Fistral Beach in Newquay is where surfing in the UK got going. Fistral Beach is actually in Newquay, and is divided into South Fistral, NorthFistral and Little Fistral, also known as Fistral Bay.

The origin of the name Fistral is completely unknown. It has absolutely no known links with any European language.

As a result of its reputation, and being the place where most of the surfing competitions take place, Fistral can be pretty crowded. Nevertheless, it’s still a really good surfing beach with extremely consistent waves.

As it faces mostly north, it’s sheltered enough that even in a strong south-westerly wind surfing is still possible.

There are lots of surfing schools here, so it’s an easy place to learn if you haven’t surfed much before.

South Fistral





South Fistral Beach often has great waves and they usually break left. The Beach is best at mid to high tide, but you do have to watch rocks which are underwater at high tide on the right-hand side of the beach.

There are decent facilities at South Fistral, including a toilet block, a place to hire wet suits and boards, and a café kiosk selling drinks and snacks. This beach has a lifeguard.

North Fistral





North Fistral works at all tides if there is a good swell, but the best waves are at low tide. This is one of the most crowded places in the summer and is mostly to the right. You need to be a bit careful on the left of this beach at high tide as there can be a rip current.

There is a car park here, a huge café, places to buy and hire wet suits and surfing gear, surf shops, toilets, baby changing facilities, cold water showers and lifeguard facilities.

Little Fistral





Little Fistral is a small bay which can only be surfed at low tide as it is buried at high tide.

There are sand bars which move slightly and the break therefore varies. This is quite a tricky surfing area, and you need to be very careful when the tide is coming in or you can get stuck there.

The facilities are the same as with North Fistral.

