London is the capital of the UK, right? Well that depends on who you ask. If you’re talking to a surfer, they’ll tell you that Newquay is the most important place in the country. It’s always been this way. Just as London traces its status back to the Romans, Newqauy has its own origins story. The protagonists weren’t from Southern Europe, but the Southern Hemisphere. In the summer of 1962, a group of Aussies appeared in Newquay armed with the first fibreglass boards to be seen in the UK. The wave of popularity that they kicked off continues to this day. A huge number of surf schools currently operate here, offering classes and experiences on the multiple fantastic beaches in and around the town. Keep reading to get the lowdown!

Where are the best surfing beaches in Newquay?

• Towan Beach: Slapbang in the centre of town, Towan is Newquay’s seafront beach. It’s not the most well-known surfing spot, but that’s part of the attraction for entry-level surfing lessons. Lots of space, gentle waves and a lack of rip tides make this perfect for novices who want to get a taste of surfing in a low-pressure, low-risk environment. The other surfing beach in the centre of town is Porth Beach, to the east.

• Fistral Beach: The biggest name in Newquay surfing is Fistral. It’s separated from Towan Beach and the town centre by the rocky Gazzle Peninsula and faces west towards the Atlantic Ocean. This huge body of water generates swells and currents that deliver a steady stream of excellent waves right onto Fistral Beach. As they arrive, they are shaped and funnelled by underwater sandbanks, creating different conditions along the length of the beach. Locals and experienced surfers tend to stick to the northern end of the beach to catch the biggest waves - waves of up to 2.5 metres are common - while the centre and southern stretches are more forgiving to newbies and improvers.

• Watergate Bay: The long sandy expanse of Watergate Bay is on the other side of the city. It’s a safe bet for surfers because there are good waves at almost all points of the tide cycle, though mid-high tide is best. In addition, the picturesque cliffs that surround the bay protect the waves from gusts of wind that could spoil the peels and breaks. Watergate Bay is the site of the annual Boardmaster Festival, a huge celebration of surfing and music.

• Crantock Bay: Moving further from the centre, and losing some of the holidaymakers on the way, we get to Crantock Beach. The Gannel Estuary meets the sea here, creating sandbanks that have interesting effects on the waves on the east side of the beach. The bay is an undeniable beauty spot with cliffs, dunes and Pentire Point headland projecting out into the Celtic Sea. Unlike most beaches in the area, the best surfing is found here at low tide.

• Holywell Bay: Northwest-facing and open to waves, Holywell Bay gives surfing a wild twist. You won’t find the biggest waves on this National Trust Beach, but neither will you have to put up with coach loads of tourists, ice cream kiosks and the noise of traffic. When the wind comes from the east and the swell from the west, grab your board because the surf’s up!

• The Cribbar: Bonus round! You won’t find any surf schools that will take you to the Cribbar or any tour guides who recommend that you seek out the so-called Widow Maker. But if you’re a professional surfer, this is the place for you. It’s a reef break off the tip of the Gazzle Peninsula where waves can reach 9 metres in height, enough to put off all but the most experienced surfers. Unsurprisingly, it’s the site of several competitions. We recommend keeping your feet dry and enjoying the action from the cliff tops.

Options for organising this experience

From the moment you arrive in Newquay, you’ll see surfers in the water, surfing classes on the beach, schools on the seafront and surf shops on the high street. It can all become overwhelming! That’s why it makes sense to do your research first and plan in advance. If you’re reading this guide, you’re already halfway there. Are you looking for a first surfing experience or a chance to make significant progress? Then you need a lesson. These usually last two to three hours and take place at one of the beaches listed above - principally Towan, Fistral and Watergate. An expert instructor will combine beach-based training and practice in the water to get you surfing more and bigger waves during the session.

There are many different ways to organise lessons. You can book one at a time, buy a bundle of several or sign up for a course. There are some schools that include the day-rental of the surfboard in the price of a lesson so you can continue to practise after class. Open group lessons are easy to find here, as are private ones. These can be put together on an individual, couples or small group basis, ensuring you a personalised experience to enhance your skills.

On the other hand, you can hire surfing equipment, head for the beach of your choice and ride some waves. Most rental services offer a minimum timeframe of two hours and a maximum of a day or more. This is the best way to enjoy the surfing beaches if you already have the experience and skills to make the most of it without an instructor.

Activity requirements

Like we said above, there are activities for people of all abilities. Age isn’t an issue either. Open group lessons generally have a lower age limit of eight years old in place but younger children can have their first experience in a private setting. Family lessons are a great option for parents and children to enjoy a day at the beach together.

Large groups are catered to as well. If you’re in charge of organising an activity for a youth organisation or a corporate team, you can’t do much better than getting everyone on a surfboard in this area! Other groups are welcome too. Keep it in mind for stag, hen or birthday celebrations!

Can you hear the waves breaking? Book this experience today!