Surf spots for a newbie

[Stu B]

Hey all, I’m new here and appreciate your feedback. I’ve never surfed before but am keen to give it a go and wondered if you could recommend any spots. My initial thoughts have been Biarritz.

As I’ll be going by myself I am thinking of going to a surf school type of place where you can meet others too. However I’d like to end up in a place with like-minded people who I can have a beer and chat with after a day of surfing (well, trying to surf) and not a place full of 12 year olds.

Any suggestions?

[PapaW]

Where are you based?

[bluesnowcone]

if ur in the uk one of the best for lerning is saunton sand because its such a big beach just walk down 5 mins n there are no crowds also it is such a longride which allows u to take your time

[Stu B]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m UK based (Hertfordshire) but don’t mind going to Europe as I’m using it as a holiday break and would like some sun too! If you think the UK is better for me though I don’t mind learning here. It would be nice to meet some other people on the trip too.

[GowerCharger]

im off to france in 2 weeks, if your looking to get lessons all the known spots have a few schools there. Where im going (lacanau) i know theres a good school and the waves dont get nasty unless its really big (unlikely in summer), its not guaranteed surf anywhere this time of year in europe but it will definitly be better than the uk (and warmer)

[Sweet!]

Hi there Stu!

Good ta hear from ya. Wish you were in NZ here there are a tonne of nice folk out here to go surfing with.

Just head on out there. It won't take you long to meet up with some like minded non infants. Just be your usual friendly self and you'll soon find your fave surf buddies missioning it every weekend and such like..

[PapaW]

Stu - Being where you are you're fairly centrally located to access SOuth Wales, South coast and North Devonn/Cornwall. All of which have all year round surf schools. Just google "Surf School (and the area name)"

Obiviously your more likly to get swells on the coasts of France, spain and Portugal over the summer months but winter is more consistant than most think here in the UK. Obiviouly the West coasts being more so.

Be prepared to get a blasting by the wind untill you get to know when and where to surf! ;)

[Stu B]

Thanks for your help and encouragement, guys. A friend has lent me a book called Stormrider so I'll have a look trough that too and see where I end up.