Surfing Holidays to France and South Africa
Newquay
Not so big Wednesday
02 years ago
After all the hype of the various on-line websites predicting a massive 10ft plus swell, we experienced something more tame today. The cribber did break, but not as big as would have been liked. There were a few surfers getting towed into it, and a couple of surfers trying to paddle into it, but the strength of the cross-offshore wind was too strong for those without the tow rope. A few 8-10ft sets came through.
There were lots of surfers on South Fistral where it was sheltered from the wind, and some nice 4-6ft sets coming through and some good lefts peeling off.
The past week has definitely been the best for a good many months, with good winds and decent ground swell for the North Coast of Cornwall… long may it continue.
Quiksilver Surf Showdown – August Bank Holiday weekend
02 years ago
The Quiksilver Surf Showdown at Fistral Beach, Newquay will take place over the August bank holiday weekend; the 29th and 30th of August.
It’s an innovative idea that sees 2 staff from each of the chosen UK & Ireland’s surf shops paired with 2 surfers from the UK’s finest 16 pro’s. These 8 teams will then compete over the two day contest. They will be competing for the chance to win a trip to the Quiksilver Pro France, (we will also be there in September, see our France page for details) and a personalised Gibson Guitar, as well as £500 for the winning surfer.
Also there will be entertainment from local bands. Gibson & Quiksessions “Play on the Beach” Live Gigs.In the run up Quiksilver & Gibson are launching an online contest for local bands to win the chance to play on the Gibson & Quiksessions Stage at the event.
Should be fun!
Sunshine and swell; a great start to Boardmasters Competition
02 years ago
It was a lovely day today filled with sunshine and pumping waves. The start of the official 5 star World Qualifying Series went off really well. In 4-6 ft waves competitors fought it out on North Fistral to gain a place in the next round. An onshore wind stopped conditions from being perfect, but didn’t stop some great surfing! Plus the sun came out for the first time in what seems like a long time, helping to lift the holiday mood.
Tomorrow swell height is forecast to be similar to today, but dropping off after that. So our advice is if you want to see some good surfing, get down to the comp tomorrow! It’s on till Sunday.
No fear when the forecast says no surf!
02 years ago
If you are here in the UK for August, and the surf is flat, here’s some ideas for enjoying the coastline in Cornwall. Bring your wetsuit, you’ll still need it!
Swim in a rock pool
There are some fantastic naturally occurring rockpools to be found along the British coast. In North Cornwall Treyarnon Cove is great for surfing, but also has a number of rock pools. The best being the larger one at the North end of the beach. At low tide this beautiful pool reveals itself. It looks just like a pool; rectangular shaped, and about 30 feet long, with a depth of around 8 feet in its centre.
After your dip in the sea you could warm yourself up with lunch and a hot coffee in one of the cafe’s facing the picturesque harbour in neaby Padstow. It’s about 10 minutes drive from Treyarnon.
Coasteer
Feed your need for adrenline by trying coasteering with Vertical Descents, a Newquay based adventure company. It’s a combination of rock climbing, canyoning and cliff jumping all rolled into one! You’ll be jumping from the cliffs, swimming through caves and scrambling along the coastline in a small group lead by one of the instructors. Contact Sam on 07891 264342 and see Vertical Descents for more details.
Eat Well
If the weather has taken a turn for the worse, which is highly likely given we are in the UK, hunker down for some great food at The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay. They prepare fresh, interesting food with good service too. The views across the Bay are great too. It’s half the price of Fifteen but just as tasty. I like their fab detox salads, the falafel and their amazing Extreme Hot Chocolate drinks with marshmellows on top! Great for warming you up after a brisk walk on the beach. Remember to go at low tide to get the long walk! Book a table on weekends as it can get quite busy 01637 860543.
Go au-naturel
If the weather suddenly takes a turn for the better and the sunshine is everywhere, take a chance and enjoy the beaches the way nature intended! Vault Beach is located in an area of National Trust-owned land at Dodman Point, Gorran Haven, south of St Austell on Cornwall’s South Coast. Nude use of the South end of this privately owned beach has continued for many years; which can take the unsuspecting surfer by surprise! For more info on where you can strip off in the South West see the Naturist UK wesbite.
