Surfing in Cornwall is just as Fun for Beginners

Cornwall is considered to be the mecca of surf for the UK for a variety of reasons. Firstly, because it has the best of the Atlantic beaches in the UK and literally offers a 'perfect' wave to suit every level of surfer and secondly, it is blessed with a subtropical climate and the Gulf Stream currents that are ideal when spending long hours in the water.

There are also plenty of affordable beach cottages in Cornwall to rent, located on or near the beachfront. Whether you prefer the pristine shores of Newquay or the wilder shores of Sandymouth in Bude, the beaches are well equipped for the fanatical surfer. Beginners and professionals will feel welcome on any beach in Cornwall but there is such a massive choice of options for varying levels that it's hard to know where to go. Firstly, if you are a beginner then always stay well away from the professionals as they are hungry for those waves and would rather surf over your head than miss out on a break.

Total beginners should head for the novice friendly beaches that the heavy weights won't be interested in. Try Gwithian Beach, which offers a tamer wave, surf lessons with all the equipment hire and plenty of space for everyone to catch a decent wave without any major incidents. Harlyn Bay is another medium size wave deliverer, especially at mid tide, as is Perranporth, which offers clean lines of break for all to catch. For kids the best beach is Widemouth, thanks to its gentle shelving. That said, the key is to always check with the lifeguard on duty before you take to the waves, as they will always guide you to where the safest areas are for that specific time of the day.

So where do you go for your first surfing holiday? Bude is renowned for its established surfing culture and its beaches and coves offer the props and waves to suit all ages and levels. Start with a few lessons in Widemouth and then head to Crooklets and Sandymouth for a bit of inspiration. There are loads of great beachfront cottages in Cornwall for rent and most towns are filled with great bars and restaurants that all the family will love. Another great area for surf beaches is around the coast near St Ives, namely the beaches at Gwithian and Hayle. There is always a swell here and depending on what end of the beach you are on you can more or less choose a suitable level of wave. Carbis Bay offers the perfect base for a surfing holiday here and is absolutely beautiful and wild, with the added benefit of having cosmopolitan St Ives on your doorstep for entertainment. In fact, Carbis Bay has been known to offer some pretty good rides to body boarders as well.

Lastly there is Newquay, the most famous British surfing town and its surfing championship crowning glory, Fistral Beach. I would only recommend you come here for the atmosphere and a bit of fun, as the surf is generally too crowded for learners. On the other hand next door to Fistral Beach are some fabulous alternatives, namely Great Western Beach and Lusty Glaze. Newquay conveniently offers some very affordable rental properties includind some awesome beachfront apartments and has a bustling town centre, which makes it a good base for accommodation. Then you can venture off into the endless miles of sandy coastline until you reach Cornwall's southern sands of Praa and Perranuthnoe, a couple of stonking family beaches that offer good surf along with plenty of facilities in the shape of gear hire, shops, surf schools and beach cafes. Bon Surfage!