Summer Surf Lessons - Any ideas?

[poonchez]

Hi!!

I want to take some serious lessons this summer and thought somone could help me figure out where to go.

I started surfing with some beginner/tourist lessons and then went off on my own with a HUGE board (one of those foamy ones beginners are given). I managed to ride a few tubes, but wasn't really sure what I was doing and then had to stop for health reasons. Now, 4 years later I am back on my feet and am dying to get back on a board!!

What I am looking for in a surf school is:

1. Serious instruction - a real desire to want to help the student improve.
2. Flexibility - I really am not sure what level I am at.
3. Real boards.

I have to go in the summer and worried that most places are flat. I was thinking of NZ, but the flight is too expensive. Since I live in Europe I immediately thought of the Canaries, but worried most places there are just tourist traps. Bali is also a possibility. I am open to any ideas.

Thanks in advance!

[FishKid Wales]

Hawai's good for tube riding

[drowningbitbybit]

I managed to ride a few tubes, but wasn't really sure what I was doing

Um.....

Im guessing thats a language (either 'english' or 'surfer') issue....?

[poonchez]

drowningbitbybit,

I was just trying to explain my level 4 years ago. I only took beginner lessons, but had some intermediate-level experiences that were not coached.

As for Hawai'i (correct spelling)... its way too expensive. Also, most of the suf lessons are tourist traps and in the summer the options are limmited (i.e. pray for a good southern swell off Oahu only).

Anybody out there know where I can get some serious instruction?

[FishKid Wales]

You live in France which has every type of break their is, as for lessons have a scan about on the internet their will be loads of schools not just aimed at tourists or have a look at sights like magic seaweed to work out where the good beaches are and travel to some of them, there will be surf schools galore.

[IdRatherBeSurfing]

is it POSSIBLE to ride a tube on a foamy?! like, the rails are so thick you'd never bury them!

[GowerCharger]

if you could ride tubes then you really dont need any lessons

[SDCali]

There are a lot of surf schools in the southern California area, most cater to locals not touristy. Just pick a beach destination and search for surf schools in the area. Usually small waves during the summer, but still big enough to surf unbroken.

[mrc]

Just get yourself down to hosseger and biarritz very cheap for you as your in france plus you get to wear boardies

[poonchez]

Thanks for the advice everyone... I think I've decided to go to Bali like everyone else in the summer. So, if anyone has advice for there I would appreciate it.

MRC,

"Boardies" i think we call those boardshorts. Was just in Anglet (right near Biarritz) a couple of weeks ago. The air was 29°/84°, but the water was but-ass freezing! I went for a swim and came out blue! I'm moving to the area in the winter and not looking forward to wearing a wetsuit. I feel less in control in the water.

[Dec]

Wow, Bali for begginers?! Good luck!!

Bali is...umm...big, heavy, hollow reef breaks. Probably one of the places you go when you are really good, not for begginers.


BUT, on saying that I haven't been all around bali, and seen every wave, so in theory there could be some learners areas.


PS. Stay away from Kuta main!

[poonchez]

I was thinking Bali cuz from wut I hear there is no question of it being flat. So its all big in the summer. My impression was that it was mixt.*

Part of the problem is that I really don't know what level I am at.

[borneng]

...BUT, on saying that I haven't been all around bali, and seen every wave, so in theory there could be some learners areas.

Yes, there are some areas that are suitable for all level surfer. I was (and am still) under "beginner level" when I went there.

...I was thinking Bali cuz from wut I hear there is no question of it being flat.

Yes, flat day in Bali is virtually non existence. I was there during wet season which was suppose to be the poorest surf period of the year and yet I surf decent waves almost everyday. Summer is the dry season there and have better and bigger waves.
This thread might be helpful for you.

[Hooked Cabarete]

Playa el Encuentro in Cabarete in the Dominican Repbulic. We have waves normally the whole year round. In wintertime higher than in summertime, but definitely also in summertime big enough. Cabarete is a great place without mass tourism. Lots of surfers and kitesurfers, good atmosphere, good nightlife and lots of things to do. Encuentro, the surfbeach is located a few minutes drive from the center of Cabarete and is really beautiful and a very relaxed place. Hardly any tourists and friendly people.

Cheers,
Chantal