subject: What Are The Best Beaches In The UK For Learning How To Surf? [print this page] What Are The Best Beaches In The UK For Learning How To Surf?
It may come as a surprise to many to learn that the UK actually contains some fantastic beaches for learning to surf. Surfing is an extremely challenging pursuit, yet the rewards that come with improvement are well worth the multiple wipe outs.
First, you will need to find a beach that is suitable for your level of experience. Beaches with quality surf schools and manageable waves are in abundance around the UK. For example, those in the north-east of England may consider a trip to Saltburn beach. Here, suitably tame beginner waves can be easily located either side of the pier. Furthermore, Saltburn Surf Shop, found just above the beach, provides beginners with absolutely everything you need; from affordable lessons, through to handy advice on equipment. Knowing which board to buy can be a tricky business as a rookie; friendly advice is always worth seeking out.
The south-west of the UK is a popular location for budding surfers and with good reason. Cornwall itself is littered with excellent beaches for surfing. In particular, Newquay prides itself on Fistral Beach; coining it 'The Best Surf in Europe'. Despite its popularity amongst more advanced surfers, it is also ideal for beginners. Smaller, more manageable waves can be found without too much difficulty. It is also worth considering that Fistral Beach is home to the Quiksilver Surf School; one of the premier surf schools in the UK.
However, the popularity of Fistral Beach may be off-putting to some newcomers. It may be a little disheartening to struggle to stand up on your board in modest surf whilst others are catching waves up to 40 feet high! For those who desire a quieter place to learn to surf around Newquay, Watergate Bay may be a good alternative. At low tide, the sea at Watergate Bay is absolutely perfect for beginners, with small waves and a gentle current, allowing for less of a struggle when you fall off. Again, good quality beginner surf instruction is available. The Xtreme academy teaches here; as the name suggests, they also teach other 'extreme' sports for those who fancy broadening their horizons beyond surfing.
To prepare to learn to surf, you will need a decent board. All beginner-friendly surf beaches in the UK should have a surf shop nearby. Resist the urge to plunge in and buy the first board you see; ask lots of people for advice and make an informed purchase. You may find a better deal by doing so online, in advance of your trip. If you are unsure as to whether you will take to the sport, it may be more cost effective to simply hire a board for the day.
There are numerous beaches in the UK that are ideally suited to beginner surfing, and not just those in Cornwall; other beaches such as Pease Bay in Scotland and Llangennith in Wales offer ideally sized waves, again supported by good quality surfing schools. Beginner beaches are nationwide; wherever you are in the country, you should be able to find a suitable beach within relatively easy reach.
