The Swell Board Shootout

Two Days of Surf, Smiles & Slightly Questionable Outfits

If you’re staying with us in June, keep an eye on Porthmeor Beach – things might get a little wild (and wonderfully weird!) in the water. It’ll be time for the Swell Board Shootout!

The Swell Board Shootout is an annual fancy dress charity surfing event right here in St Ives. Yes… fancy dress and surfing. It’s exactly as fun as it sounds.

Spread over two days, the Shootout is a brilliant excuse for the St Ives surfing community to let loose in their own backyard. Expect colourful costumes, plenty of laughter, and surfers who may or may not be taking themselves very seriously!

The main event usually takes place on the Sunday and perfectly sums up what surfing here is all about – getting in the sea with friends and family, sharing a few waves, and coming out grinning from ear to ear.

The entire event is run by volunteers from St Ives Surf School, and it raises money for the brilliant environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage.

So while there’s plenty of fun, there’s also a serious purpose behind it – protecting our oceans and beaches for future generations.

If you’re staying with us during the Shootout, we highly recommend heading down to the beach to soak up the atmosphere. Even if you don’t surf, it’s a fantastic spectacle and a great way to experience the friendly, community spirit that makes St Ives so special.

And who knows… you might even be inspired to join in next year!