Surfing Waves

I'm not a surfer, but I am hoping to pick your collective brain on a few things. First, I'd like to say that I am in awe and impressed by what you all can do, out there. I grew up landlocked, the only waves I ever saw came rolling in off Lake Michigan. Now, I'm at my "reinvention" time of life so, you never know.

Tonight, I have one question (trust me, there will be more!)...when you go somewhere, not near your home, where do you stay? I mean, are there "surfer friendly" hotels or do you camp on the beach? Is it safe to do that, or are you a community that takes care of it's own? And, when you find a place of choice, is near the nightlife, or is it the waves during the day and the beach at night?

I really am interested, and i would appreciate any insight you might have to share.

Thanks!

Hi Aibrean, that is a very broad question, even if you limit the surf spots to Continental USA.
All of the answers you suggested are variable and available at some and not other beaches.
The surf community is sadly as theft prone as any other community, so think carefully, camping beaches exist, surf camps exist and hostel surf camps exist, some beaches are user new surfer friendly others not, some are safe and some are not and it varies day to day swell to swell.

Don't be too impressed, a lot of us have had the opportunity to surf beginning at a young age, ohers are just starting up now!

Read around the forum it will help you ask questions that will give you more specific information.

When young you sleep in your car. If too young to drive, you sleep in your brother's car. Nightlife means a few beers on the beach (or if you are too young for beer, a coke and mixer)

Then you graduate to a tent or perhaps a caravan park. Hit the local pub (bar) and try not to let your camping mate have to spend too long sitting outside while you enjoy the local company

Then you travel overseas and stay in surf camps or resorts. Nightlife is all around you

Then you rent a holiday house. Probably have kids by now, so nightlife means going to bed at 9pm

Then you become old and buy a longboard (McTavish if you are Australian) and stay in your own beach house. Nightlife is a glass of scotch while complaining about all the feral kids sleeping in their cars at your favourite surfing spot

Personally I stay in my VW campervan whenever we go to Cornwall (just like many others!!)
Haven't been to any hotels yet, and am not likely to either, don't think I'd fit my 9'3" Beachbeat into some of the rooms and corridors of some of the budget hotels!!