Recommendations for my first surfing trip

[ogradium]

Hey guys,

I have a week long holiday coming up beginning of November and I thought I'd use it to finally try surfing. I have been windsurfing for around 8 years now, but never got round to stepping on a surfboard. Since I am an absolute rookie, I thought maybe you guys could recommend some surf spots/schools to go to in November and have some lessons. I am based in London so I guess EU is best as far as flight prices go, my priority is surfing, don't really care about food, sightseeing etc. I would like to get as many hours in a week as possible so a decent surf school would be nice, maybe a couple lessons a day and learning by myself in between, if it works that way of course . So what places and schools would you recommend? Maybe you have some beginner tips as well?

All of your responses are highly appreciated !

[dtc]

Morocco probably is best, although Portugal and Canary Island offer options (just a bit cooler). All of them have heaps of beginner level surf camps that will suit.

As to tips - pull ups, push ups and swimming

No reason why you can’t practice pop ups and watch some beginner videos to get some ideas

Practice being resilient and optimistic, key traits for learning to surf

[waikikikichan]

Since I am an absolute rookie.
I would like to get as many hours in a week as possible so a decent surf school would be nice, maybe a couple lessons a day and learning by myself in between, if it works that way of course .

It does not work that way. Even if you were in top shape for most major sports, surfing will work different muscles than normal. Most people that do a "real" 1 hour surf lessons in Waikiki, usually only make it to the 45 minute mark. A lot of my hotel guest came into the lounge for breakfast the next morning walking funny and could hardly lift their arms to shoulder level. That is not to mention the stiff neck, sun burn, knee, chest rash and salt water burnt eyes.
You are going to have to figure in days for recover time. Imagine a newbie runner that's never run a 10K run, and thinking they can do many day to day in succession. Maybe they could ? if they get tired, they can just pull to the side and stop. In surfing, you're at the mercy of the ocean if you can't get back in, especially if you're "by yourself".

[Big H]

I second WKK comments.....I would choose somewhere with things that are interesting to do besides surfing since you most definitely will have a lot of time between surf sessions because you're going to be busted, no matter how fit you are otherwise.

The ocean will take it out of you, especially if you are not familiar/comfortable and your stress levels go up....and like WKK alluded to, push too far and if you're alone you don't come back.

I surf a lot and have good paddle fitness. If I take a few weeks off like I do when I go back to the States, it will take me a month minimum to get back to speed. As recommended, push ups, pull ups, dips will all help the muscles needed and will help with faster recovery times if you do them a couple months daily before going.

Last thing I would recommend is to not break your cherry on your holiday. Take a weekend ASAP and go to the shore and take your first lesson NOW. After that, you'll have a better idea of what to expect and how you'll feel after and can plan accordingly. Also, you might not like it. At the least you'll discover that the challenges involved include things that you'd never considered (sitting on the board looks easy, so does paddling......)

Good luck.

[waikikikichan]

(sitting on the board looks easy,

Yeah, that's probably where the day after funny walk comes from.

[surferbee]

All the advice above is spot on. There are definitely easier and harder ways to learn how to surf. Since you're open to traveling, here are a couple of things to look for that will help make a positive impression on your first surfing experience:

1) Go someplace warm, ideally where you don't have to wear a wetsuit. It makes surfing easier because a) you're not straining against a giant rubber band every time you paddle; b) you're not burning calories trying to stay warm; c) you're muscles aren't as stiff; and d) warm water feels generally less punishing compared to the same type of wave in cold water.

2) Look for places that tend to be known as longboarding spots rather than places that are famous because pros compete there. Ideally, find some place with a long, mellow wave. I've seen a lot of surf camps set up around punchy beach break, and it does NOT look conducive for learning how to surf. Yes, you'll struggle no matter where you go, but there are definitely waves that will beat you up more than others.

3) Look for places that have multiple waves with different exposures. If your holiday is based solely on surfing a particular wave then you may be out of luck if the conditions aren't right when you arrive.

As for Morocco, I've been to Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki - the conditions weren't great when I was there, but I still probably wouldn't recommend it for a first surf experience, although they're both considered "good for beginners". I didn't have a chance to surf Magic Bay, but if it's working that would be the type of wave you'd want. I've also surfed around Ericeira in Portugal, there are a lot of waves there and plenty of camps but, in general, it wouldn't be my first choice for a place to send a beginner in November. If you can stretch your travel to someplace more tropical you'll likely get more out of the experience.

Sorry I don't have a specific place to send you to, but hopefully that helps with your research. Good luck!

[ogradium]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply ! I was definitely not aware of most of the factors you guys mentioned. I will look into some weekend trip possibilities in the Cornwall region to maybe go and try surfing before the holidays, since that seems like a very good idea. I have also looked into Magic Bay as per @surferbee recommendation and found this https://nomadsurfers.com/magic-bay-surf-camp-agadir-morocco/ and https://www.sandycamps.com/surfaddict (I know WKK mentioned that couple hours a day is more than enough, but they only offer 4h a day). What do you guys think? It is also relatively warm there - 23 air and 22 water or is that wet suit conditions? I also looked around Porto, Portugal as it seems like there would be more to do during my time outside the water, but the temperature is 17 high/9 low. I think in general Europe region is a bit too cold for November. @surferbee what did you mean when you wrote "something more tropical" ? I could look into places further as well, since in my head November in Portugal sounded quite warm to me, but now I realize I was mistaken . Also maybe there would be more stuff to do apart from surfing, more so than in Agadir region anyway. Thanks again

[surferbee]

It is also relatively warm there - 23 air and 22 water or is that wet suit conditions?

If the water's above 22C you don't really need a wetsuit, but you might find a rashguard or a lightweight thermal layer helpful, especially if the wind is blowing or if you get cold easily. Personally, I like polyfleece rashies like Quiksilver's Heater or O'Neill's Thermo-X.

I also looked around Porto, Portugal as it seems like there would be more to do during my time outside the water, but the temperature is 17 high/9 low. I think in general Europe region is a bit too cold for November. @surferbee what did you mean when you wrote "something more tropical" ? I could look into places further as well, since in my head November in Portugal sounded quite warm to me, but now I realize I was mistaken

Portugal is great, but if you have the option to go someplace warmer it'll help to minimize the number of obstacles to enjoying your first surfing experience. The nice thing about Ericeira is that there are a lot of options in case conditions at one beach aren't working, plus you're only an hour out of Lisbon. But yeah, it'll be cold. By "more tropical" I meant someplace between 35 degrees N and S latitude - so technically "subtropics" - like Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, etc. It might be too long of a haul for you, but just out of curiosity I did a quick search on Google flights and saw that there are really cheap flights to Tenerife and other Canary Islands, as DTC said. I've never been, but it looks like there are a few options with different waves that could pick up various swell directions. I have no connection to this site but maybe it's helpful? https://www.surfholidays.com/blog/top-5-beginner-surf-beaches-in-the-canary-islands

One more thought: some surf camps set up on a particular break and take students out at that break regardless of the conditions. I've seen surf schools just bobbing on a flat break and paddling hopelessly for every little bump, while the next beach over is totally surfable. If you can, find a camp that's mobile and will shuttle students to the best possible break. Or you can check conditions a day or two before and sign up with a school that fits the conditions. In November, I imagine that most schools/camps will have plenty of space available.

Hope that helps!

[surferbee]

BTW, those camps on Magic Bay look rad - if the conditions are cooperating. Four hours a day is plenty, but if you wanted more time in the water, it looks like they are right on the beach, yeah? You can always rent a board for the week and paddle out on your own when you want to.

[dtc]

If the water's above 22C you don't really need a wetsuit, but you might find a rashguard or a lightweight thermal layer helpful, especially if the wind is blowing or if you get cold easily. Personally, I like polyfleece rashies like Quiksilver's Heater or O'Neill's Thermo-X.

Given that ogradium is english, a rash vest is a necessity for sunburn as well. They dont see much sun up north. I read about someone who managed to get severe sunburn on the back of their knees on their first day of surf lessons (lesson one - sit on your board...)

[Oldie]

..I think in general Europe region is a bit too cold for November...

I don't think November is too cold in Portugal. The main issue is that waves can get very heavy and may not that beginner-friendly anymore, Therefore at this time of the year I think Morocco is indeed better.

But the advice to try first locally before you spend your money on a vacation is great. You have some mellow spots like Saunton Sands in Devon, where you can take a beginner course.

[ogradium]

Thank you all for your replies ! They are very helpful. I have contacted the Morocco surf camp and they said that the waves pick up a bit in November in comparison to the summer, but should still be good for any level surfer. So probably waves won't be as big as in Portugal which is good. Also they mentioned that they are mobile so if the conditions prove to be poor at Magic Bay there is always a possibility to go elsewhere. Currently I am leaning quite heavily on the Morocco surf camp as they also seem to have a lot of positive reviews and offer the most surf lessons for a decent price. So I think I will look into the Magic Bay camp a bit more and in the mean time try and find something here in the UK, but the train tickets are surprisingly expensive - 80£ to Devon which is the same as a flight to Portugal for the same dates and Newquay is upwards a 100£.

Will also check out rashies as the camp mentioned that it can get a bit windy there

[BaNZ]

My friends went surfing in Morocco Taghazout last November. The waves were big, overhead and the rip was strong. It's still pretty cold, between 12-18C. November in Devon is really hit and miss and gets too cold. The wind also starts picking up and you can have days where it is just strong onshore winds with very messy and choppy waves.

I also surfed Portugal in end of Oct/Nov. It was around 20-25C. I wore my 3/2 and it was fine. There are so much spots around Peniche and it was wonderful. The food is great too and there's also a good wind surfing community there.

[gsseirik]

I would also recommend the Peniche/Baleal area if you decide to go to Portugal. The peninsula can give shelter if there is bigger swell, and gives a lot of opportunities for the wind-direction. Both me and my wife have been to Taghazout Morocco and Ericeira+Peniche. We have traveled to Peniche three times later on because we found suitable conditions and lessons for the both of us. We surfed 2 classes a day lasting for about 1.5hr each, and there was video-coaching included for a couple of sessions. We used http://www.penichesurfcamp.com/, but there is plenty to choose from.

Regards from Eirik

[adventurekeys taghazout]

Hey mate,

There are cheap direct flights from London to Agadir - this is the main city near Morocco's main surf spot called Taghazout. As such there are tonnes of schools around, but I can tell you that we are Adventure Keys in Taghazout, quite an economical hostel, would be cheaper and of course warmer than surfing anywhere in Europe. You can hit me up for more details if you like. Whatsapp +61434515012

Cheers!

[adventurekeys taghazout]

Would also like to add that for beginners, you don't need massive waves - you would want to learn on slightly easier waves. You wouldn't take your first driving lesson on a dirt road in a 4WD. You'd want easier conditions to learn the ropes then you can turn on your difficult level. Big waves also means, big whitewash that shoots you out and also harder to get past and into the line up, where you will also meet more experienced surfers who then won't appreciate if you come in as a kook and be in their way.

[RinkyDink]

I disagree with the notion that surfing in warm water is preferable to surfing in cold water. I've spent a lot of time in both warm water (swimming, scuba diving, etc.) and cold water (surfing) and I actually find cold water more refreshing and enjoyable. I probably have unique taste, but I also don't find tropical climates all that great (don't get me wrong I love visiting the tropics). Anyway, it's often so humid in the tropics that when you get out of the water you don't experience that refreshing, brisk, minty feeling that you get from cold water. Even standing in water in the tropics, I'm often sweating and the water offers only a little relief. Just a different perspective to consider.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgUMsUMCW40

[gsseirik]

I agree with you RinkyDink regarding cold water surfing! It's a very good feeling! I have never surfed in boardshorts though..I guess I would feel a bit less protected without the wetsuit, but it looks nice to get really deep during duckdives and easier to just put on the shorts and head into the water. Great video from Hoddevik;-)

[jaffa1949]

Wow, one day I hope you feel the absolute freedom of not having to to put paddling power into neoprene, when you experience the exhilaration of a headdip upon a naked scalp!
Don't go as far as surfing absolutely naked, wax rash in those regions are not a welcome experience!.
Mega tropic sun burn is out too. But a mellow temp,day. Sans rubber= the feel of freedom!

[gsseirik]

It's definitely something I dream about;-) A trip like this maby:

or a boattrip to the Maldives. Sun burn will be an issue for me, and I'll probably return home as louie the lobster Where did you end up going Ogradium?