Newbie looking for advice.

[Stevieboy]

Hi everyone,

First off i just wanna say how glad i am i found this website. I've been visiting this forum on and off since January and there's loads of info from plenty of friendly posters.

I've decided to register as i'd like to ask for some advice. Im thinking of taking some surfing lessons in Newquay in May to see if i enjoy it (which is highly likely ) and if so i'd like to go on a proper surfing holiday around September time. Can anyone advise me as to a suitable venue? I know i'll be a rookie so perhaps Waimea is not such a good idea but i was thinking about maybe Lanzarote/Famara or France/Hossegor? Somewhere thats suitable for a beginner but has the potential for improvement. Also i'll probably be travelling alone so i dont want to go somewhere thats too quiet or 'couply' in the evening. Im not expecting Ibiza nightlife but if there's a few options that would be great.

Budget? Well not sure really - i guess if i find a suitable venue i'll find the cash as long as it's not outrageous.

Sorry if i've left anything out. Looking forward to hearing your views.

Stevieboy.

[thaya]

Hi there. I haven't got a clue about surfing abroad, but there are plenty of people on here who'll be able to help you there. Have you found a surf school in Newquay yet? If not, I would really recommend Dophin surf school by Tolcarne beach. They're really friendly and not just after your money like some other surf schools in the area... they take you to the most suitable place depending on conditions and they want you to have a wicked time. I did a 5day course with them a few years ago and they were amazing! A really friendly bunch who give you alot of 1-1 attention even when you're in a group. Good luck with it all.

[Stevieboy]

Hiya,

Yes i was thinking of going to errantsurf in Newquay this Easter. They do a weekend 'learn to surf' course which sounded like a good way to start. I was 'this close' to booking it but decided against it at the last minute cos i rekon it's gonna be butt cold....Brrrrrrr!!! Thats why i put it off until May.

Thanks for the tip, I'll give Dophin (or was that Dolphin) a looksee...

Stevieboy.

[drowningbitbybit]

a proper surfing holiday around September time.

Obviously, you might be loving it and jet off to indo...

...but if you're still learning (you will be) you could do worse than the UK in september. Water is at its warmest then, and its hurricane season ( = big clean swells). September 2006 in devon/cornwall was stunning.

Obviously, that doesnt guarantee that 2007 will be brilliant....

[Brisbanebound]

Forget Lanzarote - its too powerul for a beginner (on the whole).
I agree with DBBB, stick with Devon/Cornwall. UK surfers spend the whole year dreaming of September surf sessions - long days, good weather (sometimes) and nice clean surf.
Seriously, dont waste your money going somewhere like Hossegor as a beginner. Those wave you see on TV which look pretty easy are actually bloody tricky. Hossegor is a fast, powerful and pretty steep wave which you'll struggle on.
There are spots in France that are suitable for beginners but then you may as well stick to the UK as the waves are similar.

[sal]

Hi Steve

I've just come back from 2 weeks in Morocco. I'm definitely still a kook, and there were plenty of good breaks for beginners, and a lot of scope for much better surfers too!

I stayed in a surf camp which was obviously full of other surfers, so a great atmosphere, and not too expensive either! http://surfmaroc.co.uk/

[drowningbitbybit]

UK surfers spend the whole year dreaming of September surf sessions - long days, good weather (sometimes) and nice clean surf.

Yup. Seems a strange time of year to go abroad. It'd be a much better plan to surf as much as you can in the UK in september, then when its beginning to get cold here - in and out of the sea - then go to morocco making everyone here hideously jealous.

[thaya]

Thanks for the tip, I'll give Dophin (or was that Dolphin) a looksee...

oops! Yes I meant Dolphin!

[Brisbanebound]

UK surfers spend the whole year dreaming of September surf sessions - long days, good weather (sometimes) and nice clean surf.

Yup. Seems a strange time of year to go abroad. It'd be a much better plan to surf as much as you can in the UK in september, then when its beginning to get cold here - in and out of the sea - then go to morocco making everyone here hideously jealous.

Damn straight!!!

[Stevieboy]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading your replies with interest. I must admit i didn't think of doing as much surfing as possible in September then going abroad afterwards but it makes perfect sense. If i do it that way then i guess i may be able to improve to the point where the waves in Lanzarote or France are not too powerful for me....I dont want to try and run before i can walk!!!

Thanks for the advise everyone....Newquay here i come

Stevieboy.