Noob friendly beach

[Chris369]

I need some suggestions for beaches in Devon/Cornwall (not too far into Cornwall though, say no further than Newquay) that are good for surfing but a little calmer.

I've been in Newquay for the last week and tried to surf Fistral a few times but I was constantly trying to get passed the white water and it was quite frustrating You get past one wave, make some progress and then get pushed back by the next one etc.

So I'm hoping there's some breaks out there where the waves are a little less frequent so it's a little easier to get out!

I'm thinking Saunton might be a good one?

[bluesnowcone]

yup saunton in north devon defiantly. its a huge beach so you can walk down a little away from all the people, also its very mellow so its nice and easy to learn on. and if you think you can handle the crowds right next to the rocks when you paddle out the rides are much much longer and tend to be slightly bigger, well thats what iv found.

[Sar]

I'm thinking Saunton might be a good one?

yup. Can be quite a long paddle out though. Theres a little rip by the rocks that can help. Wait for the lull in sets if you can before paddling out.

[southwestsurfer]

Bantham is always fairly quiet and layed back and is usually fairly mellow. Apparently there is quite a bit of localism with uni students and locals when the waves get good but Ive never experienced it.

[Chris369]

I'll give it a go then, cheers

[Surfing-Innovation]

Anywhere can be difficult to 'get out' on if the swell is messy - that's just part of surfing. And if you're struggling to get out through messy waves, then jumping onto a rip might NOT be a wise move, as it says to me that your paddling isn't THAT strong.....

If you're having a hard time getting out back, then just play in the white water and save your enegy for when the waves clean up a bit or drop in size.

If you DO decide to go for it, like SAR says, just wait for a lull in the sets and then put your head down and go for it. If you don't make it first time, come back in, take a breather and have another go....

[brummie]

mate, tbh if you want to know which beaches are best for surfing at what time of day etc then buy the book "surfing britain" off amazon it tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about beginners etc. but i took some mates who were new to the sport down to croyde and that wernt too bad but that was in the summer. saunton is probably the best for beginning.

[Phil]

Bantham is always fairly quiet and layed back and is usually fairly mellow. Apparently there is quite a bit of localism with uni students and locals when the waves get good but Ive never experienced it.

Bantham is full of xxxxx

[Chris369]

Anywhere can be difficult to 'get out' on if the swell is messy - that's just part of surfing. And if you're struggling to get out through messy waves, then jumping onto a rip might NOT be a wise move, as it says to me that your paddling isn't THAT strong.....

My paddling isn't that strong I guess but I think the other reason is the fact I can't get my board under the waves and I haven't found turtle rolling very effective.

Is there showers at Saunton like Fistral?

[Surfing-Innovation]

I ride a 9'3" board and can only roll it! It's NOT that effective, but better than getting mullered!!

The only reason I say avoid the rips is that places like Saunton - as well as pulling you out - will just as quickly pull you into the rocks. If you can't paddle hard enough to break white water, then paddling out of a rip is going to cause problems too - and you really DON'T want to end up on the rocks at Saunton!!

Be safe, whatever you decide..........

[Jonah_Fro]

Is there showers at Saunton like Fistral?

Yup and a couple of snack bar/cafe places, but don't know if they're open all year round.

[long_man]

talking of different beaches and that, did anyone go down to Putsborough yesterday morning

it was awesome.......

[Chris369]

I ride a 9'3" board and can only roll it! It's NOT that effective, but better than getting mullered!!

The only reason I say avoid the rips is that places like Saunton - as well as pulling you out - will just as quickly pull you into the rocks. If you can't paddle hard enough to break white water, then paddling out of a rip is going to cause problems too - and you really DON'T want to end up on the rocks at Saunton!!

Be safe, whatever you decide..........

I think I'll stay away from those then. I can imagine myself getting stuck and not being able to paddle to safety.

Is there showers at Saunton like Fistral?

Yup and a couple of snack bar/cafe places, but don't know if they're open all year round.

Are the showers open all year round? I don't use them but the ones at Fistral are pretty good for getting changed in out of the wind

Does anyone know of a live webcam for Saunton? I've done some Googling but can only find ones that update every 20+ seconds.

[long_man]

I ride a 9'3" board and can only roll it! It's NOT that effective, but better than getting mullered!!

The only reason I say avoid the rips is that places like Saunton - as well as pulling you out - will just as quickly pull you into the rocks. If you can't paddle hard enough to break white water, then paddling out of a rip is going to cause problems too - and you really DON'T want to end up on the rocks at Saunton!!

Be safe, whatever you decide..........

I think I'll stay away from those then. I can imagine myself getting stuck and not being able to paddle to safety.

Is there showers at Saunton like Fistral?

Yup and a couple of snack bar/cafe places, but don't know if they're open all year round.

Are the showers open all year round? I don't use them but the ones at Fistral are pretty good for getting changed in out of the wind

Does anyone know of a live webcam for Saunton? I've done some Googling but can only find ones that update every 20+ seconds.

what about this one......

cLiCkY

you just have to hit refresh.....

[Milo]

I need some suggestions for beaches in Devon/Cornwall (not too far into Cornwall though, say no further than Newquay) that are good for surfing but a little calmer.

I've been in Newquay for the last week and tried to surf Fistral a few times but I was constantly trying to get passed the white water and it was quite frustrating You get past one wave, make some progress and then get pushed back by the next one etc.

So I'm hoping there's some breaks out there where the waves are a little less frequent so it's a little easier to get out!

I'm thinking Saunton might be a good one?

No beach breaks beyound Newquay. Best stick to north Devon bud.

[soops]

Couldnt be bothered to read the whole thread so sorry if i'm repeating whats been said

I live in exeter and Polzeath is my favourite break. Can get pretty bsuy but the surf is really nice for noobs and anyone who hasnt surfed too much. Plus its a great atmosphere around there

[Chris369]

Couldnt be bothered to read the whole thread so sorry if i'm repeating whats been said

I live in exeter and Polzeath is my favourite break. Can get pretty bsuy but the surf is really nice for noobs and anyone who hasnt surfed too much. Plus its a great atmosphere around there

Yeah I've been going Polzeath since I started surfing in July (apart from last week where I was in Newquay) and it's been good but last time I was down there it was way too big for me - I hardly surfed a wave and left after 3 hours I guess that was the weekend where MSW was rating breaks down that way with 5 stars though!

I think I'm going to have the same problem where ever I go tbh. I just don't think I get on very well with the winter swells

[long_man]

Couldnt be bothered to read the whole thread so sorry if i'm repeating whats been said

I live in exeter and Polzeath is my favourite break. Can get pretty bsuy but the surf is really nice for noobs and anyone who hasnt surfed too much. Plus its a great atmosphere around there

Yeah I've been going Polzeath since I started surfing in July (apart from last week where I was in Newquay) and it's been good but last time I was down there it was way too big for me - I hardly surfed a wave and left after 3 hours I guess that was the weekend where MSW was rating breaks down that way with 5 stars though!

I think I'm going to have the same problem where ever I go tbh. I just don't think I get on very well with the winter swells

practice makes perfect.....

you need a PMA [positive mental attitude]

[Chris369]

Couldnt be bothered to read the whole thread so sorry if i'm repeating whats been said

I live in exeter and Polzeath is my favourite break. Can get pretty bsuy but the surf is really nice for noobs and anyone who hasnt surfed too much. Plus its a great atmosphere around there

Yeah I've been going Polzeath since I started surfing in July (apart from last week where I was in Newquay) and it's been good but last time I was down there it was way too big for me - I hardly surfed a wave and left after 3 hours I guess that was the weekend where MSW was rating breaks down that way with 5 stars though!

I think I'm going to have the same problem where ever I go tbh. I just don't think I get on very well with the winter swells

practice makes perfect.....

you need a PMA [positive mental attitude]

Yeah I guess I'll get there eventually and it'll be worth it when I do.

I've started swimming now to help with my paddling power and stamina