The History of Boardmasters - Culture of Cornwall

Every summer, as the Atlantic rolls into Newquay's golden shores, something special happens. Boardmasters isn’t just a festival; it's a celebration of everything Cornwall is proud of: the sea, the sound, the scenery, and, most of all, the sense of community. What began in 1981 as a humble surf competition has blossomed into one of the UK’s most iconic events, drawing thousands to Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay for five sun-soaked days of surfing, music, and coastal culture.

A Wave Born in Cornwall

Set against Newquay's rugged cliffs and the salt-kissed breeze, Boardmasters was founded on a simple idea: to celebrate surf. From its early days, when the world's best surfers gathered on Fistral's swells, the event has grown into the UK’s largest surf competition. Today, you'll still find local and international surfers carving waves here, cheered on by crowds that spill across the sand in pure Cornish style, relaxed, barefoot, and connected to the sea.

credits boardmasters.com

Music Meets the Tide

Just a few miles up the coast, Watergate Bay transforms into a seaside stage, hosting over 200 artists across 12 stages. The music pulses through cliffside fields and echoing coves, blending with the crash of waves and gull calls overhead. Whether you're dancing to international headliners like The Prodigy and Raye or discovering new sounds as the sun sets behind the sea, there's a magic to the Boardmasters atmosphere that can only happen by the coast.

A Celebration of Culture and Connection

At its core, Boardmasters is more than an event- it’s a movement. It's about gathering together in the place we feel most ourselves: by the sea. With wellness workshops, coastal walks, wild swims, and pop-ups from Cornwall’s most creative minds, there’s a freedom here that speaks to the heart. In a world that often feels fast-paced and fragmented, this little corner of the coast reminds us to breathe, to belong, and to be present.

Cornish Through and Through

Whistlefish has long been inspired by this blend of surf, soul, and community. Our Newquay based artwork captures the essence of the town, a place where boards are stacked against beach huts and wetsuits drip-dry in garden sheds. Our beach cards nod to the characters and creatures that call these shores home. Just like Boardmasters, they’re a tribute to Cornwall’s free-spirited identity — wild, whimsical, and beautifully alive.

Giving Back, Moving Forward

From the Boardmasters Foundation to local grassroots projects, the festival keeps its roots firmly planted in Cornish soil. It supports youth initiatives, environmental efforts, and community ventures, ensuring the spirit of Cornwall thrives for generations to come. It’s this sense of purpose of music and meaning - that keeps people coming back, year after year.

See You at the Beach

Whether you're catching your first wave, dancing under the stars, or simply sitting with sandy toes and an ice cream in hand, Boardmasters is a reminder of what matters most: joy, togetherness, and that deep, enduring love for the coast. If you’re heading down this year, keep an eye out for the boards, the bands, and perhaps even a mermaid or two.