Summer Surf, where?

[Andy2282]

Hi, Im a beginner to surfing and am looking for a consistent beach break in Europe for the summer, outside of England. Can anyone recommend anywhere? Cheers

[barrelled2perfection]

Well basically mate, you have the whole of the west coast of europe to choose from. It all depends on how cheap accommodation is, and also how much it costs to get there. The reason why so many of us brits like to go around the biarritz area (south-west france) is a) cos its dead cheap to get there by ryan air, b) cos there is a deep sea shelf only a mile or so out from the coast so the swell is a lot larger in the bay of biscay than most other places in europe at this time of year and c) cos the accommodation is cheap as if you're willing to camp while you're there. I have been to Ericeira which is about an hour north of Lisbon in Portugal and it is soo good once you've got there, but the flights can be quite pricey, especially in the summer, and also, you'd have to hire a car big enough to shove the boards in as well in order to get to the place once you've landed!! The canaries are also another place worth checking out. I'm not 100% sure how expensive the flights are out there, but once you're there, things are pretty much european prices. Anyways, get a stormriders guide to europe! it'll solve all your queries on where to go and where not to go! Good Luck! 8)

[Andy2282]

Cheers for that mate. I have been lookin at the Algarve south coast. Do you know what that will be like?

[barrelled2perfection]

yeah its supposed to be pretty good, but cos its like on the corner, you may have difficulty on swell direction. Try and stay just south of Lisbon on the western coast of portugal instead of on the south coast as you'll get many more consistent breaks. Its quite expensive down there tho as thats where all the rich londoners go on their hols but i'm sure they'll be plenty of campsites or youth hostels around that are cheap!

[Andy2282]

To be honest I think my girlfriend has her heart set on the Algarve, something about compromise! Should be able to catch a few waves there though, I hope?

[barrelled2perfection]

yeah dude, should be fine. Make sure you grab a copy of the stormriders guide to europe before you go though, it really will help!

Have fun!