaller version. It can be accessed at low tide but at mid to high tide you’ll need to walk across a small headland and use the steps by the old lifeboat building. Fistral is lifeguarded daily from the 29th March – 3rd November between the hours 10am – 6pm. The current lifeguard base is at the North end of the beach but the patrol covers the whole beach. We have to say having the piece of mind someone watching you, is a always reassuring – regardless of your surfing level.

Finally, we couldn’t talk about Fistral and not mention Cribbar. Cribbar is a reef break just on the edge of Fistral and in the right conditions this wave has been known to reach hights of 30ft! This wave really isn’t for the faint hearted and it makes a great wave watching location for spectators.