Study and surf

[Nogs]

Hi guys,

I'm new here, so if I'm posting this in the wrong forum I apologize.

Here's the deal: I got somewhat hooked on surfing trying it 2 years ago. I've progressed slightly, and I'd like to keep on surfing when I'm now going for my master's. What I'm looking for is a master's degree in business (I find entrepreneurship and innovation to be very interesting) in a place where I'm able to surf, even just in the weekends. The fees on the US unis are too high for me so I've kind of dropped the states. However, I've been looking in Europe lately and so far I've got Portugal and Ireland (Cork seems great) on my list. And other suggestions? Are there some good unis in East Asia with waves? Also, cold water is not a problem as I started in northern Norway.

Thanks.

[oldmansurfer]

You should consider University of Hawaii. I hear they have a good business program and waves all year long. I used to walk to Waikiki from campus with my surfboard. It took me 20 to 30 minutes. There was a beach bus but I could beat it walking.

[jaffa1949]

Australia has quite a few high ranking Universities.
Sydney , Newcastle and Wollongong have a number of Unis with campuses and access to good surf.
Not sure about fees, living in Sydney is expensive and transport requiring.
The only State that doesn't have surf is Northern Territory, so Western Australia, South Australia Tasmania and Queensland could have good offerings.

I'd seriously consider New Zealand too if cold water is of no concern.

[drowningbitbybit]

Not sure about fees,

"Astronomical" would be one way of putting it.

It may have changed (but only upwards) since I used to work at Sydney uni, but for a foreign student, it was something like AU$30,000/year.

[Nogs]

Thanks a ton for the replies guys, appreciate it. Australia is something I'll have to consider for sure. I looked in to Hawaii as well, not too sure about the quality of the Unis there and I heard it can be pretty crowded. Is that right, or?
Also, any of you guys surfed in Ireland?

[BaNZ]

I surf in UK and the water is just unbearable in winter. I would assume it is even colder in Ireland.

[oldmansurfer]

You know Nogs I am not to sure how crowded things are now. I surfed on Oahu from 1976 to 1981 and while some breaks were insanely crowded me and my surfer friends were generally able to find waves with minimal crowds. There are really a lot of breaks and the really good ones are where all the aggressive *&#@*# surfers like to go like Pipeline, Sunset, Alamoana bowl. But right next to each of those breaks there are other breaks that offer decent waves. I went to Sunset once and it wasn't breaking too great and super crowded but right to the side of it was a little break that I am not sure what the name of it is but it had head high barrels and no one surfing it. I hear UH has a great business program if you want to go into hotel management.

[Jester]

It's not too bad Banz! I surf in a 5/4/3 with 5mm boots..no gloves, no hat though I think I might do the gloves soon!

[Jester]

Yes Nog's I live here and you'll find most places not too crowded and the west is def where you wanna be if your surfing, south coast is a bit hit an miss. Not sure what the Uni's are like but most surfers head up more towards Clare and Sligo way and further north to Donegal as bundoran and lahinch etc are the main attractions. People are friendly, pubs are great, downside is you actually have to live in Ireland though!

[Nogs]

Thanks again guys for the replies. Oldmansurfe - yeah, I hope that's still possible. Being a rookie I've had a fair bit of people wanting to kill me. I've been trying my luck in Sri Lanka doing an internship, but getting in the way of some of the aussies here... My god they go mad. Anyway, crowds will always be a problem I think, you just have to find the right spots and the right time to go.

BanZ, I'm not any kind of madman, but I honestly think I'd deal with the cold, though I of course prefer warm water. I started surfing in the Lofoten islands, and the brain freeze, even in the autumn, is insane. We'll see how I cope if I head to your waters. For me the worst part is not being in the water. Worst part comes when you're trying to rip your 5mill off your feet - takes forever!

Jester - haha, for some reason, living in Ireland for a year is appealing for me. Nature's nice, weather's changing and harsh (how I like it) and yeah the people and the beer seem to be amazing. I don't think I've met any bad Irish people to be fair, so that's good.

Just to update: I'm currently looking into Portugal (Lisboa) and the Canary Islands. But, I'll have to prioritize the Uni and the programme first of course. Will update when I apply. If anyone's got some more suggestions, please share!

[Nogs]

Jester, what's your take on Galway? Ever been? Is it far from the surf?

[Jester]

Come to Ireland for a year! It's a great place and you'll make lots of friends. Not that I have much experience but this is going to be your least crowded destination as surfing is not as big here as some other European countries. People are a lot more relaxed too and I haven't once had a problem with locals. Just be respectful, apologise quickly and most of all be friendly!

Galway is within striking distance of some of the best breaks in Ireland but you'll still need a car to get around, public transport is a bit patchy. Great place galway, lots of Brazilians go there for some reason. You'd be living life on the Wesht so expect lots of nice stone walls that separate the green fields and plenty of epic pubs and people, only been there once or twice but those are my memories of galway anyway.

I'm from down south so don't know the place as well as some others, I think garbarrage is from up that way?? PapaW??

Anyway, Come! Even if just for a surf holiday.

P.s - try the Guinness instead of a beer, it tastes different here than in anywhere else in the world

[Nogs]

I will visit for sure! Another question about Ireland. Say I move to Cork, is it a long way to the north west? Is it doable for a weekend? Also guys, if you ever need info about surfing in Norway feel free to ask. It's cold as f, but at least it's something different.

[Jester]

Hey Nogs nice profile pic!

If you're going up to budoran or rossnowlagh from cork city it'll take you about 4-5 hrs I'd say, depending on stops or route as there's no big roads that go easily top to bottom in Ireland on the west. They all radiate out from Dublin like spokes on a wheel.

You can definitely do it for a wkend! Check out the Britten (britton?) Family that run a surf dormitory and school right on the beach in rossnowlagh. They're legends of the Irish surf scene and will happily chat away or teach you for a lesson or two if they're working that day. Neil was a pro, as are his brother and sister Easkey (who was named after a local wave, or wave was named after her, forgotten which) all help out up there.

In lahinch which is about 2.5 to 3 hrs from cork you've got John McCarthy another surf legend who will teach you and talk about his experiences of being the pioneers of taming Aileen's, the famous wave at the base of the stunning cliffs of moher! They'll chat to you like any other normal chap you meet and it's pretty imformal.

Personally I like Ben, from Ben's Surf Clinic if you want a lesson or renting stuff in lahinch as he's absolutely mad for the sport and spends all the time in the water with you. Keen eye and never lets you go without sound advice, you'll get your money's worth.

Having said all that your also looking at Portugal and I know if I had to choose I wouldn't think twice as I'd be in the sunshine in a heartbeat, amazing country that I'd like to visit and is next up on my list. Got a few mates from there and they're just the best. Really chill and respectful vibe from all the Portuguese I've ever met.. Plus y'know SUNSHINE!!

[Nogs]

Thanks! It's not me of course. Some random Nixon surfer on our spot. Anyway, back to the topic. Seems like I can do a lot of surfing if I get a car or know someone with one. I might be fishing for too many details here, but I'll ask anyway: Are the B&B's crazy expensive over at yours? I'm considering this weekend warrior thing, but not too keen to sleep in a tent.

I'll def check out these people man. Thanks a ton for all the info. What I like about surfing (this goes for most activities actually) is the way it can bring people together. It's a great tool for traveling and meeting people. And most people are so friendly and nice. It's ridiculous how much trouble some will go through only to show you their home town.

Portugal looks great. The only worry is the language and how far I can get with English during the studies. Otherwise it should be quite good!

[Jester]

B&B's are OK I guess, but you're best off going with either a local hostel or the surf school themselves. That's if you're into that kinda travelling, I love it and you always meet awesome people in hostels

In rossnowlagh with the Britten family place they did deals with surf tuition and dorm and breakfast in the hostel like place next to the beach, I think it was 50 euro a night with a surf lesson for two hours as well. Can't remember exactly but it was a really good deal!! Check them out often, the name is FinnMcCool surf school if I remember right. Anyway it's the only one with a dormitory right on the beach

In bundoran which isn't too far from there but further south there was a really cool surf shop/school/hire place that also did hostel type b&b. Think it was only 20 euro a night if you were sharing! Most of these places seem to be very reasonable and do deals if you're renting or getting tuition with them.

Down in lahinch I've never stayed there but again I've heard there are certain hotels and b&b's that have deals together with the surf instructirs. I know there's a hostel that is as little as 17 euro a night but not sure how noisy it would be!

Most ordinary type b&b's are just as expensive as hotels in my opinion and only make sense if you've got a few mates who want a house all to yourself, having said that I'm not an expert now so you might wanna do your own searches too and ask around

Yeah it's amazing how people all over are pretty decent at the end of the day, it's only a handful that muck it up for everyone else! Hey if you're ever across, give me a shout on here and I'll come for a surf with you! I'll often go as far up as Lahinch and it'd be good for a spin!

[Nogs]

Thanks a ton for all the info. I'll definitely give you a shout if I get around there.

To update: I've decided to apply for Cork, Plymouth and I'm doing research on unis in Portugal and Taiwan. Crossing my fingers!

[Jester]

Awesome mate! Hope it all goes well for you I just stayed in the hostel up in lahinch this wkend and while it was basic it was perfect for what I needed, really catered for surfers and the guy who runs it Pat, is a legend. 17 euro a night.. I'd nearly pay that for the hot showers and cups of tea I had there

Def come over some time and give us a shout. Always welcome

[Nogs]

Awesome man!

[BaNZ]

To update: I've decided to apply for Cork, Plymouth and I'm doing research on unis in Portugal and Taiwan. Crossing my fingers!

I'm from Taiwan, although I grew up in UK so I don't really know much about it. But I lived there last year and I love it so much that I'm willing to give up everything to go back. Generally people are very friendly to foreigners there. I believe all courses are taught in Chinese, so you will struggle. Living there is cheap and warm water all year round. Surf spot in the northeast isn't so good and the best surf spots are in remote areas on the East coasts. There are a lot of foreigners and surfers who moved to Taiwan and settle down on the east coast. So good luck!