Event Preview: English National Surfing Championships 2026

The 2026 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships return to Fistral Beach, Newquay on 10 April. This is the title event for competitive surfing in England — the longest-running national surfing competition in the country, held annually since the 1960s.

Fistral is the spiritual home of English surfing. Its exposure to North Atlantic swells makes it one of the most consistent and reliable contest venues in the UK, and the beach break format suits competitive heats perfectly.

What to Expect

The championships run across multiple divisions: Open Men and Women, Junior, Longboard, Bodyboard, and more. Heats typically last 15-20 minutes, with surfers judged on wave selection, manoeuvres, speed, power, and commitment. Finals determine who holds the national champion title for the year.

The event usually runs over a competition window of several days to account for conditions. Organisers will call the best day for finals when the swell cooperates — that’s the nature of surf contests.

How to Enter

Entry is through Surfing England. You’ll need a current Surfing England membership, and entry fees are typically 30-50 per division. Check the official event page for the latest details and registration deadlines.

If you’re not competing, the event is free to watch from the clifftops and beach at Fistral. It’s a brilliant day out — particularly if the swell delivers.

The Venue

Fistral Beach sits on the north-facing coast of Newquay in Cornwall. It picks up swell from every direction in the Atlantic, which is why it consistently produces the best waves for competition in England. Parking is available at Fistral car park (it fills up on event days, so arrive early). Newquay town centre is a short walk away, with plenty of cafes and surf shops.

Cornwall in April can be glorious or brutal — pack for both. The water temperature will be around 10-11C, so a good 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit is essential.

What to Bring

Whether you’re competing or watching, Fistral in April demands preparation:

• Wetsuit — 4/3mm minimum, 5/4mm if you feel the cold
• Waterproof dry bag for your phone, wallet, and car keys on the beach
• Spare clothes in a dry bag — you’ll want a warm change after
• Dry robe or changing towel — essential for post-surf warmth
• Sun protection — April sun off the Atlantic can catch you out
• Wax and spare leash if competing

A 10L or 20L dry bag is ideal for the beach — big enough for your essentials, small enough to tuck behind a windbreak.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When are the English National Surfing Championships 2026?

The competition window opens on 10 April 2026 at Fistral Beach, Newquay. Finals will be called on the best day for conditions within the competition window.

Do I need to be a member of Surfing England to enter?

Yes — a current Surfing England membership is required to compete. Entry fees are typically 30-50 per division on top of the membership fee.

Can I watch the English National Surfing Championships for free?

Yes. The event is free to watch from the beach and clifftops at Fistral. It’s a great spectator event, especially on finals day when the best surfers in England go head to head.