Surf lessons essential? And good spots near W. Yorks?

[JamieFT]

I've recently come back from a brief holiday where I finally had a proper go at surfing (excluding a few failed attempts a few years earlier). I've bodyboarded many times before and so had the basic principles of catching waves so I just read a few websites/magazines for the proper technique, rented a mini mal and went out there. After an hour or two I was catching and standing (albeit rather awkwardly!) on most of the waves I tried for. I'm just wondering if because of this it would be recommended to still get surfing lessons from some proper teachers or if it's just pracitce I should focus on? In fact I didn't realise til the last day and last trip to the beach that I'd have to be able to paddle out, sit on my board and turn around somehow with waves flipping me over every time! The waves I caught until then I was able to stand on the bottom and so just hopped on at the right time. I also failed quite miserably at duck diving but hey that's what practice is for!

To save making an extra thread I'll ask another question in here also, I have now returned from the holiday and have the surfing bug. Where would be recommended surfing spots near W. Yorkshire. A bit far from the sea I know but I'd really like to surf somemore!

Thanks all!

[rich r]

Don't know about W. Yorkshire.. but as for lessons - they'll do you some amazing good.

You may have the basics, but the teacher will be able to point out some not-so-obvious things by watching you that when you hear them you'll go "Damn, that's so obvious!" and it'll improve your surfing ten-fold.

[Ellie]

I might be being a blondie here, but West Yorks doesn't have any coast does it?!

I had a lesson at Cayton Bay (a few miles south of Scarborough) and I'd recommend there. Or there's Scarborough itself....check with surferdude for local knowledge!!

[JamieFT]

Hehe you're right, W. Yorks doesn't have a coast, I meant a good place near there, sorry I didn't make that clear. I was researching places for lessons in like the Scarborough and thought the Cayton Bay place looked liked one of the best to have lessons, especially with the reccomendation I'll hopefully go there this weekend! Thanks.

[surferdude_scarborough]

indeed west yorkshire doesnt have a coast. scarborough is a good place to learn. theres lessonsa available at south bay or at cayton. if you choose south bay though stay north of the spa if you're learning because there are some rocks down the south end of the bay. i reckon if you can stand on a minimal already just keep at it. only get some lessons if you feel like you're not progressing anymore at all. how often are you going to be surfing?

[GowerCharger]

lessons wil teach you about safety, but thats about all. If you do get lessons i would say just get one and then if you really think youll benfit from going back for more then do but dont book like a week of them or a course ar anything

[rich r]

Well, I'd have to say it depends on where you get your lessons. And if you don't have any mates to help teach you, lessons can definately get you standing faster than no lessons.

I've taught quite a few people who were otherwise just flailing about in the water and got them to a sensible stage where they could start improving on their own.