Are you thinking about learning to surf in the UK? We've been there and done that, and now we want to share our tips and top spots!

It has finally happened. You’re going surfing. In the UK. Probably in Cornwall. I know I know, you’re going to be a world champion surfer in 3 months, with sponsorship contracts flying in all over the place.

But in the meantime, you’re sitting there thinking “why on earth did I sign up for this?” Don't worry; we've got your back. We've all been there, and we are so thankful that we took that step. Surfing in the UK is incredible, and we want to be there to help you if you're thinking about it but aren't sure!

Let’s look at some of the common concerns people have about that first time in the UK.

1. Is the sea in Britain too cold to surf?

In fact, the waters around the United Kingdom are surprisingly warm, especially around late summer time. But for those of you who feel the chill, renting a wetsuit when you surf will more than do the job. I first learnt to surf in the North East UK - in Scarborough - in January, and I was really warm in just a 3mm wetsuit. (Remember though, different people need different thicknesses of wetsuit, as explained below.)

Halfway through the day, feeling too warm, I took off my gloves and hood and went back in the water. I then ran cursing back out of the water and put them back on immediately. I hadn't realised just how cold it was, since I was so warm in my kit. Wetsuits are very effective is what I’m saying.

Magicseaweed is an amazing website used by most water sports enthusiasts that gives details about weather around the UK (and elsewhere!) and they generated this handy sea temperature guide to help you decide what to wear!

2) Those waves look massive! How am I meant to learn?

According to film and tv, when people surf, it’s always on enormous waves of 20-50 feet that I have never seen on any beach anywhere before. There are reefs, and stones, and horrible tides. It all looks very dangerous.

Firstly, never surf where you feel uncomfortable. That goes for the experienced surfers as well as those of you who’ve never done it before. When you’re first learning to surf, you will almost certainly be focused on doing small beach breaks maybe 1-2 foot tall. These are perfect to start learning and understand popping up and balancing on a surfboard.

Secondly, always make sure to do your research and be sure that you’re going somewhere suitable for you, and your level of experience!

Source: Surfholidays Beginner surfing blog, by Francesca Bingley

3) What if I can’t stand-up in my first lesson, or I’m not good at it?

From my perspective, one of the most important things to remember when you go surfing, is to have fun. You don’t expect to get in a car on your first driving lesson, and suddenly be a rally driver.

Be comfortable going at your own pace, and make sure you enjoy what you’re doing. Some people find surfing harder, and some easier, when first getting started. It took me a while before I first stood up, but when I did, it was magical. I have been hooked ever since.

So, in summary, get out there and have fun, and don’t forget me when you become that pro-surfer in three months. But if that’s not you, don’t worry about it; I am no expert surfer, but I love to turn up and have a crack at the waves whenever I get the chance.

All it took was getting over my initial worries, and getting in the water with an instructor who cared and made sure I was comfortable. I’ve not looked back since, and four months after that first day in Scarborough, I went on a three week surfing holiday to Bali!

Here at Eola, we always want to talk to people interested in learning. Reach out to me directly on callum@eola.co.uk if you want to know more!

Or if you'd like to see where some good spots are to go surfing near major cities, we've written some blogs about it!

Looking for a booking system to help you run your outdoor activities? eola is dedicated to helping instructors and outdoor activity centres share their passion with more people. We reduce your administrative burdens, so you can have more time to spend doing what you love. Find out more at our watersports page.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest updates, and take a look at eola marketplace to find more great activities near you!

3 common concerns about surfing lessons in The UK addressed

Although it may surprise you, there is a burgeoning paddleboarding scene in London; from traverses through country areas in the West, to the canal in the North, and the docklands in the east, there is a wide selection of great schools and providers you can go to easily.

For those of you who haven't been paddleboarding before, it's a very accessible sport, regardless of your fitness level. The boards are generally very stable, so even if you're as clumsy as I am, you still aren't going to be spending much time in the water.

The team at eola went paddleboarding in Paddington recently, and of our group of 20, only 2 people fell in! Even then, both of those only fell in right at the end, when trying to get from their boards, to the dockside.

One of our favourite SUP tour operators in London is Active360. They have 4 locations in London (Kew Bridge, Putney, Paddington & Brentford) and offer a wide variety of SUP options.

Team eola went to have a go, so we could give you first-hand details on what it was like! Below, our CEO, Callum Hemsley gets to grips with his paddleboard with fellow team member Daniella Camilleri. The surroundings for the tutorial part of the session were somewhat majestic, with the towers of Paddington on either side.

Once all of us were able to stand up, and move around with (some) fluidity, the team at Active360 took us on a tour along the canal, where the surroundings quickly blossom from urban city, to gorgeous tree-lined walks on either side of a very peaceful canal

For some people it was their first time on a SUP board, but within 30min they were cruising along with no problems - it looks more difficult than it is!

If you’ve ever wanted to give SUP a go then we’d highly recommend booking a lesson with eola - you won’t be disappointed! If you go through the link below, we will even give you a discount!

If you're interested in other place to do SUP:

Click here to see our blog on SUP locations near Birmingham

Stand-up Paddleboarding in London

Where can I do it?

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