Boardmasters Shakes Up Fistral Beach for 2025 – Major Changes Revealed!

Skate ramp returns, surf action ramps up, and a new year-round beach bar lands in Newquay

Boardmasters is set to bring even more action to Fistral Beach in 2025, with an expanded programme that includes the return of the much-loved skate ramp, a rebranded Boardmasters Beach Bar, and an even bigger Fistral Village for festival-goers and beach visitors.

The festival, running from 6th–10th August 2025, will continue to split across two sites—Watergate Bay, home to live music and camping, and Fistral Beach, the centre of its legendary surf heritage. This year, Boardmasters is doubling down on its roots, promising an even bigger celebration of surf and skate culture.

Skateboarding Makes a Comeback

After huge demand, Boardmasters is bringing back the skate ramp to The Headland, reviving a major part of the festival’s legacy. Fans can expect high-energy performances from top skateboarders, celebrating the board sports culture that has been a cornerstone of the event since it first launched in 1981.

“Even more action-packed sports during the festival, opportunities for meaningful partnerships which benefit the entire surf ecosystem, and of course the newly named Boardmasters Beach Bar, which we’ll have more to tell you about very soon,” said Andrew Topham, Boardmasters Founder and CEO.

Fistral Beach Bar Gets a New Look

A major shift is happening at Fistral’s Beach Bar, which will now be known as the Boardmasters Beach Bar. This iconic spot will no longer be a seasonal venue—it will now remain open year-round, offering a fresh new look, prime views of the surf action, and a space for the local surf community to connect throughout the year.

Newquay Mayor Drew Creek welcomed the move, saying, “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.”

Boardmasters OPEN Returns

The Boardmasters OPEN surf competition remains the highlight of Fistral Beach, attracting world-class talent and bringing the best of international surfing to Cornish waters. Last year, Lukas Skinner impressed with a double podium finish, showing the calibre of competition across all levels.

In 2025, the competition will once again see elite surfers battle it out across:

• Boardmasters OPEN (Men’s & Women’s Divisions)
• Boardmasters Longboard OPEN (Men’s & Women’s Divisions)
• Boardmasters Junior OPEN (Boys’ & Girls’ Divisions)

Spectators can head down to Fistral Beach, which remains free to attend, and catch the next generation of surf stars in action.

New Partnership with Rising Tide

This year, Boardmasters is also partnering with Rising Tide, a grassroots collective focused on sustainability and ocean conservation. Founded by Danny Jenks, Matt Rogers (Echo Surf Supply), and Kieran Hill (Waterhaul), the Rising Tide team will bring together local surfboard shapers, surf brands, and conservation groups at The Headland.

Their dedicated space will host workshops, talks, and exhibitions, all focusing on ocean-positive initiatives and sustainable wave-riding crafts.

“Through this new partnership, we’re really hyped that Boardmasters is recognising the importance of the themes around Rising Tide and the positive impact it had on the local community in 2024,” Rising Tide said in a statement.

Bigger and Better Fistral Village

For the full festival experience, the Fistral Village is expanding. Visitors can expect even more food and retail options, featuring local vendors and surf brands, making it a must-visit hub during Boardmasters 2025.

With so many new additions and expansions, next year’s Boardmasters at Fistral Beach is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. More skateboarding, more surf action, and a permanent beach bar—this is a game-changer for Newquay’s surf scene.