Looking for advice on campsites where the dc can learn to surf!

[lavenderhoney]

Having decided to attempt camping, dc would like to learn to surf. They are 7 and 5. Anyone have any tips? I suppose Devon or Cornwall?

I'm a bit worried about making sure its a family campsite so there will be other dc, not just surfers.

Its either that or the Jurassic coast:)

[Takver]

What about Pembrokeshire? There's a nice campsite next to Whitesands beach at St Davids (quite basic, just toilet/shower block, but it is right by the beach, which has cafe, shop etc. There are organised surfing lessons, plus you can then hire surfboards pretty cheaply by the hour/day etc. 5 is pretty small, though - IIRC the lessons tend to be age 8 upwards - definitely something to check out.

[allmycats]

Try Polzeath in Cornwall - campsite next to beach and lessons on the beach.

[FrozenAteMyDaughter]

I checked this out yesterday funny enough - the lessons, that is, not the sites. The youngest I found offered were for 6 year olds. Many schools started at 8 as Takver says. Maybe if you take a family lesson, or a private one just for your two children, they might be more flexible, but I think it can be down to insurance.

[pootlebug]

How good are they at swimming? I surfed a bit and would want my DC to be reasonable swimmers before they start....when you come off in a wave it can feel a bit like being in a washing machine.

Could you start them on boogie boards in the shallows rather than surfboards? They are smaller too so much easier to control.

[lavenderhoney]

They are both excellent swimmers and divers:)

But I like the sound of boogie boards. Wetsuits I guess?

[lk26]

We have just been to white sands today. Great beach and surf stuff there. There is a campsite virtually next to the beach but beware it's on a slope.
We went to Croyde in Devon earlier this year which is big into surfing etc. Lovely place and great cream teas !
Also Gwithian beach down in Cornwall. That has a great surf school there and lots of places to stay.

[Takver]

Everywhere in Pembrokeshire is on a slope, lk26 - the campsite at Whitesands is quite flat, relatively speaking . . .

[lk26]

They must end up all huddled at the bottom of the tent :)

[Takver]

Very true - I've got a camper van & lots of bits of wood to level it . . . .

There must be some flat bits, though, as a friend who tent camps often goes there and has never complained!

[AnnoyingOrange]

Newgale in Pembrokeshire has camping and surfing

www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsites/uk/wales/west-wales/pembrokeshire/506-newgale

[grassroots]

Try Rhosilli (Gower, South Wales) - its absolutely amazing.

[lavenderhoney]

I'm booked! Cornwall :) wet suits and boogie boards coming this week, and now fingers crossed for nice weather:)

[SalomeD]

LavenderHoney - sounds like you're on a roll, have a great time with your kiddies

[lavenderhoney]

Had a fantastic time in Cornwall in the end and dd is now a committed boarder:) ds nope as even with a wetsuit he was cold. Wouldn't even paddle..

Thanks for the suggestions:)

[PestoSurfissimos]

Whereabouts in Cornwall did you end up?

[lavenderhoney]

North Cornwall- right on the coast and a lovely small campsite, with nice facilities

Dorset is next on our list, then Devon, and South Cornwall:)

[PestoSurfissimos]

Oh lovely, my favourite bit - nice & surfy