Alternatively, your first encounter might be as part of a stag or hen do, taking a surfing lesson after a night of partying, feeling like death warmed up. Whichever it is, to get the most out of the experience, there are a few very simple but important rules-of-thumb you’re never told that could really help…Hydration – you’re likely to be in the water for around two hours if you’re with experienced surfers or on a beginners’ lesson. During those two hours, you’ll be exercising unfamiliar muscles and fighting the considerable might of the sea almost continuously. Drink plenty of water (not seawater, although you will end up swallowing plenty of that); and don’t be macho and do it on an empty stomach.
Suncream – A giant red head and sunstroke is not a good look, but is sported all too often on campsites in Woolacombe. You, however, know you’ll be going surfing, so try and get hold of a surfer-specific type of suncream, or at the very least, a commercial brand that reassures you it’s waterproof. One major advantage is that the surfer-specific waterproof gel-style suncream won’t drip down from your forehead and sting your eyes – surfing is hard enough to learn already, without being unable to actually see the sea.
Board – you’ll be advised which board to use as a beginner. Either an 8-foot fun board or a bigger Malibu board catch waves more easily, but they’re harder to manoeuvre. Make sure it’s waxed so your ill-fitting suit sticks to it.
Youtube has countless 'learn to surf' videos - no, I know we're not in Australia, but we can always fantasize that on some days in the UK it's warm enough to surf in boardies :) and if you adopt a Ozzie accent people might think you know what you're doing!
Leash – It’s an unwieldy, restrictive feeling at first, being tethered to a massive board. But the first few times you spill in the waves and it goes flying out behind you, you’ll be glad of that leash round your ankle.
Rash vest – While you’re at it, hire one of these, or wear a T-shirt. Unless you’re used to rubber and grit, your skin will thank you for it.
Boots – Hire or borrow some boots the first time you surf. They’ll save you the hassle of worrying where you’re treading and what you’re treading on (including the dreaded Weaver fish and they don’t actually make learning to stand much more difficult.
The waves – When you’re first confronted with the waves, never have your board in between them and you. Remember, never point the board fins-first, and be careful not to rest your weight on the fins in the shallows.
Surfing etiquette – A holiday in North Devon is ridiculously popular in the Summer, and that means crowded seas. Keep at least the length of you, your leash and your board away from others in the sea. And remember, the first surfer standing close to where the wave is breaking has right-of-way. Follow the lead of other experienced surfers and be respectful to those who are more experienced than you.
Rip tides and lifeguards – Listen to everything you’re told about these, find out what the flags on the beach mean, and listen carefully to the distorted megaphone warnings the lifeguards shout out. Stick close to your mates to begin with, too – and if you’re feeling tired, there’s no shame in sitting out and getting your breath back.
Finally, for extra points, memorise the following phrase for when you’re out of the water: “The surf was all chop, but I was stoked. It was epic!”
This post was written by our friends at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, who specialise in offering short breaks in North Devon.
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