Skateboarding returns to Boardmasters at Fistral Beach

Skateboarding is set to return to the Boardmasters festival at Fistral Beach this summer as the Beach Bar gets a new name.

Organisers of the surf and music festival say they are expanding their programme at Fistral, the site where Boardmasters began in 1981. 

The event, taking place from 6–10 August, will see the main music festival continue at Watergate Bay, while Fistral Beach will once again host the Boardmasters OPEN surf competition.

Boardmasters organisers say the globally renowned event draws the biggest names in international surfing, showcasing world-class talent on UK waters. Last year, local star Lukas Skinner made headlines with a double podium finish, highlighting the competition’s calibre across all ages and abilities. In 2025, Fistral Beach is set to raise the bar once again with an exciting lineup of new and enhanced features.

The much-loved skate ramp is making a return to The Headland due to popular demand, while The Fistral Beach Bar has been renamed the Boardmasters Beach Bar after receiving a refresh.

"The return of this iconic ramp marks a tribute to the spirit of board sports that has long been the heart of the community. Attendees will witness electrifying showcases and masterful demonstrations from top talents in skateboarding, a nod to Fistral’s rich legacy of board and bike sports," organisers said.

Boardmasters founder and CEO Andrew Topham said, “It goes without saying, we are incredibly excited to announce the latest developments at Fistral Beach. This is the place where the festival was born, and where many early memories and epic moments from the Boardmasters surf competitions were made. I know I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say this site is very close to our hearts, and the collective passion of our team is what has brought this latest vision to life."

Newquay Mayor Drew Creek said, “The investment Boardmasters are making at Fistral with the reinvigoration and renovations to the beloved Beach Bar are highly welcome. Their plans for the site during and after the season will significantly contribute to the local economy and enhance the cultural aspect of Newquay. As Mayor of Newquay, who is also a long-time avid fan of Boardmasters Surf Festival, I am thrilled to witness the Fistral site returning to its roots with more local vendors, the restoration of the raised grassy area, and the reintroduction of a skate ramp this year. Newquay, the self-proclaimed board-riding capital of the UK, will be celebrating all aspects of this event this summer, making it a monumental moment for our town in 2025.”