Get surfing

The term 'surfing' refers to the act of riding a wave. This can be achieved via a number of different means. Bodyboards, paddleboards, longboards and shortboards are all popular and even body surfing (surfing a wave without a board) is possible.

The Get surfing section acts as an introduction to anybody interested in surfing in the UK. With information and tips on equipment, locations, and technique, The Outdoor Experts tells you everything you need to know to get rad!

Surfer 

Getting Started:

  • Surf Guru - Find everything you need to surf in the UK. Surf Schools, Shops, Surf Boards, Shapers, Beaches and reefs.
  • Carve - UK Surfing Magazine - Surf News, Surf Photos, Surf Videos and Surf Forecasting for England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland
  • Surfing Great Britain - Surfing GB is the designated National Governing Body for Surfing in the UK! Taking experience from the past and inspiration from the present to enhance the future of Surfing in the UK.

Surfing disciplines

Bodyboarding (also known as boogieboarding) originates from the traditional surf techniques of the ancient polynesians and involves riding a short rectangular piece of hydrodynamic foam on one's belly, knees, or sometimes feet!

Paddleboarding is performed in a prone or kneeling position, and involves the surfer propelling the board on unbroken waves using a swimming motion with their arms. Paddleboarding has been performed historically as a mode of transport between islands or coastal locations, as well as for leisure and lifesaving duties.

Standup paddleboarding is performed standing up on a surfboard using a paddle to propel oneself. This is often done on lakes and rivers where there are no waves, although standup paddleboarding can also be done in the sea.

Longboarding is a variety of standup surfing done without a paddle, on a board usually 8 to 12 feet long. Because of its length and increased buoyancy, the longboard is ideal for beginners to standup surfing. Longboards are also ideal for catching smaller waves, making them a popular choice for UK surfers.

Shortboarding has been popular since the 1960s, and again involves riding a wave standing up without a paddle. Shortboards vary in length between 6 and 7 feet; much shorter than other varieties. This makes them quicker to maneuver but leaves them with a comparative lack of buoyancy, however, meaning that they are better suited to experienced surfers comfortable with riding larger and more powerful waves.