Surfing in Europe Rookie Level

[ambr009]

Hey folks,

I am a rookie surfer looking for handy accessible surf spots in Europe.

I am from Germany and I surf once (7-14 sessions) a year on average. I got my own fun board 6'8 with 47 l vol.

Over the past years I surfed in tropical areas such as Costa Rica, Sri Lanka or Bali. However, I have decided to surf more often, so Europe (and cold waters ... :p) are now on my radar.

Unfortunately however, I am working as a business consultant with long work hours. Moreover, I am not very flexibel with taking vacations. As a consequence, I was thinking of doing weekend surf session trips (Friday-Sunday) especially in summer. Luckily, costs are not the most severe constraint. In fact, it's time.

Well, now I am looking for good surf spots (preferably beach breaks, left handers) with consistent swells and waves between 1-2,5 m high that are easily accessible (walking distance or by scooter with surf rack) from the accommodation. Furthermore, it would be awesome if the surf spot was not too far away from the main airport (max. 2h drive by car). I want to keep traveling time at a minimum.

Thank you for your tips. Looking forward to get useful recommendations.

Cheers,
Robert

[LxS]

Portugal. Cheap flights from Germany, cheap accommodation and food, beaches that fit your description around the Lisbon area. 45 min drive max from main airport.
Check the spots map here: https://surfing-waves.com/atlas.html for some more detailed information. Recently I have also given some description here too: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=27942

[RobSF]

Assuming you know about Munich's Eisbach, LxS.

Not a beach break, but certainly close to home.

[Oldie]

There is no consistent spot in the European Summer. which is the period with least swell everywhere.

Portugal or the French Atlantic coast are your main choice. Plenty in 2h reach from Bordeaux. Avoid French school holidays.

Cornwall/North Devon can be good with some nice, beginner frienldy spots like Saunton. More difficult to reach by plane, though.

Scotland North/East coast can be good if swells from the North combine with good wind direction. God spots to reach from Edinburg or Inverness. But water is max 12° in summer.

[billie_morini]

There is no consistent spot in the European Summer. which is the period with least swell everywhere.

Portugal or the French Atlantic coast are your main choice. Plenty in 2h reach from Bordeaux. Avoid French school holidays.

Cornwall/North Devon can be good with some nice, beginner frienldy spots like Saunton. More difficult to reach by plane, though.

Scotland North/East coast can be good if swells from the North combine with good wind direction. God spots to reach from Edinburg or Inverness. But water is max 12° in summer.

Hi Oldie,
West and south coasts of Ireland are not that good during Euro Summer?
billie

[jaffa1949]

Jaffa is off on the hunt for the Mysto Austrian Point Break again. The June barrels there are pumping and everyone has gone to the Atlantic

[Oldie]

Hi Oldie,
West and south coasts of Ireland are not that good during Euro Summer?
billie

I think they are and it is a great country to visit in summer anyway. But I am not sure travel for weekends would be worth it as most direct flights from Germany go to Dublin, which probably stretches the 2h access from an airport too much.

[MartinBlasiusson]

Assuming you know about Munich's Eisbach, LxS.

Not a beach break, but certainly close to home.

Awesome!
Nice Video, wish I could do this.

[bursalio]

Portugal - Peniche is a good option. They get all west swells. Food and accommodation is relatively cheaper than France.

[ambr009]

Hey folks,

just returned from Bali.

Thank y'all for your input, it's highly appreciated.

There is a slight change in my planning now. I most likely won't get Friday's off, thus I had to take three additional weeks of vacation that'll be "on block".

Hence, later this year in September (18.09-01.10.17) I'm planning to go to Portugal and in December (16.12-23.12.17) to Fuerteventura for surfing. That said, I'm now wondering where to go. I'm equipped with various surf guides but the choices are really overwhelming.

I'm doing this vacation only for the surf. Thus, I'd very much appreciate spots with consistent waves and not too crowdy lineups. As I said, I'm a rookie level. For those who know Old Man's/Kedungu in Bali, or Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, I'd rather prefer these type of waves and if possible beach breaks (but that's not a must-have). Access to beaches per walking distance would be sweet too. :p

Where would you recommend going to? During times when it's flat or too hollow I'd love to jog at the beach or go for a coffee and read a book.