Surf Lodges Newquay

Well it all started in the pub one Friday night – me and a bunch of mates sitting around bemoaning the fact that the football season had finished. What were we going to do at weekends until the ‘footie’ started up again?

After much discussion, we thought it might be fun to take up some new sport or hobby – the problem was what? There were various suggestions including crown green bowling, tennis and cricket.

Then Pete said perhaps we should try something that didn’t involve a ball – very radical! A couple of pints later (the Beach Boys playing on the juke box), we had it! It had to be surfing.

All in agreement we decided to look for surf lodges in Newquay and plan a weekend away. That way we could combine our surfing lessons with the lively nightlife.

There were a huge number of surf lodges in Newquay to choose from, ranging from backpackers’ dormitory style accommodation to luxury surf lodges with private rooms and en-suite facilities. We didn’t fancy the dormitory option and couldn’t afford the luxury surf lodges in Newquay, so we opted for a mid-range choice of surf lodges in Newquay right in the centre of the town.

Surfing in Newquay

We arrived at our choice of surf lodges in Newquay on Friday afternoon, full of anticipation (and some trepidation). After checking in to our clean comfortable rooms, we asked the lodge reception about lessons – it turns out that they are surprisingly cheap, about £25.00 for a full two hours.

Next stop, the surf equipment hire shop as recommended by our surf lodge. Two hours later we all left the shop clutching surf boards and wet suits in a variety of colours, sizes and designs.

Stopped at one of harbour side bars, surf boards propped up close by – all desperately trying to look like experienced surfer boys and we hadn’t even got our feet wet yet. After a couple of drinks we headed back to our surf lodge to dump the equipment and get ready for a night out on the town.

The centre of Newquay really comes to life at night time with all the clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants. After a stroll around town we came across an attractive stone pub with a walled beer garden with spectacular views of the beach.

We sat in the garden with pints of fine Cornish ale and ordered food from the extensive bar menu. The food was great and the beer even better! We didn’t push the boat out too far – bearing in mind that we were having our first surfing lesson at 10.00 in the morning!

Our First Surfing Lesson

The next morning (without breakfast) we strolled down to Fistral Beach to meet up with our professional instructors – all decked out in our hired finery. Lessons started on the sand – Sam and Dave (our instructors) demonstrated various moves and techniques and explained how and when to catch the wave. This was followed by a stunning practical demonstration by Sam and Dave – they made it look very easy.

Then it was our turn – not as easy as it looks. I took a number of tumbles and eventually managed to ride a wave in an ungainly crouch – not very impressive! However, another hours practice and a few helpful pointers from Sam and I was feeling a lot more confident.

At the end of our lesson we headed back to one of the best surf lodges in Newquay to shower and change before going to town for some much needed lunch. We settled on take-away fish and chips so we could eat overlooking the beach and keep an eye on the surfers. By the way, why do fish and chips taste so much better in the open air?

After lunch we returned to the bar at the surf lodge, feeling competent to chat to our fellow surfers and pick up a few tips. It had been an exhilarating day and we were all looking forward to the lesson the following day.

Second Lesson

The following day the waves on Fistral Beach were enormous and the beach was closed to all but the most experienced surfers. We were all disappointed but Sam and Dave had the answer – we were moving to the nearby Towan Beach. Towan Beach is much more sheltered and the waves were suitable for beginners.

Today Sam and Dave gave each of us some one to one tuition in the water. Their instructions were clear and easily understood. We were very impressed with their professionalism and enthusiasm. They have years of experience and are BSA qualified.

By the end of the lesson, we had all made definite progress especially Pete, who seemed to be a bit of a natural.

We returned to our choice of surf lodges in Newquay to change and then returned our hired equipment to the surf shop.

Then it was into town for food and beers before heading back to the bar at the surf lodge for a nightcap.

Surf Lodge Packages in Newquay

Chatting to fellow guests at our surf lodge, we discovered that many of the surf lodges in Newquay offer discounted packages that include accommodation, tuition and equipment hire – we were all keen to carry on with this new sport and a surf lodge package once or twice a month might be the answer.

The next day – sadly our last – was spent lazing on the beach and commenting on the various surfing styles and laughing at the people having their first lessons.

Walked back to town for lunch and then to our surf lodge to retrieve our luggage and pack the cars. We all agreed that we had a wonderful time and would certainly be coming back soon – perhaps even during the football season. Surf lodges in Newquay offer the best that money can buy.

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