June 25, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Michael R Browne

It may come as a surprise to many to learn that the UK actually contains some fantastic beaches for learning to surf. Surfing is an extremely challenging pursuit, yet the rewards that come with improvement are well worth the multiple wipe outs.

First, you will need to find a beach that is suitable for your level of experience. Beaches with quality surf schools and manageable waves are in abundance around the UK. For example, those in the north-east of England may consider a trip to Saltburn beach. Here, suitably tame beginner waves can be easily located either side of the pier. Furthermore, Saltburn Surf Shop, found just above the beach, provides beginners with absolutely everything you need; from affordable lessons, through to handy advice on equipment. Knowing which board to buy can be a tricky business as a rookie; friendly advice is always worth seeking out.

The south-west of the UK is a popular location for budding surfers and with good reason. Cornwall itself is littered with excellent beaches for surfing. In particular, Newquay prides itself on Fistral Beach; coining it ‘The Best Surf in Europe’. Despite its popularity amongst more advanced surfers, it is also ideal for beginners. Smaller, more manageable waves can be found without too much difficulty. It is also worth considering that Fistral Beach is home to the Quiksilver Surf School; one of the premier surf schools in the UK.

However, the popularity of Fistral Beach may be off-putting to some newcomers. It may be a little disheartening to struggle to stand up on your board in modest surf whilst others are catching waves up to 40 feet high! For those who desire a quieter place to learn to surf around Newquay, Watergate Bay may be a good alternative. At low tide, the sea at Watergate Bay is absolutely perfect for beginners, with small waves and a gentle current, allowing for less of a struggle when you fall off. Again, good quality beginner surf instruction is available. The Xtreme academy teaches here; as the name suggests, they also teach other ‘extreme’ sports for those who fancy broadening their horizons beyond surfing.

To prepare to learn to surf, you will need a decent board. All beginner-friendly surf beaches in the UK should have a surf shop nearby. Resist the urge to plunge in and buy the first board you see; ask lots of people for advice and make an informed purchase. You may find a better deal by doing so online, in advance of your trip. If you are unsure as to whether you will take to the sport, it may be more cost effective to simply hire a board for the day.

There are numerous beaches in the UK that are ideally suited to beginner surfing, and not just those in Cornwall; other beaches such as Pease Bay in Scotland and Llangennith in Wales offer ideally sized waves, again supported by good quality surfing schools. Beginner beaches are nationwide; wherever you are in the country, you should be able to find a suitable beach within relatively easy reach.

Article by Michael R Browne for Simply Beach
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Article Source: Michael R. Browne
UK Surf Beaches for Learners

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June 15, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Glenn Kolb

So, you got a great deal and found a cheap flight to your surfing destination. If you are packing up your Dakine bag with your two favorite surfboards, you may be in for a nasty surprise. In the world of surf travel, not all airlines treat your surfboard the same. How do the airlines stack up? Many of them, not so well.

Let’s start with the worst. One major US based air carrier charges between $175 and $250 each way for your surfboard bag. To fly with this airline with your surfboard you are going to be paying between $350 and $500 round trip just for your surfboard. You can buy a new surfboard for $500 or a used surfboard for even less. Maybe you could use that money to buy a surfboard when you land and give it to a local kid when you leave. Essentially you would be giving the money to a local kid rather than a business that was trying to stick it to you for simply wanting to travel with your surfboard. When you get back home, all of your surfboards are still going to be in the shape you left them and you won’t be out any more money than if you had brought your own surfboard with you. That is one way to make a good situation out of an ugly one.

Now for the bad. Unfortunately, most of the other major airlines around the world fall into this category. It is common practice for the airlines to deem your surfboard bag excess luggage and levy high fee’s on the surfboard bag. You can expect to pay around $100 each way with most airlines to travel with your surfboard. If you plan to travel with your surfboard, I can not recommend highly enough that you check the airlines policy on surfboard bags prior to booking any flight. Many airlines have luggage restrictions at certain times of the year and you may not be able to bring your surfboard for any price on the airline.

In today’s world of high jet fuel prices, it seems the airlines are competing tooth and nail on price and then try to make up for it with all of the “extras”. Well, here is the good news. Several airlines do want surf traveler’s business. A handful of airlines offer free travel for your surf bag. Quantas Airlines was awarded Surfer Magazine’s “Airline of the Year Award”. One of the factors in their decision was because Quantas do not charge for surfboard travel bags. In addition, Virgin Atlantic also offer free surfboard bag travel.

It is interesting to note that in November 2007 British Airways made a decision to no longer accept surfboards on all of their flights. This caused a stir with many travelers and even made its way into discussion in Britain’s parliament. In September 2009, thanks to a campaign on Facebook, British Air eventually reversed their decision. They now allow surfboards up to 6′3 (190cm). However, for many surfers this unfortunately means longboards and minimals (funboards) are not allowed.

If you are taking your surfboard on your next flight, I suggest you take the time to email any airlines that you chose not to fly with because of their baggage rules / fees on surfboard travel bags. Let them know they lost business. The Facebook campaign is an example that consumer pressure makes a difference. While you’re at it, let the airline you chose know what you think of their policy on surfboard travel bag charges.

You can get a detailed list of surfboard travel bag charges on international airlines at Surfhow’s Guide to Surfing.

Article Source: Glenn Kolb

Surf Travel: Surfboard Travel Bags, Baggage Limits on International Airlines

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June 1, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Zoul-Kifl Pio

Being a surfer means it is in your nature to be drawn to huge waves. You must have tried one but while you are out there riding the waves with your surf board and waiting for the next huge one, you must have been dreaming of taking that surf vacation as you taste some of the world’s most popular swells.

Why don’t you turn that dream surf vacation into reality?

Every good surfer has to experience a surf vacation once a month. Out of town trips can be sometimes frustrating - what with all the packing and the preparations and the long list of things that you need to have while you are away. Many surfers may be water-logged when it comes to planning the real-life surf vacation. Keep in mind these directions so you will not forget anything, and you can just swim off into the wild blue yonder. Also remember to always double check the packing list right before taking off.

First thing’s first. Decide where you are going. It’s your destination that tells you what are the things you are going to need. If you are staying in a town, you might decide to book a room in a motel which means not brining a camping gear in tow. If you will be at an isolated part of the coast, you might need to camp or sleep in your vehicle.

Make a list of things to bring days before you leave. Obviously, you may be able to live as comfortably as you like but campers and long-time travelers have proven that to bring only what’s essential and a few more extra stuffs would make the stress level low.

Bring along toothbrush, toothpaste and flip flops and enough change of clothes that will keep you warm, dry and feeling clean even while you are far away from home. You will find shoes important if it is raining or if it’s cold or when there are hikes but even the cheapest sandals won’t help if you are constantly running out to check the waves or go off to the restaurant or for that bathroom break or simply living that sock free life in general.

Bring some essential foods like nuts, raisins, oranges, bananas, honey and peanut butter, tuna, bread and of course water.

If camping is in your plan, bring a tent or a sleeping bag. Bring with you a travel sleep pad if there’s one. This could show you the difference between having three hours and eight hours of sleep.

Most important of all for every surf vacation even if quick, you should bring your board, leash, wax, wetsuit, booties if it is too cold, gloves for the freezing temperature, sun screen, a towel and board shorts. It is also good to bring a spare leash.

Get the best resources about Surf Vacation spots and surfing secrets from Surfing Secrets Revealed.

Article Source: Zoul-Kifl Pio

Things Needed in a Surf Vacation

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May 18, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Glenn Kolb

The 5 Best Places in the World to Learn to Surf

If you are considering learning to surf, make sure you choose a great place to start. The names you hear often in the media aren’t necessarily the best places to learn to surf. Although most people have heard of Pipeline in Hawaii, it is only for extremely advanced surfers. In coming up with this list, I am considering more than just wave quality and safety for beginners. If you are going to try surfing for the first time let’s make it an incredible experience with a beautiful beach and warm water.

So even though there are good places to learn to surf in California like San Onofre or up on the west coast of Canada in Tofino, for this list they don’t make the cut. Do you want to be getting out of the water in December on the west coast of Canada? Let’s pick a spot that is going to be as much of a great time on the land as it is out in the water.

Santa Teresa - Costa Rica: Located on the Pacific Coast on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais have been attracting international surfers for years. Originally drawn by the waves, surfers fell in love with this place and now you’ll find a wide array of hotels and restaurants. Happily the town is still small enough to have kept its charm.

Byron Bay - Australia: The water isn’t as warm as Santa Teresa, but the waves are gonna warm your heart. The town has plenty of accommodations, great cafes and music venues.

Lahaina, Maui - Hawaii: This has to be one of the easiest places to learn to surf in the world, not to mention you’ll be on the beautiful island of Maui.

Kuta Beach, Bali - Indonesia: Beautiful golden sand with perfect rolling waves and bustling tourism. Too crowded for some and just right for others.

Florianopolis - Brazil: Barra da Lagoa in Florianopolis is a perfect beach to learn to surf. If you get tired of surfing the waves, give sand surfing a try at nearby Ingleses Beach where you can surf down sand dunes on a board.

Ready to take that surf vacation? Check out SURFhow’s free online guide for tips and videos on learning to surf.

Whether you are young or old YOU CAN SURF! Head over to http://www.surfhow.com to learn more about surfing. You’ll find an online surf guide and instructional surf videos.

Article Source: Glenn Kolb

Surf Travel Hotspots for Beginners

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May 3, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Jordy Mason

If you are a surfer or someone that wants to learn how to surf you need to know about all the great surf vacations that you can take to different parts of the world. This can be one of the best trips you have ever taken as you catch some of the best waves in the world. Even if you are a beginner many of these vacations have beginning surf classes that can help make you a better surfer while you are on vacation.

Some of these vacations are specifically guided and for advanced surfers that can handle the largest waves that can be found. This can be very dangerous, but can also be a lot of fun. This is not they type of trip for a regular surfer, but more for one that is considered to be a top surfer or very advanced. This could be the most incredible surfing experience of your life.

Another one of the types of surf vacations is those that are for teaching. Usually you will have one or two instructors that can work with your entire group regardless of their skill level. They can help beginners learn how to be better surfers and even the more advanced surfers can learn something from these trips. Plus you will see things you may have only dreamed about seeing.

If you are a surfer, then taking one of the many surf vacations that exist is a great way to enjoy your hobby and get away from your regular life. This is the best thing you can do in order to make sure you are able to have fun on your vacation and relax as well. Surfing is a lot of fun and even if you are a beginner you can have a great vacation with surfing.

Discover the best surf equipment, trips, and schools is only one click away. Click Here Now to get the best equipment and book your trip to Learn to Surf!

Article Source: Jordy Mason

Surf Vacations: The Biggest Waves and the Best Surfing in the World!

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March 26, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Alexis Kurt

Everybody who knows surfing surely loves it. Surfing is a beautiful experience of getting into water to riding on big waves. I have a great experience of surfing. I have been to plenty of beaches and pools to practice my surfing skills. I have noticed one thing in all the famous surf spots. It is that there are many people that come for surfing and due to this it becomes mess.

By noticing this thing I decided to search for places which are best for surfing and the tides are also high. So I have collected some information about these types of beaches that I am going to share with you. These beaches are not famous so are not crowded. And you can surf there without any mess with full peace. No doubt the following places that I am going to tell you are small but the waves there are awesome.

The first secret place is in Honolulu, Hawaii. You must be amazed to hear about Hawaii because now it is a dead place for surfing. But even then there are many hidden places in Hawaii which are alive for surfing. These surfing points are small but the waves there are unbeatable. To reach to these spots you have to go through a bit dangerous track. When the waves pick up its pace, these spots become the best surfing spots. Locals hardly know about these places.

The second secret place is Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. This place is totally a secret place. It is basically used for competitions. This place is on an island and to reach there it takes four to five hours from the nearest airport. For the people who know about this destination it is one of the top surfing places in the country. There you will find ten surfing spots and if one surfing is too crowded then you can also change the spot. In this town you will not find a five star to stay because the town is too small but the people are friendly and can help you a lot. It is recommended that you go there at the time of November to January. In these months the waves are awesome.

The third interesting place for surfing is Oahu, Hawaii. This place is too far from the place you must be residing but and getting to the island is a big challenge but if you are daring surfer and really want to get the best surfing experience then you have to go there. But the reward that you will get there is high unending tides trying to touch the sky. It is best if you go there in summers as the waves there reach to its peak.

Last but not the least is Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Here the water is so cold that you will find ice at some points in the water. It is basically a challenging place for surfers. The first thing is because if the cold water and the warm water will meet it will create a tide and second is due storms which create high tides. If you like to take challenges and a daring person then this place is best for you.

If you are looking someone to teach you surfing then the beaches of Portugal, France, Spain, Ireland, and Canary Islands, beaches of Costa Rica, California, Hawaii or Brazil are the best option.

For further detains and getting more information about surfing you can take the help of internet. There you will find each and every detail.

Surfing is a hobby that everyone will surely love. There are certain places offering services such as surf spots. Or you may want to try surf Europe.

Article Source: Alexis Kurt

Simply Amazing Surf Spots

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