Surfing is great fun
Whether standing up, or lying down, surfing all the way to the beach for the first time is an amazing experience. And there is nowhere better to learn to surf than North Cornwall. The wide, sandy beaches and consistent surf here make Bude a favourite destination for people wanting to learn to surf. So, book in to the Camelot Hotel and get wet!

Surfing equipment
All you need to learn to surf is a surf board! But it also helps if you have a wetsuit, and in the winter at least, wetsuit boots and gloves. Surfing is not nearly so much fun if you are cold. Boogie boards are cheap and readily available at many different shops in Bude. But if you want to stand up you will need a proper surfboard. And whether you hire one or buy one, there is one golden rule - make sure it is big enough. The bigger the board the easier it is to catch waves and the more stable it is, making it far easier to get your feet. Whether buying or hiring make sure you get the advice of the staff in the surf shops, who will all be experienced surfers.

Surf schools
If you are serious about learning to surf, by far the best way is to have a proper lesson. There are a number of surf schools in and around Bude. All of them have trained coaches and provide everything you need. Whoever you choose, make sure they are affiliated to the British Surfing Association who insist that coaches are also trained lifesavers. A typical lesson will last 2 1/2 hours, and in it you will learn everything you need to know about surfing. After that it is simply a case of practice, practice, practice.

Surfing beaches
The best beaches for learning to surf are wide, sandy and flat. Here the waves will be gentler and you'll have plenty of room. And flatter beaches generally have fewer currents. Avoid surfing near rocks, and take care that there are no rocks hidden below the surface. The best beaches to learn to surf on are Widemouth to the south of Bude, and Summerleaze in Bude itself. Crooklets in Bude is also excellent, as is Sandymouth a few miles to the north.

Surf safely
All the main beaches in North Cornwall have lifeguard cover throughout the summer. They are normally on duty from 10am to 6pm. If at any time you get into trouble in the surf simply hold on to your surfboard and raise your arm: this is this signal that you need help and the lifeguards will be with you very quickly. If there are dangerous currents the lifeguards will put up the red flag, and although you will see experienced surfers out in the surf you would be well advised to stay on the beach. If there are no lifeguards on duty avoid surfing at low tide when the currents are usually at their worst. In fact as a learner surfer your biggest risk is not from the sea but from being hit by your own, or someone else's, surfboard. When you wipe out (all part of the fun!) cover your face with your arms as you come to the surface to protect yourself from your board. Try to avoid getting in other people's way, and try not to crash into anyone yourself!

Surf schools in the Bude area
Oudoor Adventure
Raven Surf
Atlantic Pursuits
Big Blue
Sandymouth Surf School
BSX