Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Water Sports
Few regions are so rich in idyllic places to get on, and in, the water. Here find hundreds of
miles of beautiful beaches, scores of historic sailing ports and an array of sheltered estuar-
ies. In Cornwall, add the most consistent quality surf in England and you have endless op-
portunities to surf, bodyboard, sail, kayak and dive.
These experiences also offer an insider's insight into life along the shore: secret coves,
seal's-eye views of soaring cliffs and wildlife-watching galore.
Surfing
The southwest's surf culture has helped power its reinvention as a cool holiday hotspot.
Surprisingly, the roots reach back more than a century - sepia archive images show people
surfing in the region in 1904. The sport really took off in the 1950s, and now racks of wet-
suits and boards tempt thousands into the waves.
The self-styled surfing (and party) capital is Newquay. More relaxed surf hubs include
Polzeath, Perranporth, Bude and Sennen Cove in Cornwall, and Croyde, Woolacombe and
Bantham in Devon.
Braunton, near Croyde, also has a UK first - the ultra-cool Museum of British Surfing
(
Click here
)
is the county's only permanent, wave-riding-related heritage display.
Learning to Surf
Beginners are likely to spend a lot of time simply trying to stand up and lessons are highly
credits schools country-wide. Lesson costs start from around £30 for 2½ hours; at least two
sessions are normally needed to get the best results.
Hire outlets are sited at all of Devon and Cornwall's popular surfing beaches. It costs
around £10 to rent a wetsuit for a half-day; the same for surfboards. Another option is a
much easier-to-manage bodyboard; hire stands are easy to find, and costs are similar to
those of surfboards.
Be aware, each year people get into difficulties in the water and sadly some drown; head
for an RNLI-patrolled beach (the main ones are) and follow the lifeguards' advice.
