Where to surf?

Jase · #1 (**permalink**) 18th January 2006, 14:51

Hea,

I am from Hemel Hempstead (which is just north of London) and traveling to newquay takes around 5 hours so me and my friends cant really go for a day trip. Is there anywhere a bit nearer where the surf is good?

Thanks Jason

62microbus · #2 (**permalink**) 18th January 2006, 15:16

im near cambridge and people always suggest ramsgate or north norfolk but i really dont fancy the brown water myself. you could try the very most north point of devon or somewhere in wales. where ever you go its still going to be a good 2 hour drive i think.

indy surf bum · #3 (**permalink**) 18th January 2006, 15:30

i was going to say ramsgate is ment to be alright, also heard brighton is not to bad

62microbus · #4 (**permalink**) 18th January 2006, 15:33

i always forget about brigton, i think that only works when theres really good surf and is not as good as newquay even when it is working. i think i would be worth the trip to north devon. it would be about 200/230 miles from hemel so about 3 - 3.5 hours drive.

starfish · #5 (**permalink**) 14th February 2006, 01:25

brighton's not all it's cracked up to be at all! can be good when it is working but with it having a shingle beach can be a bit painful if you wipeout...

miketurner · #6 (**permalink**) 17th February 2006, 12:19

If you are going to hit North Devon I would reccomend a place called Croyde, a few campsites 5 mins walk from the beech very competitive prices, I have stayed a ruda(a bit more commercial and expensive) and also the next site along cherry tree farm very cheap and chearful:-) but clean and ok. Thing is with Croyde it is very quiet not much of a night life a couple of pubs in the village, not really newquay though! But depends on what you want from a holiday I go down to Croyde if I can't be bothered with the extra driving and just want to chill with the lads. I am from St Albans not to far from hemel so understand the problem but you have to admit it is worth the trip!!!

Alsone · #7 (**permalink**) 17th February 2006, 14:46

Croyde might be a bit advanced by the sounds of it.

To quote the Croyde web cam site: "Even a medium sized low tide will break boards and bones".

Theres Woolacombe in Devon, thats nice and sandy.

There are also numerous spots in North Wales if any nearer.

Other than that I don't really know.

Al.

ANCIENTWILLIAM · #8 (**permalink**) 19th February 2006, 01:39

Theres mean't to be some place which I can't remember at this time just down from BROADSTAIRS that some seem to go on about ... personally I prefer to miss the orrible brown stuff that they call the North Sea !!! Make a long weekend of it & head for Devon or Cornwall as I often do when I'm stuck workin in town ...

indy surf bum · #9 (**permalink**) 19th February 2006, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ancientwilliam

Theres mean't to be some place which I can't remember at this time just down from BROADSTAIRS that some seem to go on about ... personally I prefer to miss the orrible brown stuff that they call the North Sea !!! Make a long weekend of it & head for Devon or Cornwall as I often do when I'm stuck workin in town ...

you should try swimming in the thames !

chewie · #10 (**permalink**) 5th July 2007, 14:35

North Devon has loads of good spots, I'd agree with Alsone, start with Putsborough, Saunton and Woolacombe before Croyde (especially at low tide). If you want a shorter drive there are plenty of spots in East Anglia but the swell isnt anywhere near as regular. There is a website which has most of the beaches that can handle swell so PM me for details.

monkey1 · #11 (**permalink**) 5th July 2007, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alsone

Theres Woolacombe in Devon, thats nice and sandy.

I love woolacombe! There always seems to be decent surf (but then i'm not looking for 10ft waves, i'd die

), mind the BSA hold a few events a year there so must be good out back. There's a good gathering of people still out when the darkness draws in, and there's nightlife to be had if you want it - not quite as in your face as in Newquay.