Fistral Beach

Please note that the running order and timings are subject to change due to variable surf conditions. BUCS advises that you keep checking the event website, BUCS social media channels, visit the event registration desk at the competition and listen to the commentary team for important announcements. Any changes to the schedule in the week before the event, BUCS will endeavour to communicate via email to all competitors.

Each member of each surf club must bring their own valid student ID to registration either on the evening prior to competition day 1 17:00-19:00 or on competition day 1 between 08:00 – 09:00. 

Thursday’s registration will take place by the entrance to the Lifeguard tower. 

Friday’s registration will take place on the beach in the BUCS tent. 

Failure to register at the start of the competition AND before your heat (by checking in with the beach marshal) will mean that you are not able to compete.  

There will be a £20 fine for all no shows in the heats, and £25 for no shows for quarter final, semi-final and Final. 

Surfing Rules and Regulations   

All competitors should be familiar with and understand available gender categories and regulations under REG 4.3. Please find further information on gender eligibility here. 

Competitor withdrawals must be made by a competitors athletic/ students union by emailing Maddi Cannell.  

Withdrawals before the entry deadline, 24th September 2026 at 23:59 [Stage 1] will not be charged.  

Withdrawals after the entry deadline 24th September 2026 at 23:59 [Stage 1] and before midday on the 8th October 2026 will be fined £10 and will still be charged the entry fee.  

Competitors who do not withdraw before midday on the 14th October 2026 and do not attend registration will be classed as a late withdrawal/ no show and therefore will be charged the entry fee and will also be fined £20 which will be charged after the event to the competitor’s athletic union.  

Should BUCS have to open Stage 2 entries then new deadlines for withdrawals will be published. Reserves will only be charged an entry fee if they are accepted into the competition. 

Please see REG 7.9 for more details on our withdrawal policy 

Surfers must perform to the BUCS Judging Key Concepts to maximize their scoring potential. Judges analyse the following major concepts when scoring waves: 

- Speed, Power and Flow 

- Innovative/ Progressive Manoeuvres 

- Combination of Major Manoeuvres 

- Variety of Manoeuvres 

- Commitment and Degree of Difficulty 

It is important to note that the emphasis on certain concepts is contingent upon the location and the conditions on the day, as well as changes of conditions during the day. 

All competitors must wear a wetsuit for their heat and have a leash in good condition, this will be checked at the beach marshal 

Heat length: 20/15 minutes (please confirm with beach marshal/ listen to the announcements) 

Horns: one to start the heat and two to finish.  There will be a gap of at least 30 seconds between each heat. 

Disc: Green at the start of the heat, then red for the last five minutes. No disc between heats. 

Disc position: If you are not sure of the position of the timing disc, please ask the beach marshal to show you. 

Wave maximums: Best 2 waves are scored from a maximum of 15. If you ride over the wave maximum you will not be scored for those waves. If you then take waves that could have been taken by another surfer (who has not had 15 waves) then you could be called for interference. 

Please confirm the wave maximums from the Beach Marshall prior to your heat as they could change due to conditions. If possible we will endeavour to inform surfers when they have surfed their penultimate waves but we can make no guarantees - It is up to the surfer to count his/her own waves. 

Paddle out time: Usually 5 minutes before the end of the heat in the water. During the paddle out please keep well clear of the surfers competing or you could be called for interference. Any changes to the paddle out time will be communicated to surfers at the event. 

Vests: You must wear your heat vest in the correct way, i.e. the right way round, from the Beach Marshall’s area and keep your vest on until you return at the end of your heat. Please be prompt in returning your vest. 

Interference: As per the ASP rulebook, i.e. surfer on the inside has unconditional right of way. Prone in at the end of the heat. Please note, all interferences will be called. Once you have scored two interferences then you will leave the water or else disqualification will occur. 

Disqualification: At the discretion of the Contest Director and Head Judge(s) based on conduct during the event under the rule “Bringing the sport into disrepute” (See rule book). Protest forms and to be lodged at the Beach Marshall within One Hour of the notification of the decision, in exceptional circumstances this deadline can be extended but the heat draw will not, under any circumstances, be replayed. 

Caddies: No caddies in the water. Caddies only allowed when a surfer loses or breaks a board. 

General surfing safety information: 

1. All surfers must be able to swim at least 50 metres in open water. 

2. Keep your surfing equipment in good condition. 

3. Always wear a surf leash to prevent you from losing your surfboard.  For you your board is a safety device, to others it may be a lethal weapon. 

4. Have consideration for other water users including anglers. 

5. Never surf alone 

6. Never surf immediately after eating a meal. 

7. Always return to the beach before nightfall. 

8. Never mix surfing with alcohol or drugs.  Anyone suspected to have consumed either will be removed from the competition immediately. 

9. Always wear a wetsuit when surfing in Britain. 

10. If you are new to the sport never hire a surfboard without first having a surfing lesson. (Given by a qualified instructor) 

11. Be considerate of other beach users especially when carrying your board to and from the water. 

12. When possible use a lifeguard patrolled beach. Obey the lifeguard’s instructions and be prepared to assist them if required. 

13. Where possible, surf in a recognised surfing area (e.g. in between the black and white checked flags). 

14. When paddling out avoid surfers who are riding waves. 

15. When taking a wave see that you are clear of other surfers. Remember, if someone else is already riding the wave you must not take off. 

16. Be environmentally friendly. Always leave the beach and other areas as you would wish to find them. 

BUCS Points will be available in accordance with Appendix 1 and REG 6. 

Individuals will automatically be entered into the team competitions, provided there are enough eligible individuals from that institution to comprise a team. 

Anyone wishing to take photos or video at this event must complete the BUCS Media Accreditation Form prior to the event. Once you have completed the form, please go to the BUCS Desk at the event to receive your media accreditation. 

BUCS reserves the right to prohibit photography equipment being used at a BUCS event. BUCS reserves the right to request that the individual ceases to take photographs, deletes any images and, if considered necessary, leaves the venue. 

If you wish to take photos or videos at this event, please contact the BUCS Event Lead.  

BUCS’ mission is to provide exceptional student sporting experiences that inspire, develop and unite.

Critical to our success is our commitment to always providing safe, friendly and enjoyable environments for all participants. Whether competing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, working or spectating at these events, the welfare of all is critical to our mission.

To find out more or report a concern, please click here.

The sustainability of our event matters to us and these are the positive steps we are taking to manage our environmental impact: 

• All staff and volunteers are encouraged to travel to the event via public transport 

• We have used local suppliers where possible 

• Event programmes are all online, minimising paper use 

• We will print on demand merchandise (if applicable) 

• We are beginning to track our carbon footprint across BUCS events to identify areas of improvement. 

How can you help at this event? Here’s some ideas:  

• Be self-sufficient by bringing your own refillable bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste  

• Ensure you are disposing of waste correctly – Check around the venue for specific recycling and food waste bins  

• Travel smarter – as a team on a minibus, cycle or use public transport  

• Go paperless - use your phone for all event information  

• Check out the Active Travel options at the Newquay Active Travel website