These tips are all aimed at ensuring you’ve got sufficient information and will get you as far as the beach. Let’s jump right in!

1. Prepare Yourself Mentally

No one says it’s going to be easy. In fact, surfing is probably one of the most difficult sports to sink your teeth into. The reason being the fact that the sport depends entirely on unpredictable conditions. Waves, weather and tide all plays a role in catching the perfect wave.

If you prepare yourself mentally and understand the learning curve ahead, you should be fine. Don’t give up at the first obstacle! A wipe out is unavoidable and you will experience it now and then, even as a seasoned pro.

2. Select the Perfect Board

When it comes to buying your very first board, we’d highly recommend getting a longboard that is wide and thick. A great board will make a difference in how you learn and perform. Boards that are thicker, longer and wider are perfect for beginners.

But before you hit the web and buy the first board you find online, it’s best to go to a local surf shop and ask some advice. Here you’ll be assisted by professionals who will be able to ensure you get the board that is best for you.

3. Finding the Perfect Spot

Now, this can be a bit tricky. As we’ve mentioned before, your field is everchanging due to the weather and tides. A spot that might seem perfect can be a bit unstable on the day you want to surf. Even though a lot of surfers will tell you that a beach break is perfect for beginners, this might not be the case.

If you haven’t enrolled in a surf camp or school, it’s best to check what the ocean is doing from a reputable website. Statistics and wave conditions change rapidly, and it’s best to keep an eye out on it. We’d recommend checking on surfline.com.

4. Get a Mentor

If you don’t enrol in a course, it’s best to get a friend or teacher to show you the basics beforehand. You don’t want to paddle out and get wiped out every time you give it a shot! And, if you don’t get the basics right, you may soon come to regret it. Bad habits are difficult to shake off.

If you can’t enrol in a course, ask a friend to show you the ropes. This will ensure you get all the basics right as you practice. And you don’t have to do that continually – only until you know the basic techniques.

5. Get Down with Etiquette

As with any sport out there, surf also has its own set of ethics and etiquette you should be aware of. As a beginner, these things might sound a bit foreign, but trust us when we say that familiarising yourself with these subtle rules will go a long way.

1. Show Respect

You should always respect the community you are visiting and be sure not to step on any toes if its not your home turf.

2. Avoid Drop-ins

This is as good as stealing someone’s wave. Check to see where the other surfer is closer to the peak of a wave, he/she has preference of catching the wave and vice versa.

3. Choose your spot Wisely

Do some research before just getting in the water. This is key to having a great surfing experience. Check the weather and tide as well as wave conditions.

These tips should get you started! We’d highly recommend joining a surf school or getting a friend to show you the ropes. We wish you the best of luck and remember to have some fun while you are at it!

In this post we take a look at some of surf’s biggest names, their accomplishments and what makes us look up to them.

1. Duke Kahanamoku

Commonly referred to as the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku was a professional swimmer and surfer in the 20^th century. Duke took to water like a fish, and broke a couple of world records along the way.

• In 1914, Duke introduced surfing in New Zealand and Australia.
• He won an Olympic gold medal for the 100-meter freestyle at the very young age of 20 and remained the United States’ representative for 20 years.
• Duke raised funds for war efforts in 1918 by swimming at exhibitions in more than 20 cities.

2. Miki Dora

One of the very first ‘wild ones’ in the world of surf, Miki Dora is known for his nonconformist beliefs and passion for surfing. He had a troubled childhood and found his passion for the ocean from his stepfather, Gard Chaplin who was also a pro surfer.

• Miki’s nickname ‘Da Cat’ was derived from his nimble footwork on the longboard. Coincidentally, he was also responsible for popularising longboarding.
• Miki is considered to be the very first superstar of surfing.
• A bit of an outcast and rebel, he was arrested in 1973 for grand robbery and fraud.

3. Bruce Brown

Known for his marvellous skills in capturing breathtaking footage of surfers and waves, Bruce Brown is the mastermind behind the iconic movie, The Endless Summer. Even though Brown had made other surf films before this cult classic, it was The Endless Summer that put surfing on the map.

• Brown made his very first surf film in 1955 in Hawaii while he was in the navy. He was a mere 18 years old at that time.
• The Endless Summer outsold My Fair Lady at its first screening in Kansas in 1965. The movie was dubbed one of the ten best films of 1966 after re-edits.
• The Endless Summer changed the way people saw surfers and surf culture. Instead of being portrayed as beach bums, the movie brings to light the perfectionist and passion inside each surfer.

Thanks to these big names, surfing has become one of the most popular water sports today. We have listed our favourite influencers; do you have any to add to this list?

We bet you’ve watched some of these already, or perhaps you’ve seen them all. Nevertheless, here’s our top pick of the very best surf movies of all time!

1. The Endless Summer

This 1966 classic features Robert August and infamous Mike Hynson, traveling around the world in search for the perfect wave. Be inspired to surf and travel at some of the world’s best surfing spots when watching this cult classic directed by Bruce Brown.

2. Point Break

Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze teams up in this thriller where Swayze leads a band of surfer convicts. Reeves plays an FBI agent who infiltrates the group toarrest the mob who keeps robbing banks. It features loads of surf scenes, romance and drama.

3. Big Wednesday

This classic follows the trials and tribulations of three friends as they grow into men.  All three of them of course talented and passionate surfers. Follow their journey through life as they stumble and fall, get married and of course, surf.

4. Step into Liquid

This documentary is a definite must-watch and features some fantastic surf scenes with pros like Laird Hamilton, Taj Burrow and Keala Kennelly. Great waves and one of the first documentary films to highlight professional female surfers.

5. Soul Surfer

Based on a true story, the inspirational tale of Bethany Hamilton’s close encounter with a tiger shark and how it influenced her pro surfing career. After losing her arm, Bethany has to overcome the obstacle that life throwed at her and perseveres.

6. Chasing Mavericks

Another true story, Chasing Mavericks tells the tale of a young boy who is saved by a pro surfer, Frosty Hesson. The boy looks to Hesson as a mentor who then teaches him everything about surfing. Expect romance, suspense and of course, magnificent mavericks!

7. In God’s Hands

This drama features three pro surfers on a journey across the globe in search of epic waves. Even though the plot is not great, you can expect great shots and visual imagery that will get you psyched for your next surf.

8. Thicker than Water

This film by musician/surfer Jack Johnson and the Malloys is a definite must-watch. Follow a group of friends as they travel around the globe in search of the very best waves and surf spots. Think camaraderie mixed with the surf lifestyle.

And that’s a wrap! Have you seen any of these classic films? Which is your favourite? Enjoy and remember there will always be some way to feed your need for salty water!

There are a couple of these camps that are on the pricier side, but in general you’ll be able to attend a 6-day surf camp with as little as £400. In this post we take a look at some of the best surf camps out there, their cost, and what you can expect from them. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Phuket, Thailand – Learn to Surf Camp

This surf camp is hosted by Skyla’s Surf & SUP, and runs for a total of 6 days. The camp is perfect for newbies and intermediate surfers who’d like to sharpen their skills. It includes five surfing lessons focusing on surfing and longboard surfing.

Your accommodation and meals will be included in the package that will cost you around £310. You’ll also get two complimentary Thai massages to keep those muscles supple. As far as location and value for money goes, you can’t get better than this!

2. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica –8 Days Surf Lessons

The perfect spot to learn how to surf, or to enjoy the company of other surfers, booking this camp won’t disappoint. The beautiful beaches of Santa Teresa have loads to offer everyone looking to learn new skills or how to surf. Whether you’re a pro, beginner or intermediate surfer, you’ll be able to benefit from this camp.

At a very low cost of £448 you’ll get six surfing lessons, tips and coaching, meals and accommodation and much more. Think of this camp as the ultimate opportunity to sharpen your skills and discover the magical beaches of Costa Rica.

3. Pelena, Sri Lanka – Yoga and Surf Camp

Imagine eight days of bliss with six surf lessons and six yoga sessions on a daily basis. Heaven! This camp is hosted by The Surfer Weligama in Pelena and includes all your meals and accommodation. It is however specifically aimed at advanced and intermediate surfers.

You’ll also have access to surfboards and have plenty of time available to dash around in a scooter and discover Sri Lanka. The package will cost you about £344 which is pretty reasonable considering all your basic expenses plus classes are covered.

4. Tibubeneng, Bali – Authentic Surf Camp

This camp is offered to surfers of all levels and is available year-round. The location alone is breath-taking, and allows you to get lessons at some of the hottest surf spots in Bali. The lessons include theory and video analysis and is hosted by hosted by Surf WG Bali.

Experienced surf instructors will take you on two surfing excursions daily, while you’ll also have time to explore the beautiful beaches during some free-time. At around £422 breakfast, surfboard rental and accommodation are included.

Are you ready to book your ticket and get lost in the surf? Which camp would you prefer going to? All of the ones we’ve discussed are perfect for all levels, so your options are wide open!

Everything about this destination is something to look forward to. Just think about those long stretches of white sandy, the gentle roar as the waves crash, palm trees and cocktails. Now, imagine going into the warm water, board in hand.

The Best Time to Visit Fiji

If you want to be sure you get the perfect swells of 8-10 feet, you’d better be there between April and October. If, however you don’t mind all that much, anytime is a great time to surf in Fiji!

All the Best Surf Spots

There are plenty of fantastic surfing spots in Fiji, but it all depends on your level of proficiency. Next, we’ll highlight the best surf spots according to difficulty.

Beginners

There are three top spots for thenoobs out there to get your surf on:

• Frigates
• Natadola
• Swimming pools

Think great swells in different shapes and sizes, reef peaks and groundswell. All these spots are perfect for beginners and you’ll have a ball of a time finding your feet. The best out of them all to try out for a first time is Natadola.

Natadola resort beach offers beginners the opportunity to body surf or get started and get a feel for the waves. The inside reef peak here is perfect for longboarding.

Intermediate

For those who are not quite pros yet, there are three great beaches:

• Desperations
• Namotu
• Wilkes

Namotu is known as the best longboard wave in Fiji, but it can be fantastic for shortboards too. It’s also the perfect spot for surfers of all levels, especially when the swell is 3ft. But things become more fun when it reaches 8ft.

Another resort that’s perfect for all levels is Wilkes. Remember to keep an eye out for the reef and rips when you decide to give these deeper waters a test.

Pro

And last but not the least, the perfect spot for the pros out there is none other than:

• Cloudbreak
• Restaurants

Cloudbreak is specifically known as one of the best or most difficult waves in the world. Who wouldn’t want to give it a shot? Think along the lines of 20 feet swells and challenging conditions that attracts the best of the best in the world of championship surfing.

Restaurant might not be as popular as Cloudbreak, but if you are lucky enough you can get some pretty rad tubular waves.

Now that you’ve got all the details and all the hot spots, you should start looking at booking your ticket and getting over there!

In this post we share our list of the top seven surfing spots from all around the globe. Let’s dive in!

1. Costa Rica, Playa Grande

Did you know that Playa Grande is home to the nesting grounds of leatherback turtles? That’s the second largest to be exact. Playa Grande also happens to be the very best spot for surfing in the whole of Costa Rica.

2. Ireland, Bundoran

Perhaps not the warmest of waters, but surely one of the best spots for surfing. Bundoran has a rich surfing culture with loads to offer tourists and those looking for the perfect swell. You’ll be happy to know that accommodation is also very affordable.

3. Australia, Bondi Beach

In Sydney, you’ll find Bondi Beach. The most popular beach in the whole of Oz. Tourists visit it for the pearly white beach, while surfers come for the perfect surf. Entertainment also abounds if you’ve had your fill of the waves.

4. Morocco, Taghazout

Taghazout is a tiny fishing village that is located in the south of Morocco. What we love most about this destination is the peace. It offers great surfing experiences while crowds won’t trample you. The best time for skilled surfers to visit Taghazout is between April and September.

5. Fiji, Tavarua Island

About a mile off the island you will find Cloudbreak. Cloudbreak is known to be one of the most popular breaks in the world of surfing. You’ll only be able to get to it if you stay at the Tavarua surf resort and are towed in, depending on the size of the break.

6. France, Biarritz

Yes, Biarritz is a very popular resort town. But, it is also perfect for surfing as discovered by the locals who have been surfing there for years. If you ever visit France in the summer or spring, be sure to visit Biarritz for some great surfing experiences.

7. Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay

Maybe not a surf destination for the wild at heart, and perhaps a better option if you want to relax. This little village in Sri Lanka offers steady waves and great surfing opportunities during season. The best time of year to visit Arugam Bay is from May-November.

Does our list feature any of your ‘have to visit’ surf destinations? Whenever you get around to it, enjoy your time at any of the surf spots on our list.

In this post we provide you with three of our top tips to make sure you have an unforgettable surfing experience in Bali.

1. Getting Started

First-off, you need to know that Uluwatu consists of six main reef breaks that surrounds the coast. Each of these have their name; The Racetrack, Outside Corner, Peak, Bombie, Temples and Secrets from right to left. Peak and Outside Corner at the most popular reefs where you’ll find the majority of surfers.

The best time to go surfing would be between mid to low tide. Simply go down the steps at Uluwatu. When you reach the cave, you can paddle out and start surfing!

2. Bring Booties

Even though a lot of surfers there are seen without them, we’d highly recommend you wear yours. Thanks to the area, you’ll be walking across reefs, and a lot of them. If you want to keep your feet unharmed, the best way to go is to wear your booties.

It all depends on whether your soles will be able to take the rugged terrain or not. So, if you are up for it, you can do as the locals and surf without them.

3. Renting a Board

You are also probably wondering whether or not you should bring your board with or rent on when you get there. This all depends on your preference. It is very nice to have your board with you, but keep in mind that travelling costs on board bags and so forth can be ridiculous.

When renting, you will be able to rent per hour or rent for 24 hours. The best advice we can give is to negotiate prices with the vendors. But all in all, renting a board is worth it when you’re surfing at Uluwatu.

That’s our top tips for surfing at Uluwatu in Bali. Enjoy your time there!

29/02/2008:// Thousands of students from all over the UK will be in Cornwall this weekend for the 2007 BUSA Championships.

More than four hundred surfers will be battling to become the top individual student surfer and the top university team in the first British Surfing Association contest of the year.

Depending on the conditions, the event will be held at either Fistral Beach or Towan Beach in Newquay.

Last year’s event saw a phenomenal men’s entry with 80 male teams in total.

The eventual winners were the team from Plymouth University, closely followed by Aberdeen and in the women’s event the University of the West of England took first place with Swansea receiving second.

In the individual event, Ludovic Henry, surfing for Plymouth University was the men’s champion and Swansea Institutes Joanne Dennison was the victor in the women’s event.

Now in its second year the University College Falmouth team will be in the running and with university surfing on a continual rise, exciting action and an impressive level of surfing is expected throughout the contest.

A large number of supporters accompany the teams and after the day’s surfing events are over, there’s plenty for the students to do in Newquay.

On the Saturday, the students will arrive en mass at an official BUSA Surf Championship party.

Karen Walton, National Director of the BSA said, “The BUSA Championships always has such an awesome atmosphere and it really kicks off the contest year in style. It’s an amazing weekend and all of the students really go to town to support their counterparts in the water. We’re expecting to see some really top surfing this weekend.”

On the eve of his first ever ASP Men’s World Tour heat as a full time professional, Tiago Pires (Ericeira, Portugal) has re-signed with iconic global surf brand Billabong.

The 28-year-old is the first surfer from Portugal to ever qualify for the elite level of professional competition and will join Andy Irons (Kauai), Taj Burrow (Yallingup, WA) and Joel Parkinson (Coolangatta) as the fourth Billabong sponsored athlete to contest the 2008 men’s world tour. *

Pires joined the Billabong team in 1999, establishing himself as one of the brand’s top European surfers.

“I feel like part of the family at Billabong,” said Pires. “For the past nine years the company has really looked after me, especially the guys in Portugal, so I’m honoured to be continuing the relationship.

“Billabong has an amazing history which I feel proud to have been a part of and representing the brand has always been very important to me.”

Brand Manager for Billabong Europe Reid Pinder said Pires will be a crucial part of the company’s future marketing plans.

“Tiago has proven himself to be a fierce competitor and a highly respected surfer which fits perfectly with Billabong,” he said. “We are looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish on tour in 2008 and we will be backing him every step of the way.

“He will be an asset to the continued growth of the Billabong brand, especially through Europe.”

Joining the World Qualifying Series in 1999, the path to top 45 qualification has been a long and arduous one for the powerful natural footer. Back to back wins of the 6 star rated Buondi Billabong Pro in his home country in 2005/2006 marked a career highlight, but struggling for consistency withheld the talented surfer from his rightful place on the men’s world tour.

2007 was the year things fell into place. A 2nd at the Drug Aware Pro 6 Star in Margaret River, followed by a string of 9th placed finishes in South Africa, France, Japan, Maldives and Newcastle rocketed him into a qualifying position early in the year. From there all he had to do was hold tight. He did exactly that to finish the year in 5th with easily enough points to secure his 2008 tour position.

Pires will now focus on the first ASP World Tour event that gets underway at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Australia tomorrow, (23rd February – 5th March).

* Billabong has seven world tour competitors in total. Rebecca Woods (AUS), Nicola Atherton (AUS) and Silvana Lima (BRA) represent the brand on the women’s world tour

Cornish surfers will fill seven of the eight places in the grand final of the South To South Frostbite Junior Winter Series.

Jack Whitefield, Josh Piper, Seb Smart, Morgan Elston, George Picking, Marcus Lascelles, and Bert Wright will be joined by Newport’s Robert Webster-Blythe in the mobile contest showdown next month.

The places were confirmed following the third qualifying event at Porthmeor, in St Ives.

Webster-Blythe made the journey down from Newport in Wales worthwhile by securing victory in the Under 18 division of the South to South Frostbite Sessions, and winning the qualifying series by a clear margin.

After a second place at Portreath, the 18 year old came out on top at Porthmeor is solid four to five feet waves.

With two of the three event results counting towards the final outcome, the ratings leaders were all in contention, lead from the start by Newquay’s Josh Piper.

Gwithian contest winner, Marcus Lascelles was back after six weeks out with an injured ankle, and in the under 16’s local boy Jack Whitefield was looking for a second victory, with Seb Smart from Sennen hot on his heels and keen to improve on his previous results.

From the start, Smart was looking like the surfer to beat, winning all his heats convincingly, though being matched on the other side of the board by Josh Piper, also surfing easily to the under 16 final, to be joined by Jack Whitefield and Morgan Elston from St Agnes.

In the under 18’s, it was to be a repeat of the previous weeks final, with the same line up of Josh Piper, Rob Webster Blythe, Jack Whitefield and Bert Wright.

Unfortunately by finals time the wind had swung onshore, and low tide Porthmeor was not playing ball, making conditions difficult.

The Under 18’s were first in the water, with Josh Piper taking an early lead with a powerful re-entry, and Jack Whitefield continuing his strategy of taking every wave he could find.

Robert Webster-Blythe showed his experience in wave selection, but with only ten minutes remaining there was no standout between the three of them.

Bert Wright, who had managed a final place in all three events, just couldn’t find the waves. Robert then pulled out the stops getting the highest scoring wave of the day, by pulling into the shorebreak, and taking the lead.

One good wave from Whitefield could have taken him ahead but it was not to be.

As conditions worsened the Under 16’s final got underway, proving to be hard work for all four surfers, and making it almost impossible to complete more than one turn on a wave.

Jack Whitefield, surfing his home break, couldn’t repeat his previous form, and it was Seb Smart who managed to show that bit more flair and determination to win on the day.

With all three qualifying events now completed, the top eight surfers will be taken off to surf the best waves that Organiser Tyson Greenaway can find on the day.

As to the location, Greenaway is keeping that close to his chest, but he has a number of “secret” locations in mind.

“The conditions have been so good to us so far, so we’ve got to make the final something special. I really want it to be great for them. That’s what this whole series has been about; giving the top juniors the chance to compete in the best available waves,” he said.

The winner of the final will win a sponsorship deal offering the youngsters a vital stepping stone onto a future surfing career.

Porthmeor results:

U-16
1st Seb Smart
2nd Josh Piper
3rd Jack Whitefield
4th Morgan Elston

U-18
1st Rob Webster Blythe
2nd Jack Whitefield
3rd Josh Piper
4th Bert Wright