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I think this should be the year I learn to surf. It looks like September may be the time - with exam commitments, work commitments and swimming to focus on. I took adult improver swimming lessons last year and hope to get my front crawl to a good standard by then. Has anyone here any experience to share of taking surfing lessons?
I was thinking of basing myself somewhere for a week where I could do three or four half days of lessons and have time to do other things too. UK for preference but certainly prepared to look a bit broader.
Would September be a good month for surfing in the UK?
For some reason I'm veering towards Pembroke coast, mainly because of the distance for travel from Manchester being a bit closer than Newquay, and because of the variety of other activities on offer. All suggestions and advice welcome.
I was thinking of basing myself somewhere for a week where I could do three or four half days of lessons and have time to do other things too. UK for preference but certainly prepared to look a bit broader.
Would September be a good month for surfing in the UK?
For some reason I'm veering towards Pembroke coast, mainly because of the distance for travel from Manchester being a bit closer than Newquay, and because of the variety of other activities on offer. All suggestions and advice welcome.
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Not sure if this is particularly helpful but I spent half a day in hospital, had 5 stiches in my head and concussion after my first surfing lesson!! Didn't put me off though, went back and tried again as soon as I'd had the stitches out!
More helpful stuff... it's knackering. Swimming improvement will help loads. Watch your head.
There's a bunch of us going down to Cornwall for a week, probably in June, if you want to play too? We'll be cragging and surfing depending on weather, and seeing as I haven't been on a board for about 6 years, I'll likely be starting afresh! We have a cottage for el cheapness so you'd be welcome to join in.
C-:
> Has anyone here any experience to share of taking surfing lessons?
Not sure if this is particularly helpful but I spent half a day in hospital, had 5 stiches in my head and concussion after my first surfing lesson!! Didn't put me off though, went back and tried again as soon as I'd had the stitches out!
More helpful stuff... it's knackering. Swimming improvement will help loads. Watch your head.
There's a bunch of us going down to Cornwall for a week, probably in June, if you want to play too? We'll be cragging and surfing depending on weather, and seeing as I haven't been on a board for about 6 years, I'll likely be starting afresh! We have a cottage for el cheapness so you'd be welcome to join in.
C-:
In reply to AlisonSmiles: I did body boarding in Temby, my short legs wouldn't stand up right on a surf board.... Does that count! That was September, waves looked good.... Sorry can't be of more help....
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
September is usually a good month for surfing - summer crowds have gone home, the water is at its warmest (in the UK), and you're more likely to get some decent swell/waves than in the summer months.
Only surfed in Pembroke once, but I hear that there are plenty of good spots.
September is usually a good month for surfing - summer crowds have gone home, the water is at its warmest (in the UK), and you're more likely to get some decent swell/waves than in the summer months.
Only surfed in Pembroke once, but I hear that there are plenty of good spots.
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
No idea - I went out for an afternoon last year for the first time, and it was bloody good fun! Your arms take a total battering though, so brush up on your front crawl for paddling. Also press ups, for the jumping up part. Not that I got the jumping up part, but if you were doing it for a week then it's something you might want to think about it!
Hubby put his teeth through his lip - but still enjoyed it!
No idea - I went out for an afternoon last year for the first time, and it was bloody good fun! Your arms take a total battering though, so brush up on your front crawl for paddling. Also press ups, for the jumping up part. Not that I got the jumping up part, but if you were doing it for a week then it's something you might want to think about it!
Hubby put his teeth through his lip - but still enjoyed it!
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
So I was told. I only got to the kneeling part - never managed to stand up!
Maybe start now against a wall (girly style) - you'll be onto one armed knuckle press ups by September!
So I was told. I only got to the kneeling part - never managed to stand up!
Maybe start now against a wall (girly style) - you'll be onto one armed knuckle press ups by September!
In reply to moomin:
I can just picture Alison doing that
> (In reply to AlisonSmiles)
>
> So I was told. I only got to the kneeling part - never managed to stand up!
>
> Maybe start now against a wall (girly style) - you'll be onto one armed knuckle press ups by September!
>
> So I was told. I only got to the kneeling part - never managed to stand up!
>
> Maybe start now against a wall (girly style) - you'll be onto one armed knuckle press ups by September!
I can just picture Alison doing that
In reply to AlisonSmiles: if you watch point break every week, you'll be able to surf by the end of the summer, no need to go near the water
In reply to Mita:
I'm sure it's probably the equivalent of telling me that a good campus session will improve my climbing. I know that it's something that other people do, but I never think it applies to *me*.
I'm sure it's probably the equivalent of telling me that a good campus session will improve my climbing. I know that it's something that other people do, but I never think it applies to *me*.
In reply to johnj: Hmmmm, sounds like a great excuse to watch Point Break a few times to me!! C-:
In reply to AlisonSmiles: Speak to you about it when I see you next... check your exam dates and I'll find out when we're going!! C-:
In reply to CarolineMc: Hello Caroline, to pass the dark winter nights, you Manchester girls could have a point break party, where you can wear in doors of course, the 2008 lines of swim wear, spray on fake tan, watch the film of course, and develop your surf speak
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
September is a nice month with usually more consistant conditions than August. Swimming will help with the paddling but tbh at first most of the time you will be walking out to shoulder depth with the board and then jumping on doing a short borst of paddlingg to try and catch the wave before struggling to your feet if you are lucky. It is a very frustrating sport to start with but still great fun. It is amazing how fast it feels when you are lying down because of all the water rushing around you.
If you want to try the technique for standing up called Popping ie you pop to your feet, then you can do this in your living room out of sight at first to get the idea. It does help if only build the muscles up that you will use.
Do you know if you are naturally right foot forwards or left foot forwards? A quick way to find out is to beat a kid up and steal his skateboard, stand on it and see which way feels more natural. If you snowboard then you will already know this so leave the kid alone.
Now for the Pop. Lie on your front, now arch your back, place your hands on the floor either side of your chest slide your back foot slightly towards you and now push up quickly forming a tripod between your straight arms and your slightly bent back leg. The trick is to do this fast and at the same time bring your front leg through underneath you so that you can stand up. Now stand up in acrouched position kepping that centre of gravity low and over your feet. Try and do this while keeping your eyes on a horizon. If you look down you will fall down.
Keep practicing.
When you get to the beach try and set some time aside to sit on the beach and watch a good surfer to see how they carry their board out through the surf, how hard they paddle and how quickly they get up and going. In 10 years you may be that good but almost certainly not and will be with the rest of us pretending to be proficient.
September is a nice month with usually more consistant conditions than August. Swimming will help with the paddling but tbh at first most of the time you will be walking out to shoulder depth with the board and then jumping on doing a short borst of paddlingg to try and catch the wave before struggling to your feet if you are lucky. It is a very frustrating sport to start with but still great fun. It is amazing how fast it feels when you are lying down because of all the water rushing around you.
If you want to try the technique for standing up called Popping ie you pop to your feet, then you can do this in your living room out of sight at first to get the idea. It does help if only build the muscles up that you will use.
Do you know if you are naturally right foot forwards or left foot forwards? A quick way to find out is to beat a kid up and steal his skateboard, stand on it and see which way feels more natural. If you snowboard then you will already know this so leave the kid alone.
Now for the Pop. Lie on your front, now arch your back, place your hands on the floor either side of your chest slide your back foot slightly towards you and now push up quickly forming a tripod between your straight arms and your slightly bent back leg. The trick is to do this fast and at the same time bring your front leg through underneath you so that you can stand up. Now stand up in acrouched position kepping that centre of gravity low and over your feet. Try and do this while keeping your eyes on a horizon. If you look down you will fall down.
Keep practicing.
When you get to the beach try and set some time aside to sit on the beach and watch a good surfer to see how they carry their board out through the surf, how hard they paddle and how quickly they get up and going. In 10 years you may be that good but almost certainly not and will be with the rest of us pretending to be proficient.
In reply to johnj: Hey John, blinding idea! Might have to put the heating on though - a bit draughty for a pair of boardies at the moment. Cool, dude.* C-:
*Sorry, no real need for the comma but I'm not quite cool enough to do without it yet.
*Sorry, no real need for the comma but I'm not quite cool enough to do without it yet.
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Learning to surf is well worth the effort! Awesome fun!
Surfs Up! Surf School at Polzeath is very good, with pretty consistent swell. Thats where i learnt, and they even got my dad and 6yr old sister riding! REally friendly coaches, small groups for lessons etc.
Learning to surf is well worth the effort! Awesome fun!
Surfs Up! Surf School at Polzeath is very good, with pretty consistent swell. Thats where i learnt, and they even got my dad and 6yr old sister riding! REally friendly coaches, small groups for lessons etc.
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Try North Devon - Putsborough is a good place to learn, as it's quite sheltered, so the waves aren't that fierce. Woolacombe a good second. Both nice and sandy, although a few rocks at Putsborough at high tide.
September is ideal, as previously mentioned.
In reply to CarolineMc: I've had my head glued back together before, after an argument with a fin!
Try North Devon - Putsborough is a good place to learn, as it's quite sheltered, so the waves aren't that fierce. Woolacombe a good second. Both nice and sandy, although a few rocks at Putsborough at high tide.
September is ideal, as previously mentioned.
In reply to CarolineMc: I've had my head glued back together before, after an argument with a fin!
It is tough, you really need to live by the beach to learn to surf. It takes months to become anywhere near proficient, even on a longboard. Forget about shortboarding for a while. Surf lessons are a joke. The basics can be taught in five minutes and then you have to practice, practice, practice. It is the physical memory of timing/balance that you are trying to develop and this is something that can't be taught - good luck
In reply to Petzl: Aye, hurts a bit doesn't it?!! C-:
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
You mentioned Manchester. By all means go for lessons it will be great fun. However you need to commit yourself to many many weekends at the beach before what you have learnt will become natural.
Leave it too long between trips and your lesson money will be wasted.
The Ent
You mentioned Manchester. By all means go for lessons it will be great fun. However you need to commit yourself to many many weekends at the beach before what you have learnt will become natural.
Leave it too long between trips and your lesson money will be wasted.
The Ent
In reply to Petzl:
Saunton is the ideal starting break, slower and safer. Avoid the rip by the rocks.
Shifting sands at puts can be a problem .
Avoid Croyde!
And finally, after 10 or so years surfing you could be as good as me..........absolutely, shockingly awfully crap!
Good luck.
> (In reply to AlisonSmiles)
>
> Try North Devon - Putsborough is a good place to learn, as it's quite sheltered, so the waves aren't that fierce. Woolacombe a good second. Both nice and sandy, although a few rocks at Putsborough at high tide.
>
> Try North Devon - Putsborough is a good place to learn, as it's quite sheltered, so the waves aren't that fierce. Woolacombe a good second. Both nice and sandy, although a few rocks at Putsborough at high tide.
Saunton is the ideal starting break, slower and safer. Avoid the rip by the rocks.
Shifting sands at puts can be a problem .
Avoid Croyde!
And finally, after 10 or so years surfing you could be as good as me..........absolutely, shockingly awfully crap!
Good luck.
In reply to AlisonSmiles: Beware of surfing, it will distract you from climbing!
But it's a good activity for weekends when there's no-one else around or the weather's crap.
Sept-Oct are top times, better than summer when waves are small and winter when waves are big. Water is warmest then too.
From Manchester, (was it?) consider Lleyn, Hell's mouth is pretty consistent and closer than pembroke. Thyere's a surf shop in Abersoch and lessons available, it's a dash down the expressway, you could probably do it in three hours. if you get your own board it's even possible to surf quite near Caernarvon, on a good day.
The other big place where I did a fair bit was Gower, there's a good surf school and a bif beach at the far west, Rhossili, but the school and surf is based at the N end, name escapes me, Llansomething.
I have been buggering about with it for 3-4 years now and am still crap, but I am a relatively old geezer, and it's loads of fun even if you're rubbish. Hope this helps.
But it's a good activity for weekends when there's no-one else around or the weather's crap.
Sept-Oct are top times, better than summer when waves are small and winter when waves are big. Water is warmest then too.
From Manchester, (was it?) consider Lleyn, Hell's mouth is pretty consistent and closer than pembroke. Thyere's a surf shop in Abersoch and lessons available, it's a dash down the expressway, you could probably do it in three hours. if you get your own board it's even possible to surf quite near Caernarvon, on a good day.
The other big place where I did a fair bit was Gower, there's a good surf school and a bif beach at the far west, Rhossili, but the school and surf is based at the N end, name escapes me, Llansomething.
I have been buggering about with it for 3-4 years now and am still crap, but I am a relatively old geezer, and it's loads of fun even if you're rubbish. Hope this helps.
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
I second the don't bother with lessons comment...if you are naturally sporting and like most sportspeople learn by watching and imitating then do that. If you feel you absolutely need lessons, half a day (2hrs usually in a huge group) will do it.
then practice practice practice, get as fit as you can cos you're arms will be more knackered than ever before, its exhausting stuff. Get to the swimming baths and train by doing 5-10 yard sprints in front crawl.
train for the pop by watching some surf vids and then jumping up into stance in your front room.
then, get in the green room brar and get sick
MB
I second the don't bother with lessons comment...if you are naturally sporting and like most sportspeople learn by watching and imitating then do that. If you feel you absolutely need lessons, half a day (2hrs usually in a huge group) will do it.
then practice practice practice, get as fit as you can cos you're arms will be more knackered than ever before, its exhausting stuff. Get to the swimming baths and train by doing 5-10 yard sprints in front crawl.
train for the pop by watching some surf vids and then jumping up into stance in your front room.
then, get in the green room brar and get sick
MB
In reply to Richard Baynes:
llangennith - great camping and good pub up the road - two pool tables, god juke box, excellent downhill stagger back to the campsite - spectacular sunsets....
the surf is patchy, if you get a good swell its fantastic, if its flat, take a kite.
llangennith - great camping and good pub up the road - two pool tables, god juke box, excellent downhill stagger back to the campsite - spectacular sunsets....
the surf is patchy, if you get a good swell its fantastic, if its flat, take a kite.
In reply to Matt does not bounce: Hm do bother with lessons it'll not cost much more than hiring a board and wetsuit, but just to a 2hr session. It will not cover an awful lot of safety, rips and stuff, you should read up on this, although don't get too nervy about it most beaches you can suss out through the net etc.
If you're going to Lleyn (I repeat, a good bet) you could consider taking your rock boots and enjoying the strange grit-like crag at I think Rhiw. It's really nice. All other crags on Lleyn appear to be shuddering death traps.
If you're going to Lleyn (I repeat, a good bet) you could consider taking your rock boots and enjoying the strange grit-like crag at I think Rhiw. It's really nice. All other crags on Lleyn appear to be shuddering death traps.
In reply to Richard Baynes:
OP is hardly likely to be going further than waist/chest deep - shouldn't be too many rips to worry about....
OP is hardly likely to be going further than waist/chest deep - shouldn't be too many rips to worry about....
In reply to Matt does not bounce:
A rip at chest deep is serious as can rips be from the beach.
Im only saying, respect the power of the sea whilst having fun.
> (In reply to Richard Baynes)
> OP is hardly likely to be going further than waist/chest deep - shouldn't be too many rips to worry about....
> OP is hardly likely to be going further than waist/chest deep - shouldn't be too many rips to worry about....
A rip at chest deep is serious as can rips be from the beach.
Im only saying, respect the power of the sea whilst having fun.
In reply to AlisonSmiles: September is a good month particularly at Watergate Bay (just north of Newquay) in Cornwall. That's when they hold the Kite-surfing championships!
My son can surf a bit, but I body board. I tried to stand up on his surf board once, it was v. wobbly on water.....
I didn't like it.
My son can surf a bit, but I body board. I tried to stand up on his surf board once, it was v. wobbly on water.....
I didn't like it.
In reply to Tiggs:
ps: surfers have wonderful upper bodies
ps: surfers have wonderful upper bodies
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
johnj - I'll book Mita and Caroline in for some point break watching - sounds like fun.
Caroline - exam dates are 6th & 11th June
Guy - I have a younger brother so have nicked his skateboard in the dim distant past on more than one occasion. I'm a natural right footer.
Gingermonkey - I'm probably your dad's age so that's good news!
Matt does not bounce - don't know about a natural athlete but am probably a natural coward so first step lessons!
Tiggs - I hear you!
johnj - I'll book Mita and Caroline in for some point break watching - sounds like fun.
Caroline - exam dates are 6th & 11th June
Guy - I have a younger brother so have nicked his skateboard in the dim distant past on more than one occasion. I'm a natural right footer.
Gingermonkey - I'm probably your dad's age so that's good news!
Matt does not bounce - don't know about a natural athlete but am probably a natural coward so first step lessons!
Tiggs - I hear you!
In reply to Tiggs: Flattered, but I may be an exception!!
In reply to Tiggs:
See, you know how we're thinking here...!! Bring it on!!!
C-:
> ps: surfers have wonderful upper bodies
See, you know how we're thinking here...!! Bring it on!!!
C-:
In reply to CarolineMc: Point Break, Oh I'm in.... Get to see Anthony Kedis ahhhhh
In reply to Mita: I love that bit, where (at that time the cool) underground funkster Anthony who is playing a 'Nazi arsehole with his brain wired up wrong or something' Is on his bed listening to death metal with his union jack shorts on...
cue the good guys, and he shoots himself in the foot
has to be Kathryn Bigelow's finest hour so far
cue the good guys, and he shoots himself in the foot
has to be Kathryn Bigelow's finest hour so far
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
If you can stand the shock of surfing in the North Sea, Tynemouth seems to be a popular venue -- and a lot quicker to get to from Manchester than Pembroke or Cornwall (under 3 hours. There were loads of people surfing there on Boxing Day but they breed them tough in the North East.
If you can stand the shock of surfing in the North Sea, Tynemouth seems to be a popular venue -- and a lot quicker to get to from Manchester than Pembroke or Cornwall (under 3 hours. There were loads of people surfing there on Boxing Day but they breed them tough in the North East.
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
There are a couple of Surf Schools that operate throughout the year at Tynemouth -- all you need (apart from cash) is a cossie and a towel! Google or Yahoo will tell you the rest.
There are a couple of Surf Schools that operate throughout the year at Tynemouth -- all you need (apart from cash) is a cossie and a towel! Google or Yahoo will tell you the rest.
In reply to Lord of Starkness: Do they supply heated dry suits too?! C-:
In reply to Lord of Starkness: For a novice, I wouldn't recommend the North Sea. Swell is fickle,cold and unreliable, although in September you will probably be able to make do wothout a hood and gloves. I think Pembroke is a great plan; never too crowded and some good beaches, plus the option of climbing and stuff if/when it's flat. Newgale is a good choice; campsite and surfshop right on the beach. Freshwater West and Manobier are also good, but no hire shops really close.
Approach it with the right frame of mind; "I am going to be crap, but have fun in the water when learning" and you will do fine.
There ar eloads of good sources online for giving you pointers as to what you should be doing. If you can find someone who surfs to go in with you and give you a few tips along the way you can probably benefit more than formal lessons.
Approach it with the right frame of mind; "I am going to be crap, but have fun in the water when learning" and you will do fine.
There ar eloads of good sources online for giving you pointers as to what you should be doing. If you can find someone who surfs to go in with you and give you a few tips along the way you can probably benefit more than formal lessons.
In reply to Richard Baynes:
> Llansomething.
Llangenith. Had some fantastic days there. Pig of a paddle when it's big though.In reply to CarolineMc:
Don't trust your mate if he says it won't need stitches! My Mum (a nurse) had other ideas and sent me to minor injuries - first surfing injury treated in Ascot!
Anyway, I've never had lessons, just a few pointers from a mate (he's better at surfing than first aid!).
Don't trust your mate if he says it won't need stitches! My Mum (a nurse) had other ideas and sent me to minor injuries - first surfing injury treated in Ascot!
Anyway, I've never had lessons, just a few pointers from a mate (he's better at surfing than first aid!).
In reply to Petzl:
http://magicseaweed.com/ is a useful site for predicting swell - don't always get it right, though!
If you select the surf report for a given beach, there's lots of info from Stormrider for most beaches.
http://magicseaweed.com/ is a useful site for predicting swell - don't always get it right, though!
If you select the surf report for a given beach, there's lots of info from Stormrider for most beaches.
In reply to Petzl: learn to read the charts on MSW, don't believe the stars. Good resource though.
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