Tynemouth beach is the venue for this year's surfing British Cup - the most sought after surfing award on the British Isles. It promises some of the biggest names on the surfing circuit.

But, forget big names and competitions. On an average day at Tynemouth Longsands the extreme sport is attracting more and more people - despite the extreme cold.

Surfs up - what are ya doing indoors Steven Hudson?

Steven Hudson is the owner of the Tynemouth Surf Co, a surfer's hire shop, which opened just over 8 years ago. He's 37 and has been surfing all his life. He's travelled the world in the search for a good swell. You name it he's been there: Australia, Indonesia, America and all over Europe.

Surfing has gone a long way

He says surfing at Tynemouth, and throughout Britain, is increasing in its popularity. So much so that, "...even girls are starting and kids. The age span is anywhere from 6 - 70."

"Recently we saw about 80 surfers in the water throughout the day. Ten or 15 years ago there would have only been half a dozen tops. So surfing has gone a long way since then."

Why Tynemouth?

Tynemouth's swell, 7 October 2003

So why come to Tynemouth? Well, Steven told us that the surf's good, and it's a great area with nice beaches, meaning that there are now regulars at Tynemouth beach. He says each town has its own group of surfers. "People travel all over, people from Scarborough come here, and vice versa. So everyone tends to know each other."

Whilst Tynemouth might not get the surf as often as other parts of the world, Steven says it is equally as good. However, this North East beach has a definate advantage over other surf destinations - it's not crowded - just one reason why Steven wouldn't want to move his shop to another destination, given the chance.

Steven couldn't move his shop - he'd have to change its name!

You'll look good in rubber!

Another destination would possibly offer the chance to surf in shorts. The downside, or not, here in Tynemouth is you have to wear rubber - a 5mm thick wet suit to keep you warm. And boots and gloves - oh and a hood in the winter. But Steven remains cheerful and says that once you've got the wet gear on being in the North Sea is warmer than standing spectating.

The sport is entirely weather dependent. Steven says everywhere has its moments, you get a few days of storm and then good surf. The trick is to watch the weather, know when it's going to be good, get the gear out and go out and have fun.

Inexpensive

Anyone can learn at Tynemouth beach. All you need to do is turn up with a towel and a swimming costume. It's not expensive. A lesson, board hire and wet suit will set you back £20 from the Surf Co.

A purple drinking voucher buys you a surfing experience

Whether or not you can ride a wave on your first lesson is entirely down to the individual, says Steven. "Some people are up and riding within an hour or so of surfing, whereas other folk could be six months down the line and still stuck. So it's just purely on the individual."

Surfing takes place at the end of the Longsands due to the strong rips - currents - which help drag you out. But, with the danger of being dragged out to sea, staying safe is extremely important.

More women than ever before

There are still a lot more men surfing than women. But, Steven says there are more women surfing than ever before. He says lots of women get sick of watching their boyfriends from the car, so they have a go themselves. And lots of Mums and Dads get sick of watching their kids on the beach, and think why stand here in the cold when they may as well enjoy themselves in the water.

So what is the buzz of surfing? "It just is a buzz - you have to try it. It's a lovely feeling, it's theraputic after a day at work. It's nice to just chill out in the sea!"

Watch Trai Anfield take her first surfing lesson
Report from the British Open