Surf Spot of the Week: Fistral Beach, Newquay

You can’t really talk about UK surfing without mentioning Fistral. Sitting on the edge of Newquay, it’s one of those places that feels alive all year round — surfers checking the waves from the headland, people walking the beach with coffees, wetsuits drying in van doors and boards strapped to car roofs everywhere you look.

The vibe around Fistral is what makes it special just as much as the surf itself. In summer it’s busy, social and full of energy, with surf schools, tourists and loads of people getting their first taste of surfing. Early mornings and evenings are usually the best time to go if you want it a bit quieter and cleaner before the crowds arrive.

The wave itself can vary loads depending on the swell. On smaller days it’s a really fun beach break with plenty of room for beginners and intermediates. When the swell picks up though, Fistral can get pretty punchy and powerful, with fast peaks and some heavy closeouts if the conditions aren’t right. The middle section is usually the busiest, while the north and south ends can sometimes offer slightly different banks and a bit more space.

Autumn is probably one of the best times to surf there — warmer water, cleaner conditions and fewer crowds than peak summer. Winter can be unreal too if you know what you’re doing, but it definitely becomes a more serious wave on bigger swells.

Even if you’re not surfing, it’s one of those beaches that’s just good to spend time at. Grab a coffee, watch the sets roll through and you’ll quickly understand why so many people fall in love with the place.