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The history of Surfing in Newquay, Cornwall

waveridersnewquay

Newquay, Cornwall, is a town on the north coast of Cornwall, England. This picturesque seaside town has evolved from a humble fishing village into a vibrant hub for surfers, tourists, and history enthusiasts a like.

Newquay Fistral beach

Today, Newquay is known as the surf capital of the UK, hosting national and international surfing competitions, and is home to numerous surf schools and shops. Its Fistral Beach is one of the best-known surfing destinations in the UK.


 

The history of Newquay, Cornwall, and its surfing heritage took a significant turn after the Second World War. Until then, surfers were a rare sight on Cornwall's beaches. However, in April 1962, Australian lifeguards Bob Head, Ian Tiley, John Campbell, and Warren Mitchell arrived in Newquay with their fibreglass performance surfboards.

Newquay in the 1950's

This event marked a significant change in the town's history. These Australian lifeguards introduced a new style of surfing to the UK, which was quickly embraced by the locals. Their arrival and the subsequent popularity of surfing helped shape Newquay into the surfing hub it is today. The town is now renowned for its surf culture, attracting surfers from around the world to its beautiful beaches and excellent surf conditions.

Newquay in the 1960's

Newquay's transformation into a surfing haven really took off in the 1960s. The town's beautiful beaches and excellent surf conditions started attracting more and more people, and its popularity as a surfing destination began to grow.


 

Recently Newquay has been a host big events such as Boardmasters festival. Boardmasters festival started in 1981 and has been growing ever since.

Boardmasters festival ariel shot

The 1960s also saw the establishment of the British Surfing Association in Newquay, which further boosted the town's reputation as a surfing hub. The association was instrumental in promoting surfing in the UK and organising national and international surfing competitions.


Newquay is home today to many talented surfers including Luke dillion and Lukas Skinner. Luke Dillion has been on the scene for a while and has one numerous english titles.



Lukas Skinner is the new lad on the block. Hes already impressed by becoming the 2023 GromSearch World Champ! Watch out for this name!


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