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*latest comments from the top

Hi simon, i wondered if you could let spongers in the plymouth area konw that a plymouth bodyboarding club is goin be a reality soon, and we need interested boarders to run our excursions to the north devon and cornwall coast. Either way keep up the good work. I rely on your reports. Thanks

6/3/03 Steve cummings

Simon Alexander replies: It's not an area I know very well, but from what I've been able to find out from local surfers, Monreith Bay and Barsalloch Point both need very big swells to get going, mainly from the south.  Ireland does stop most of the groundswell getting through from the west.  North of Stranraer the area around Dounan Bay and Portobello are reputed to get swell. Further up the west coast, there is a nice beachbreak at Tiree at Argyll & Bute. I think its a case of search and you may find!

5/3/03 Simon Alexander

Hi,   Am planning to catch some waves at Biarritz later in the Summer. Does anyone know the current situation with the beach, following the oil spill? Thanks

3/3/03 Melv

Simon Alexander replies: Up until a week ago nearly all the beaches in South West France were off limits to surfers apart from a few around Biarritz and Hossegor.  as well as long stretches of the Spanish coast, especially around San Sebastian. I have talked to the French Tourist Board who told me the beaches should all be open for the main tourist season. They could not give me an exact date, but I do know that July and August is seen as the main holiday period on the continent. The situation is ever changing at the moment.

3/3/03 Simon Alexander

Simon, I was planning a trip to Hossegor in end of April 2003. Having read the BBC website regarding the tanker Prestige do you know when the situation is likely to get better!! By April do you think?

3/3/03 Jon Symons

I've been the Fuerte several times during Feb/March and the water is fairly warm. I'd advise you to take a long sleeve shorty at least or a 2mm full suit. The size of the winter swell's has the habit of pushing in colder water from offshore and it can be windy. The surf can be anything from 1 to 20 feet. The island's 12-mile northern track near Corralejo is a magnet for the swell from deep low pressure systems that cross the Atlantic. So keep a check on the weather maps! You should have a great time.

27/2/03 Simon Alexander

Simon, We will be going to Fuerte Ventura at the end of March for 2 weeks and wondered whether we would need to take our wet suits or would a rash vest and shorts suffice. The water in August when we have been before was too warm for wet suits. The extra luggage space we will save by not taking the suits can be usefully utilised to bring back more duty frees! PS What size waves will we be facing in March over there?

27/2/03 Russ and Mike Neale, St Helens, Merseyside

For sun and quality surf you won't go too far wrong with the Canary Islands. There is a British Surfing Association surf school on Lanzarote at Famara Beach, one of the few beachbreaks on the volcanic island. The pace of life on the north coast is very relaxed the food is excellent and it's very family friendly. Fuerteventura is a bit more rugged and there are less facilities for learners. Southern Portugal has a great feel and there are surf schools too. And don't forget Britain. There is quality surf to ridden in mid-September, the beaches are long and sandy. It's only the weather that may be unpredictable.

25/2/03 Simon Alexander

simon, we are planning a family (me, my husband and our 3 year old daughter) surfing vacation for mid-september. i have been reading the stormrider guide for europe and checking out some websites. narrowed it down to southern spain, southern portugal, lanzarote or fuerteventura. we are beginner/intermediate and looking for somewhere where we could take a few lessons and enjoy a laid back atmosphere as well. good eating options also a bonus! any thoughts or suggestions? much appreciated!

25/2/03 Tracy Davis

Simon, I was planning a trip to Hossegor in end of April 2003.  Having read the BBC website regarding the tanker Prestige do you know when the situation is likely to get better!! By April do you think?

21/2/03 Jon Symons

Reply : Up until a week ago nearly all the beaches in South West France were off limits to surfers apart from a few around Biarritz and Hossegor.  as well as long stretches of the Spanish coast, especially around San Sebastian. I have talked to the French Tourist Board who told me the beaches should all be open for the main tourist season. They could not give me an exact date, but I do know that July and August is seen as the main holiday period on the continent. The situation is ever changing at the moment.

21/2/03 Simon Alexander

I was wondering if anyone knew of any surfers backpacker style accomodation in Fuerteventura and if so any contact details or E-mail addresses would be great? Planning a trip out there soon and I want to stay somewhere surfer friendly. Thanks

1/1/03 Becky, Cornwall

Reply : There is a huge tidal range at Bantham. The hollowest waves are usually found on the shallow low tide banks. As the water pushes in, the bay fills with water and the surf normally drops off in size.

12/4/02 Simon Alexander

i was down at bantham the other day and the surf was quite good at low tide, but it came to high tide and the surf went flat i was wondering why?

30/11/02

Dear simon I have just booked a fortnight in playa de las americas tenerife. I have read that localism could be a problem, do you have any experence of this problem in this area or know of anyone who has? Should I cut my losses cancel this holiday any book somewhere else in the The Canary Islands. Thanks in advance Danielle.   [Simon Alexander] REPLY: Hi Danielle, thanks for your note. Sounds like you have a great trip planned. I've been to Playa about 15 times over the last 25 years and localism has always been an issue, especially at Spanish Left which breaks next to the town's man-made sand beach. The scene is usually a lot mellower up the beach at Billboards and around the headland towards Los Christianos at what used to be called "The Desert"   I've always found what we see as localism is just what the Spainish call the local pecking order. Elder surfers often order the Grommets out of the line up so they can have the waves to themselves and you can often find yourself caught up in that. It happens all over the Canary Islands chain.   There are plenty of breaks away from Spanish Left which are mellow and you should score some great waves.

19/11/02 Danielle

I`ve been surfing on and off for years,and i was wondering where the cheapest hotal or surf loge was in newquay? please help me

19/11/02 Rick Brewster

Got in on sat. 2 ruff at widemouth checked out summerleaze good long session.

06/11/02 T

My thoughts are with Marc Gajardo's family and friends and Hannabeth's family in their time of grief.

22/10/02 Dave Ingham, Manly, Australia

Our condolences to Marc Gajardo's family and friends in their sad and sudden loss of Marc. May you know the peace which passes all understanding at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From a surfers Mum and Dad

21/10/02 Jill Woodcock

Only a surfer knows the feeling..... That's why all surfers feel for the loss of Marc, we are all a close family. My deepest feeling to all his family and those who new him.

18/10/02 Stephen, Elva and Hannah

I worked with Marc this summer at Blue and am sure I speak for everyone at Blue when I say what a great guy he was, so full of energy and excitement, he will be missed by all who worked with him and knew him. My heart is full of sadness for his girlfriend and parents, I hope that you continue to gain strength from the memory of Marc and remember that he was happy and knew that he was loved. Love Anna.

18/10/02 Anna, Truro

I would like to say how sad the Bali bomb was especially at the loss of Marc Gajardo one of my fellow surfing brothers.

18/10/02 Simon Alexander, surf correspondent for BBC Cornwall

I knew Marc in my school days and would like to send my love to his family. Also to his girlfriend and say how sorry i am for this awful thing to happen. Just to say im thinking of you. love Cheree. 16/08/02 Cheree, Germany

After seeing the terrible scenes in Bali, and learning of Marc Gajardo's death, as a part time surfer, I would like to extend my sincere condolances to his family and friends. Whilst I didn't know Marc, I do know the sense of brotherhood that the surfing community thrives on. As part of this community, Marc will be missed. Surf on Marc. 16/08/02 Jez

Dear Simon, i'm sure i speak for a lot of people when i talk of my own heart felt sadness of what has happened in Bali over the last few days. To see the images on the tv of what has happened will always leave me with a sunken heart, grieving for those i do not know and wanting to help support their families. As always the question will never be answered, WHY? thanx wayne 15/10/02 Wayne

how do you carve? 08/10/02 HV

surf should be pumping at bantham 2moz theres a sweet low cumin in. 08/10/02 HV

Just come back from a superb Biarritz surf trip, great weather, good consistent surf and warm water too (no wetties required!) Cote de Basque was a great place to surf, clean 2-4 foot each morning and evening, which left time for trips up to hossegor (totally flat though) and over the border to Spain for a look. Great place for a holiday, recommend it to anyone.

23/09/02 Lisa, Leeds

Caught the best of last weeks swell on Friday at Woolacombe, but most of the sections were breaking just a bit too fast for me. A few of the better guys were managing to race them successfully, so whats the best approach with fast peeling waves - angled takeoff or straight down and how should I maximise my speed on the face?.

17/09/02 Roj

Yeah, Polzeath was a good'n last sunday, i must admit. It was a laff. See you guys out there when its next pumping.

12/09/02 Phil

Top Zen points for all scoring waves at Polzeth last Sun. Oi! get out me way......

05/09/02 DevonDuballstars

Surfers check out www.landofsaints.com A unique cornish surf movie. The BBC is not responsible for the content of any external websites.

02/09/02 Lee Evans

ive just come to England from australia and would like some info on bodyboarding competitions anywhere in the south/southwest? Name - andrew miller Address - Weymouth

02/09/02 Andrew Miller, Weymouth

If you can take the footstraps off it should be fine. The best way is to take it out in the water and give it a go.When you become very proficient, put the footstraps back on and try a few toe-ins!

30/08/02 Simon Alexander, surf correspondent for BBC Cornwall

I've got a 7'6 Naish directional kiteboard. Could this be used to begin surfing on, or is it too big??

30/08/02 Tez, Bournmouth

"Britain's richest pro event has traditionally been held during the summer for a variety of reasons. Sponsors wanting maximum crowds, organisers seeking maximum media exposure and events fitting in with the world tour schedule. Fortunately, many of the world's top surfers including Shane Beschen, Andy Irons, Jake Paterson, etc, realise the best surf is in the UK occurs outside the summer months and often fly in for a three or four day private surf session when the crowds have thinned out. It would interesting to see what impact it would have on the UK's standing as a surf destination if a major competition was held during October/November. I think people would be surprised with the quality waves on offer." 23/08/02 Simon Alexander, surf correspondent for BBC Cornwall

As someone who has been surfing for many years, I am intrigued by the fact that we run the 1 international contest in the UK at statistically the worst time of year for swell in Cornwall. I know sometimes it comes off, but frankly seeing some of the world's top surfers thrashing around in 1ft July Fistral slop can't do the UK surfing image much good on the world stage. Any comments?

23/08/02 Phil Vincent, Hampshire

I'm heading out to the costa del sol, in spain in a couple of weeks, just wondered if there are any decent surf spots?

16/08/02 Andy, London

Try either the British Surfing Association School at North Fistral beach, or the English Surfing Federation School at South Fistral beach. Both schools meet the neccessary surfing standards.

12/08/02 Simon Alexander, surf correspondent for BBC Cornwall

Which is the best surf school in Newquay?

09/08/02 Darren, Somerset

At Hossegor the continental shelf just offshore creates heart stopping waves packed with power. For a more mellow surf, head to grand Plage in Biarritz.

12/08/02 Simon Alexander, surf correspondent for BBC Cornwall

i'm heading down to either biarritz or hossegor at the end of the month. does anyone know which is better in terms of wave quality, crowds, weather, etc?

09/08/02 John, London

I am heading to Las Playas del Anglais on Saturday. I have just started surfing. Does anyone know any good spots or clubs to go out surfing with?

06/08/02 Niall, Belfast

I've been surfing on and off for years but want to surf more regularly. The problem is I'm based in London, does anyone know where the nearest and most consistent break is near London, Brighton perhaps?

05/08/02 Jon, London

Mat, there are quite a few backpackers in Newquay and they are pretty cheap and crammed full of people like yourself. I'm afraid that I don't know any contact numbers, but they are out there!

31/07/02 Jac, Falmouth

I last went to newquay in june with my mates and loved it, but just did pubs and clubs , i'd like to come back for another week within the next two months and learn to surf but can't get any of my mates to come, so can anybody suggest accomodation where i can come as an individual and be with a group say who are all learning to surf, in a surf lodge or something. A place which would have other individuals that are in the same boat and easy to mingle with as its my only realistic chance of coming again.

31/07/02 Mat, Romford, Essex

Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria can all have quality waves during August. On Lanza head for the La Santa area on the north coast, while on Feute, the 12-mile northern track west of Corralejo has world class waves at The Bubble, Yarro and Maranicho. The southern end of Tenerife near Playa de las Americas is a magnet for south swells.

20/07/02 Simon Alexander, surf correspondent for BBC Cornwall

i am planning a trip to the canaries. which is the best island for good consistant surf in august. can you suggest any good breaks.

19/07/02 Dave, Nottingham

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