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VanTripper

VanTripper have been renting camper vans to surfers for over 7 years. Based just north Hossegor, in the quiet pine forests of Les Landes, we have a new fleet of VW vans. We enjoy keeping life simple; low prices with no hidden costs and easy online booking.
www.vantripper.com
[email protected]

Progress Surfcamps

Our lovely campsite on the Atlantic Coast of France is the perfect getaway. This little paradise, Progress surf camp Moliets, is within walking distance of town and the beach and is the ideal surf destination for every surfer. Let the waves take you on a journey to the Progress surf camp in Moliets Plage, France
www.progress-surfcamps.com
[email protected]

Kanaloa Beach House & Surf Lodge

Situated on the South Western Atlantic Coast, Kanaloa Beach House & Surf Lodge offers self-catered apartments or a B&B formula.  Equipment hire and surf, skate and yoga courses are available for all levels.  Just relax at the Kanaloa pool or enjoy a game of pétanque or table tennis.
www.kanaloabeachhouse.com
[email protected]

Discover: Baleal Surf Camp

Baleal Surf Camp nestles among the dunes overlooking one of Europe’s most dramatic and beautiful surf spots. 

The camp, founded in 1993 was Portugal’s first and although it started off as a humble wooden beach tent, now 24 years later Baleal Surf Camp is hailed as one of top surf operations in Portugal attracting beach lovers and surfers from across the globe and offering a rare but welcome ‘old school’ focus on customer service and the environment.

It’s secret:  first class accommodation and surf tuition combined with an all inclusive beach-party vibe that few who visit once can resist returning for. Novices mix with experts; a clean beach is as much a priority as clean waves, and good music, food and company underpin both the family run business and its wider location.
It all started in 1980, when I was 11 years old and rode my first wave in Prainha, with a Safari surf board bought by my Dad from Duarte Baltazar. I remember that first wave as if it were yesterday, and the influence that moment had on me. In 1993 I started giving my first lesson to some kids from Baleal island who asked me from help, I never imagined that surf would revolutionise Peniche in the future and this would be my calling for the next 24 years. When surfing picked up with the tourists and more surf operations began to emerge, I realised for us to be different and stand out from the crowd we would have to work harder and better. That’s exactly what we did - I built a beach bar and a surf centre on one of Portugal’s best beaches, my brother Marcos took on bookings and online marketing and we managed to take Baleal Surf Camp to a prominent position in an extremely competitive market.
Bruno Bairros

Baleal Surf Camp Founder and Director

Baleal itself sits on the northern edge of the Peniche Peninsula, about an hours drive north of Lisbon and is the center for surfing in the area. Over the last few years it has won international attention after becoming an established stop on the ASP World Tour. There are waves for experts but also plenty of shelter and security for novices. It’s one of those rare places where, on one beach, the waves can be head high and barreling, while five minutes away its a mellow longboard day. In short, there is nearly always a wave for everyone.

The surf camp has its own excellent bar and cafe,  a place famed locally for chilled days, followed by long nights of live music and dancing. And if food and wine is your thing you will be spoilt for choice. The area is famed for its seafood, which is delivered live and fresh to the port of Peniche each morning and the local restaurants are excellent, serving fish and meat dishes that put most big-name city chefs to shame on both quality and value.

To celebrate the camps many years of surf camp history, check out this video to get a real feel for things:

 www.balealsurfcamp.com

Portugal Travel Guide

Embraced by the locals and the authorities, surfing is big news in Portugal, it’s not the fringe thing it is here. Big name surfers are stars. Places like Nazare light up the world’s mainstream media when it gets going. But what is it like for a surf trip?

Stay In Cornwall’s Top 10 Surf Escapes

Stay In Cornwall’s Top 10 Surf Escapes

www.stayincornwall.co.uk

The North Coast is famed for incredible surf spots and whether you are an experienced pro or a total beginner, there is a location ideal for all abilities.

Cornwall is no doubt one of the most popular locations to take to the waves. There are many popular surfing destinations throughout the region that are particularly great for people learning this exhilarating sport. For those that know their messy waves to swell directions, Cornwall also offers an ideal spot to perfect your technique.

The summer season brings everyone out in their masses to capture a piece of the action but autumn is actually one of the best times to surf. The less crowded beaches mixed with relatively mild air and warmer sea temperatures (thanks to our relative proximity of the gulf stream pushing up water from the southern Atlantic Ocean) give you a great chance to catch those regular swells. So, if you’re heading to Cornwall on a surfing holiday or you’re looking to learn the basics on a family break, here are 10 fantastic family surf escapes in Cornwall’s finest locations.

The Light House

Bude

Experience luxury alongside North Cornwall’s coastline at a stay in The Light House in Bude. Get family and friends together, and take to the waves at the beautiful choice of nearby sandy beaches and discover a stunning contemporary coastal home designed and built by owners who have featured on the TV show Grand Designs. Indulge in this relaxing surf stay and feel the sand between your toes with just a short walk to the glorious Atlantic shores. 

For more info, click here.

Atlantic Bliss at Zenith

Newquay

For a stylish stay, just a stone’s throw from Whipsiderry and Porth beach, this cool coastal apartment is the ideal surf retreat. Here you’ll enjoy spectacular sea views, contemporary accommodation, and easy access to plenty of attractions and the best surfing spots in the county. Atlantic Bliss at Zenith also bases you in an ideal location to enjoy the surf hub of Newquay, home to Fistral Beach. The whole family will love this incredibly exciting stay with top conditions to take to your board.

For more info, click here.

Valley Breeze

Crackington Haven

Overlooking the bay of Crackington Haven, you’ll find this little gem just a short walk from the stunning sandy Cornish shores. Here you can enjoy a tranquil setting with a charming patio area to enjoy outdoor dining overlooking sea views. This idyllic surf spot is great as it offers a mix of family-friendly surf conditions to waves for the more experienced. Valley Breeze bases you in a fantastic spot to explore further afield too with the nearby locations of Bude and Widemouth Bay just a short drive away.

For more info, click here.

No 5 The Beach

Kennack Sands, The Lizard

Renowned for its surf school and beautiful sandy beach, Kennack Sands is the idyllic surf haven. So why not treat the family to stay just 900 yards from this stunning coastal spot. No 5 The Beach is a fantastic apartment offering a contemporary setting on the captivating west coast offering you a fantastic base to explore the surrounding area whilst taking to the board and enjoying those Atlantic waves.

For more info, click here.

Rosecott

St Ives

Just a short drive from the stunning sands of St Ives, you’ll find an idyllic bolthole offering spectacular uninterrupted views and boutique accommodation. Rosecott is a charming reverse level property providing the perfect spot to explore the west coast and the exhilarating surfing beaches that surround you. St Ives itself is a surfing mecca for families, with Porthmeor beach providing a large stretch to take to the waves. If you’re looking for some expert advice, head to the nearby surf school for equipment hire and lessons.

For more info, click here.

Perfect View

Falmouth

Although the south coast of Cornwall isn’t a premiere destination to head out on the waves, Falmouth is a brilliant place for beginners and families looking to enjoy a relaxed surfing break. Overlooking the harbour, Perfect View provides a beautiful stay enjoying contemporary accommodation with a spectacular decking area for perfect al fresco dining. This idyllic bolthole bases you in an ideal spot to enjoy the nearby surfing beaches of Swanpool, Gyllngvase and Maenporth which produce some half decent waves in the right conditions.

For more info, click here.

The Puffin

Mullion

Explore the exquisite west coast on a surf stay at The Puffin in Mullion. This south-facing property situates you at a stunning cliff-top location overlooking the ocean and bases you just a short drive from the beautiful National Trust beach of Poldhu. After a long day catching those west coast waves, you can relax in the tranquility of this comfortable accommodation and get the family together for an evening meal on the outside decked area.

For more info, click here.

Well House Barn

Boscastle

This boutique-style retreat is ideal for soaking up the best of the North Cornwall coastline. Placing you within easy reach of top surf spots including Polzeath and Widemouth Bay, this tranquil cottage offers the ultimate rural and coastal mix. Nestled in the Valency Valley yet just a few miles from the Atlantic Coast, this contemporary barn creates a warming ambience and relaxing surf escape for the whole family.

For more info, click here.

Miners

Portreath

Treat family and friends to the ultimate indulgent surfing retreat with a stay at Miners in Carharrack. Basing you just a few miles from the golden sands of Portreath and Porthtowan, this breath-taking spot offers a relaxing stay with an idyllic mix of rural and coastal experiences. You’ll enjoy spacious accommodation with a contemporary vibe and take advantage of a relaxing hot tub, warming log burner and spacious balcony with seating overlooking amazing countryside views.

For more info, click here.

Martins Place

Newquay

If you’re looking for a secluded spot nestled in the Cornish countryside yet want to take advantage of North Cornwall’s best surf beaches, a family break in this spacious and contemporary farmhouse is the idyllic choice. You’re only a few minutes’ drive to the sandy shores that adorn the coastline including the family-friendly surf beaches of Fistral, Crantock, Holywell Bay and Perranporth. With comfortable accommodation and large outside space for al fresco dining, Martins Place is a great place to get the whole family together on an adventurous surf escape.

For more info, click here.

To find out more visit stayincornwall.co.uk

Australia Travel Guide

Look outside of the usual Gold Coast haunts you will find less crowded line ups. You can choose between surfing with dolphins at Byron Bay or discovering uncrowded beach breaks as you travel along the coast. Go and explore. Here are some classic east coast destinations.The combination of geography, weather and surf culture has made Australia’s east coast one of the most popular places on Earth for surfers.

Shoalhaven

200 kilometres south of Sydney the south coast stretches from Wollongong through Shoalhaven down through Ulladulla. The Shoalhaven region has some of Australia’s best surfing spots to suit all styles and abilities. Aussie Pipe and Bawley Point are a couple of the heaviest waves on the east coast, but there are plenty of uncrowded beach breaks, reefs and points to explore. The local surf culture is fun and relaxed. There are plenty of waves to be caught all year round and often a surfer can have the water all to themselves.

coffs harbour

Another surf town off the beaten path. Coffs Harbour is 527km north of Sydney, about six-hours drive or there are daily flights from Sydney (1 hour), Brisbane (45 minutes) and Melbourne (2 hours). Six different beaches offer sandy bottomed point breaks that can handle big swells along with beach breaks to suit everyone from groms to superstars. Coffs Harbour has a great surf community with miles of unspoilt beaches. Definitely one to visit.

Byron Bay

Once a small hippy town Byron Bay has grown into one of Australia’s must visit surf towns. With stretches of beach and the Pass a long point nearby it has a bubbling community and very hip bars, cafes and places to stay. There are also festivals and plenty of art and music to keep you entertained apres surf.

The Sunshine Coast

If you are thinking about tropical points, long mellow rides, or great beach breaks and miles of crowded coastline then the Sunshine Coast is for you.  From classic leg buckling points in Noosa, to hard to get to classics like Double Island point the Sunshine Coast has it all and with a much mellower vibe than the Goldie.

Why not drive it?

Great east coast road trips were once the stuff of legend. Flying into Sydney or Brisbane buy a van and then drive down or up the coast was the way to see the east coast of Australia. With more flights people are now more likely to fly into one of the major airports and just hang out in Sydney or the Gold Coast. But with over 800 miles of coastline to explore between the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and Ulladulla in NSW they are missing out on so many gems, beach side campsites, empty waves and experiences the road trip provides.

Surf tours, rentals and activities

 

Australian Surf Tours

Locations: Sydney, Thirroul and Bendalong in New South Wales

“More Than Just a Surf Camp”.  AST will take you on a surfing adventure that will give you that little bit extra out of your holidays.  Surrounded by amazing waves, idyllic scenery and staff with a passion for life, this should be your next destination! Learn to Surf and Surf Guiding also available.

www.australiansurftours.com.au
[email protected]
+61 (0) 428 162 640

 

Bear Rentals

Locations: Depots in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Cairns, seasonally in Broome and Bear Rentals offer collection and return to most other major Australian cities.

At Bear Rentals we run a fleet of fully kitted out Land Rovers – think of everything you need for that dream Australian road trip and that’s what we provide! We set our campers up so you can get off beaten track to find the perfect break away from the maddening crowds.

www.bearrentals.com.au
[email protected]
+61 2 9557 1001

 

Walking on Water

Locations: Throughout Shoalhaven, New South Wales

Walking On Water & Ulladulla Surf Schools are a multi award winning company offering Surfing, (beginner, intermediate and competition level), Surf Safaris, Water Skiing, Wake Boarding, Wake Surfing, SUP, Kayaking, plus the furiously fast, 60 MPH Boogie Slingshot! The awesome range of activities and surf courses have the highest quality coaching and Australia’s best instructor to pupil ratio’s.

www.wow-watersports.com.au
[email protected]

 

MojoSurf Adventures

Locations: Arrawarra and Byron Bay (travelling from Sydney)

Experience the Aussie surf lifestyle on a Mojosurf 5-14 Day Surf Adventure travelling from Sydney to Byron Bay stopping at the awesome Spot X Surf Camp right on the beach. Mojosurf will take care of all transport, surf lessons, accommodation, food and surf equipment – you just have to come experience it!

www.mojosurf.com
[email protected]
+61 2 6639 5100

 

Coffs Coast Surf Tours

Locations: New South Wales. The entire Coffs Coast, including Arrawarra, Crescent Head and as far north as Angourie.

Grab a friend and book a full personalised Luxury Surf, Sights & Stay Guided Tour Package which fits all levels of surfer and non-surfers with sight-seeing, eco-tours and many additional activities also included. With a beautiful beachside apartment and a delicious breakfast provided, this is a value-packed, stress-free Aussie holiday you’ll remember!.

www.coffscoastsurftours.com.au

[email protected]
+61409 485 007

 

Let’s Go Surfing

Locations: Bondi Beach, Byron Bay and Maroubra Beach

Join the friendly LETS GO SURFING team on world famous Bondi Beach or beautiful Byron Bay for an unforgettable Aussie Surf Experience! We provide expert local surf knowledge and advice plus board and wetsuit hire at all our locations. With over 21 years of experience, the LGS team caters for all level of surfer, from beginner to advanced.

www.letsgosurfing.com.au
[email protected] 
02 93651800