Advice

[kirogami]

Hi all,

I'm hoping that someone can help me.

I am originally from South Africa, grew up around surfing but never really got into it. On a recent holiday aboard I spent a good deal of time in the sea and suddenly got the urge to learn to surf - a whim I'm sure.

Thing is, I'm now in my early 30s and I'm not as slim as I used to be. I am a little worried that my body size (I'm not obese) and age would prohibit me.

I live mid country (say J15 M1 ish) - where is best and easiest for me to learn to surf? I had thought Brighton, but the feedback is mixed at best.

I am a fairly competent swimmer. I don't mind driving for a couple of hours, if I know the destination is going to be worthwhile.

If you could offer me any advice on A. whether I can do this, B. whether its stupid to learn to surf in the UK and C. if its not, where would be best and quickest to travel that would service my needs, i.e. good lessons etc, that would be very grateful.

I understand that cold water surfing here is challenging - does the wet suit really help?

Thanks kindly for any advice you can offer.

[Jester]

I understand that cold water surfing here is challenging - does the wet suit really help?

Duuude!! Have you been in the ocean in the British isles yet!! It's chuffin freezing mate yes the wetsuit will help, yes yes and once again YES!! Unless you're like orca-fat then you don't need it

God gave us rubber coz we lost all our blubber!!

[dtc]

I wouldn't even go in with a wetsuit. But then again, 16 deg water temps are my mid winter temps (in Australia) and I feel its too cold...

Of course you can learn to surf in the UK. Not that they have had a world champ for 40 years or so, but there are some ok surfers around.

[drowningbitbybit]

Good grief... the difference a wetsuit makes in the UK, at least in winter, is the difference between dying and not dying!
Even in midsummer, you'll still need a full-length wetsuit (a "steamer") except for maybe one sunday afternoon in august

Loads of spots in the UK to surf... the NE of England (mostly winter... brutally cold), the SE of England (winter only, inconsistent, cr@p), SW Wales (can be okay), and finally Devon and Cornwall, which has got loads of great spots to learn.
If you're travelling, you'll need a good surf forecast and to admit that you may need to change your plans at the last minute.

Yes, you can learn in your 30s and with a bit of chub. You'll find it easier on a longboard, and you'll ache like you won't believe after the first go

[asilomarsurfer]

Honestly, with the wetsuit technology nowadays, with a good 6/5/4 hooded suit, 7mm booties and 5mm gloves you won't even notice the cold. I recommend xcel, they make great suits. As a tip: never spring for this year's model. Try and find the previous season's model, it's always much cheaper (if you want a new one).

It's the changing in and out of the suit in the parking lot which is freezing. When will wetsuit companies find a solution for that?

Plenty of surfing will get rid of that chub in no time! Do it.

[drowningbitbybit]

It's the changing in and out of the suit in the parking lot which is freezing. When will wetsuit companies find a solution for that?

VW came up with a solution for that - the campervan

[kirogami]

Thanks everyone.

Is there a good location that anyone could suggest that I seek lessons? Perhaps Brighton?

[Jester]

It's the changing in and out of the suit in the parking lot which is freezing. When will wetsuit companies find a solution for that?

VW came up with a solution for that - the campervan

Leisure centres came up with a solution for that, it's called a jacuzzi and hot showers!!

[Jester]

Oh and you needn't go as far as 6/5/4 and 7mm booties.. I've got an entry level billabong from a season back, it's a 5/4/3 and I have 5mm boots and only just gave in and got a set of 3mm gloves.. 5's can be quite heavy and waterloggy!! Depends on the person of course but most of the surfers I know actually prefer thinner gloves..down to 1.5mm as the thicker ones get too cumbersome.

I haven't used a hood yet..but then I do work outdoors

[drowningbitbybit]

Is there a good location that anyone could suggest that I seek lessons? Perhaps Brighton?

Forget Brighton. It's inconsistent and rubbish.
It is occasionally surfable, but counterintuitively, you need to be reasonably good to make the most of its rubbish waves.

If you're going to make the effort towards getting some lessons, go all the way to Devon or Cornwall. The waves are more consistent, better quality, and much better for learning. You'll come away having had a much better time.

If Devon is really too far, the first spot along the south coast I'd recommend would be Bournemouth (or at a stretch, the Witterings). Unfortunately, its another inconsistent spot (and only really in winter) so you need to make the decision last minute when you can see the surf forecast for the weekend.