Surfing

Contact: Andy Sturt  
01637 877928
andy@britsurf.co.uk

For approved Surf Schools in Cornwall, visit the BSA website: www.britsurf.co.uk

Surfers have been riding waves in the Pacific Ocean for over 2000 years; it was not until Captain Cook visited Hawaii in the 17th Century and recorded the activities of the Hawaiian Royalty that people outside the region became aware of the sport. Because of Captain Cook’s historical reports and partly due to the quality and quantity of the surf, Hawaii is considered to be the ‘spiritual home' of surfing and has some of the biggest and best waves in the world.

Cornwall may not have the same climate as Hawaii, but we do have plenty of surf and many dedicated surfers at surfing beaches around the peninsular. Surfing is considered to be a lifestyle sport where the perception of surfers riding waves in clear blue seas and warm sunshine are very real. Relaxing in an environment where you can spend the day on the beach surrounded by your family and friends, what could be better.

To become a proficient surfer may take many years; however a great deal of enjoyment can be had by people of all ages and abilities right from their first lesson. Safety in the surfing environment is very important  the ocean needs to be understood and respected at all times because of its power. So it is strongly advised that you never surf alone and always surf in the designated areas with lifeguard supervision when you are starting out.

If you have taken the decision to venture into the water with a surfboard or body board make a conscious effort to have an initial ABC surf lesson with a BSA accredited surf school. A BSA qualified coach will teach you in a safe environment using step by step techniques on how to catch waves and more importantly how to get to your feet. The instructor will be able to recognise errors that are being made and correct them to assist your progress in the lesson. The experience gained in a one day coaching course will save months of trial and error and will speed your progression in the sport. They will also give you advice on what surfboards will be suitable as a first board and what wetsuits and other equipment are best suited to you. If you surf with safety in mind you will not be intimidated which means you will relax and enjoy the sport and ultimately have heaps of fun. Surfing is just like learning to ride a bike, it just take practice.

Surfing is one of the most exhilarating sports on the planet. It can take time to master but it is truly a great way of having fun.

The BSA has appointed Andy Sturt as Regional Surf Development Coach whose responsibility is to create new coaching positions to focus upon a more effective link between grass roots coaching and a feeder system for national squads and teams. To achieve this his priority is to assess the Surf Club structure within Cornwall and develop a plan to increase participation at Club level. There has been a great deal of interest from Surf Clubs, Surf Schools and Academies with regard to what this project has to offer in the development of their Clubs or Schools. They now have a focal point and a resource centre that they will able access for further information when the need arises. There are a number of Clubs, Schools and Academies that are already running coaching sessions for children, whose participants, want to improve their basic surfing and consequently start competing as soon as they can. The regional Development Coach will coordinate the work being done by Clubs, Schools and Academies and will offer assistance and guidance to improve coaching qualifications and management of the administration systems within.

There are a number of active BSA affiliated surf clubs in Cornwall who will offer support and advice to the new surfer; Newquay Boardriders (Sean 07976121731), St Ives Bay Surf Club (Dave 01736 753259), South East Cornwall Surf Club (Chris 07812 584229), GB Boardriders (Ed 01736 711289),