Fistral Beach
Coordinates: 50°24′59″N 5°06′08″W / 50.41645°N 5.10235°W / 50.41645; -5.10235
Fistral Beach is in Fistral Bay (Cornish: Porth an Vystel, meaning cove of the foul water) on the north coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is situated half-a-mile west of Newquay at grid reference SW 797 620.
Fistral Bay is bounded by two promontories, Towan Head to the north and Pentire Point East (not to be confused with Pentire Head) to the south.
The straight sandy beach faces west-northwest onto the Atlantic and is approximately 750 metres (2,460 ft) long. It is backed by steep sand dunes and is overlooked by the Headland Hotel. The name "Fistral" is recorded as Fistal in 1813, coming from the Cornish bystel meaning foul water probably in reference to the waves making it an unsuitable landing site.
Surfing
Fistral Beach is best known for surfing. Its west-facing aspect exposes it to Atlantic swells ensuring consistent waves suitable for surfing. The beach is the venue for major international surfing competitions and a competition suite for judges and competitors has been built at North Fistral along with a surf museum.
