help an ancient surfer get wet (u.k.)

[greenpimpernel]

hi guys, first post. Having learned to surf in cape town in the 60,s, I went through the longboard/shortboard revolution ,and like many others ended up going back to the lighter versions of the longboard. when we relocated to rye east sussex (12 yrs, ago) ,I pretty much accepted that my wet days were over, as the nearest beaches are camber & hastings, and Ive yet to see surf at either,however a recent short visit to Devon has rekindled my appetite. So , 1) how much would I have to invest (I have no equipment) 2)where are my nearest spots 3) what are these "soft" boards I see on e/bay & are they any good 4) where to stay/camp & dozens of other questions. bear in mind that I dont expect to get in the water that often, but would just be stoked to know Im not yet dead. thanks in anticipation .Greenpimpernel.

[Jc]

sorry but the title sounds slightly misleading and dirty

[greenpimpernel]

sorry but the title sounds slightly misleading and dirty

only to you

[parrysurf]

green pimp- jc wasn't alone

Don't buy a soft board...no drive.

try wannasurf.com for surf spots

I am not sure about UK but in so cal you can get cheap used goods on craigslist.com or at a used sport store in town.

I recommend buying used, as this may be a mid life crisis, and it will pass.

[greenpimpernel]

thanks bud good advice,not so much mid life as late life, but you know ,it just never goes away. after 12 years of flat ocean i still do a surf check automaticaly every time i see the local beaches you gotta have hope regards G P

[Hang11]

2)where are my nearest spots

Joss Bay, Broadstairs, Rockanore, Birling Gap, Brighton/Shoreham area, have a look on www.sharkbait.co.uk for the Brighton surf report.

It's not exactly SA quality though.

A bit further afield, there's Littlehampton, Witterings, IOW, Hayling Island, Bournemouth, still not that flash, but generally gets better as you head west down the channel. There's a couple of good secret spots between Brighton and Eastbourne if you go looking on the right day.

Definitely go for a big floaty longboard for those sort of conditions, and definitely not a soft board, and a decent winter suit, boots and gloves, because regardless of whatever anyone tells you, the surf on the South Coast is usually sh1t, and really sh1t in the summer.

Personally, I would save the cash and get to the west coast of France for a few weeks in September, for some warmth culture and decent waves.

[Tom]

Hi
I started surfing at 59 years of age.
My experience is here
www.silversurferdude.com
Cheers Tom

[HarryPalmer]

Hi there - belated response

South coast surf is fickle at best but if you can't make the drive West it can sometimes provide a thrill or two. You'll need to spend a bit of time with tide tables...

Filf in Rottingdean - just East of Brighton - is a great and friendly shop - Steve in there can kit you out with whatever you might need, and can be trusted not to flog you a load of rubbish. As previously mentioned Sharkbait can tell you about the local spots - there are a few that are relatively welcoming. If you feel in need of lessons - always a good idea - track down a chap called Cliff Cox.

Have fun.

Richard