Where to surf near Bristol?

[Rob D.]

Hi there, I am an Aussie, coming to live in Bristol for a year in August. I know nothing about surfing in the UK other than that there is some surf in Cornwall. Can anyone give me some advice about whether I should bother bringing my board. If so, what size would be best? What about wetsuits? I have a 3/2 steamer. Fianlly how far would you need to travel from Bristol to find any decent surf? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[soops]

You've got croyde/saunton just along the coast into devon plus there might be some on the southern welsh coast but you'll have to ask someone else about that

[IdRatherBeSurfing]

yup, north devon just down the road and south wales (gower/llangennith/the shire) just over the bridge

[Rob D.]

Thanks heaps for the tips about surfing in Devon and Southern Wales. I can't wait. So should I bring my board or can I buy one over there? I am a big (90 kg 6"2') guy. What about my wetty?

[soops]

Well you will definatly need a wetty on all but the warmest days. I have a 3/2 and a 2/1 shorty and they have done me fine so far. You'll prob need a 5/3 for the coldest months but so far as a newbie surfer last year i've stayed out of the water at its coldest.

Stuff is pretty expensive over here, you'll here the term rip of britain a lot and it is pretty accurate. I say have a look at some prices before you leave at home and in the UK and see if its cheaper to buy and bring with you. I reckon it might be.

[Jodie_leigh]

Hiya Im a surfer and live in Bristol at the moment, Devon and South Wales are good for weekend trips, Porthcawl just by Cardiff is just about manageable after work and the surf is usually just about ridable there. Cornwall is awesome, Perranporth near Newquay is awesome, really empty as everyone tends to head for Newquay and check out the amazing pub on the beach with live music most nights. Awesome camp site on top of the hill in Perranporth.
Boards...bigger the better, Ive got a 7'9" at the mo, which is good because if the waves arent completely choppy they are usually quite small. You can surf all year round in winter suits usually to be honest, Ive braved the water a few times in boardies but only for a few waves!
If you ever need a lift get in touch, Im in a mountain board club called Team Bad and everyones into surfing so sue there'll be someone going most weekends.
Jodie

[PapaW]

S.Wales works on mucvh the same swell sizes at N.Devon.. if not pickin up more as the swell window can pick up the far southen systems. Down side is that it can be a mish but its usually well worth it as you'll find less crowds plus more selection of breaks. Esp over winter when you really need wind protection / winter swells set off some cranking breaks.

N.Devon is good, nearest consistant swell picker to Brizzol but lacks in protection during the winter... However there are some ace spots east of N.devon and into N.Somerset should you go looking over winter. Recent years the summer (and winters) are starting to get pretty busy. Still there is space to spread out to a certain degree.

South Coast..

Much of a muchness drive wise to the others, can find a few gems but only worth it if you know the area and when/how the different breaks work. If your heading to the S.Coast you might as well just head to S.Cornwall instead.



suit wise... well.. this winter just gone the waters been strangly warm.. up on average by 2C really not felt the cold at all. Some guys I know winterd all season in their summersuits. just with gloves and boots.. I'm a pussy so still used my 5/3 +glove and boots) You won't need anything till late october then perhsps boots and gloves. See how you get on, just a thermal rashie / bever tail may be all you need to take the edge off.