Villas in Spain and other unexpected surfer hangouts

The Costa del Sol has long been associated with the idyllic beach holiday. In many ways, it’s the holy grail of Mediterranean luxury, complete with a long list of high-octane water sport activities to keep vacationers entertained by day. Most people realise that windsurfing is a favourite pastime on the Costa del Sol, with amateurs and budding professionals alike flocking here to practice the sport in the kind of environment it was intended for. What many don’t realize is that regular surfing is also possible off the Spanish coastline. Of course, Mediterranean surf conditions can’t compare to those in the open Pacific when it comes to wave height and frequency, so a surfing holiday on the Costa del Sol will never truly compare to those in Hawaii or Bali, but conditions are perfect for beginners who are looking to learn the sport without putting themselves at serious risk. This is the type of thinking that has caught on in a few unexpected places like the Costa del Sol or even at Newquay in Cornwall. Both of these areas have reasonable waves and plenty of surf shop to outfit enthusiasts of the sport.

The sport is also becoming popular with locals in both of these locations, which means everything from equipment and accessories to qualified instructors is easier to come by, a fact which ultimately drives prices down. This means that whether you’re staying at a family hotel in Newquay or renting one of the quiet villas in Spain on the Mediterranean, you can easily rent a surfboard, enrol in a few lessons and become competent at the sport. With that in mind, there are a few things to remember when taking up surfing. First of all, strong swimming skills are a prerequisite for any surfer. As a general rule, experts advise that a person be able to swim 100 meters without taking a break attempting to surf even a small wave. This ensures they’re capable of handling a problem should one arise. Furthermore, a surfer may have to hold his or her breath for some time, especially if they get caught in a breaking wave. The best way to gauge one’s ability is to try to swim 25 meters underwater.

These should be taken as prerequisites for entry-level surfing, but when a new surfer feels they’re ready to take on more substantial breaks, they’ll need even more endurance. There are also a few rules of etiquette for new surfers to keep in mind. Newquay may not leap to mind as a haven for surfers, but a few of its beaches are very popular with surfers in the summer. Crowded beaches like Fistral Beach require surfers to give way to each other. If someone else has already caught a wave, you’ll be expected to wait in line for the next one. This limits the chance of accidents, and it ensures that everyone has a fair chance to enjoy their time at the beach. Furthermore, building good report with other surfers means they’ll be happy to give you tips on improving your technique.