Spending the summer surfing in europe: A few quick questions

[oscarcharlie]

Hi

I''ve only tried surfing a couple times, but really want to get good and figure the only way to do so is put the hours in and i'd really like to learn and improve by surfing constantly for about 1-2 months this summer..i've got a budget from working of about £2k BUT this is my first surf trip and i'm pretty much clueless.. as to where to go and what to do

So here's my questions:

1) Where would be a good place to go for a begginer to learn..(Thinking France, Portugal / Morocco - not sure what its like in the summer!)
2) Where's good for cheap accomodation and what should I look for? (and what countries are generally cheaper??)
3) Should i travel out with a board or get one there?
4) Where is great for a good social life to meet others as well as surf?
5) Any other advice as i'm really clueless, i just want to get good but really need help..what else should i be thinking of??


I know im clueless, but i really want to get into surfing and am just not sure of the best way to do it... so any advice from people who have been there done that would be appreciated

Thanks a lot

[jax]

Hey!

1) & 2) France is expensive, if you want cheap and Europe then head to Portugal. Portugal picks up more swell than France in the main summer months too and public transport is cheap too..
3) boards are cheaper 2nd hand in the UK than anywhere else in Europe, can be a pain to travel with but might be worth it.
4) Look for surf houses or hostels - you'll meet people there... Here's a good Surf House in Portugal http://www.fozholidays.com.
5) I'd buy the footprint Europe surf guide... I traveled for a whole year on it, worth every penny.

[Wave4Surf]

Hi,

I have been in France last year in October (in Biarritz and Mimizan) and it was great, so
I might be able to help you out:

1) The south of France would be great (North of Spain) because there are many seconds between the waes.
2) I can't tell you what countries are generally cheap. But I would try a small apartment...
3) You can travel out with board, but can get there one as well, no problem.
4) Just go into town which is close to the sea. You might see a lot of other surfers as well
5) Maybe you could try a surf teacher??? (That helped me a lot)

Wave4Surf

[trikisurf]

Go to Portugal! Definitely the best place for your needs.
Cheaper than any other European country, more waves in August, good food and fun.

The best place to learn is Peniche: many different conditions 10 km around and best beginner spots.

I stayed in www.surfspirit.it twice. Italian (like me) and brasilian guys. Super nice people and mood. They have the surf house oin Baleal a little island closed to Peniche. You won't forget it!
Don't care if they have the website in italian (I don't know why), just write them an email: they all speak english, portuguese, spanish and italian.

For night life is ok after 2am till morning...latin european style!

If you can go also to Alentejo and Algarve (2/3 hours by car). I was here www.amadosurfcamp.com and it was great experience.
Carrapateira is a super nice place, magic athmosphere, a small village closed to Sagres (good for night life).

Maybe you can spend the first week in Baleal/Peniche and then go to south Portugal.

triki

[alexgil]

Portugal, Figueira da Foz is the place to go. No crowds, cheap prices and waves for all levels, tutoring, equipment, shuttles and accommodation included at http://www.figueirasurfcentre.com