We have a new blog!

Times are a changing, and we ahve a cool lokoing new blog to go with our new website, check it out here http://blog.errantsurf.com/

See you there!

When can you start learning to surf?

We get asked a lot how young can you start learning to surf.

Well ten years ago, before surf schools the typical start up age was about 16 - 22 years old. As surfers grew older and had children themselves surfing has started to be passed down to the kids. This is becoming quite the norm, since the explosion of surfing in the 60’s and its spread across the world, we are now seeing three generations of surfers in one family in the US, Europe, Australia and NZ.

As such the age of any budding surfer, can be as young at three. As long as the surfing is private, prefable with a parent who understands the basics of surfing, and is not going to push them to hard.

At our surf schools we typically teach as young as seven or eight, again it really depends on the childs confidence in the water. The surf coaching for young people is always done on a private basis, and it knee deep water. We find it is more about building confidence, over actual surfing technique.

SURF YOUR WAY INTO NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Do you know someone who’s a mad surfer and is aged 16-25 and currently out of education, work or training? If they’re looking for a fresh and wave-influenced way to make themselves employable then the perfect opportunity could be just about to take off for them and if they get in now, they could be on their way to earning a range of qualifications, skills and knowledge. That’s because an exciting six week programme called Cross Step is on the hunt for its first 10 Cornish recruits. Those who take the plunge will get to hit the waves and train as surf coaches and beach lifeguards, finding employment in those and other surf-related jobs at the end of the course.

The Entry into Employment Team within the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) has teamed up with Groundswell (www.ground-swell.co.uk) the new initiative to inspire and educate surfers to create Cross Step. For the right recruits, this new programme is the ideal chance to gain real qualifications and confidence that can translate into a long term career in an area that the young people love. As a result of the six week course, attendees will leave with a NARS Beach Lifeguard Award, British Surfing Association (BSA) Award, work experience and further surf coach training. The course will be led by two highly respected surf coaches who will become the Cross Step in-house project leads. Both are BSA level 3 coaches which means that have already trained beyond the basic requirement for surf school employment or a job with the RNLI, so are more than ready to pass on everything they know to the Cornish crew. There will also be transferrable skills training for the Cross Steppers in making presentations and putting together CVs built into the course, making it flexible and relevant to all participants.

The course will start in late June so the deadline for applications is 15^th June. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for the first 10 should contact Hannah on 01872 275187 by 29 May or check out the Groundswell young people’s surf website for links.

Surfing Lessons in Newquay

Surfing Lessons in Newquay

Great surfing lessons in Newquay last weekend, sunshine, perfect waves and plenty of chill time after the surfing lessons in Newquay. Fiona and friends joined us for their Hen do in Newquay staying at the surf lodge in Newquay as did Victoria and her Hens who stayed with us at the Trebarwith hotel in Newquay.

The surfing lessons in Newquay took place at Great Western beach, with light winds and fun waves the girls had a blast! If you would like to book some surfing lessons with us in Newquay you can visit either www.errantsurf.com or www.errantsurfschool.co.uk

We cater for small groups, and provide the best possible surf lessons in Newquay from our surf coaches, all of which hold up to a level four British Surfing Association surf coach award, the highest in the UK.

Justin Lee Collins Takes On the Pro Surfers In Croyde

After a month of training with Errant Surf Holidays coach Chris Thomson, British comedian Justin Lee-Collins headed out for his first ever surf contest. The BPSA Saltrock event took place over last weekend, the day started with small, almost flat conditions but as the tide came in through the day the swell increased to head high waves.

JLC found himself up against Europe's best surfer Russel Winter, local surfers Scott Rannochan and Lyden Wake. During the 15 minute heat JLC only managed to score a 0.4 and a 0.3, out of a possible 20.

Errant's Chris Thomson commented "Justin has come from never surfing before, to being able to go out into the Ocean, catch a decent size wave, jump to his feet and surf to the beach in total control is an excellent achievement for the short amount of time he has been surfing."

JLC has been training to surf for a new Sky One series out in July, stay tuned to find out when.

Errant Nominated for 2009 Awards

As a UK registered company based in the Newquay, Cornwall, Errant Surf Holidays and managing director Chris Thomson have been nominated for the short list in the Cornwall's Young Business Person Award 2009. The Grand Dinner and awards take place on the 14th May at St Mellion International Hotel. Good luck!

Great Waves For Easter Weekend

Fun surf is hitting the shores of Newquay this evening and we are expecting more good waves over the weekend, and into the week. Spring is generally one of the best times of the year to surf in Cornwall, due to better weather patterns and an abundance of surf from the Atlantic ocean.

Don't forget we have a massive 50% off surfing lessons in Newquay if you wish to join us next week.

Call now or e-mail us on escape@errantsurf.com

Recession Named The Reason For Worldwide Slump In Shark Attacks!

A recent report from the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida cited the recession as the reason for a decline in shark attacks last year.

“Shark attacks worldwide in 2008 dipped to their lowest level in five years, a sign that Americans may be forgoing vacation trips to the beach,” the report said.

It’s either that, or sharks have hunkered in the depths to weather the recession themselves. But people who are way smarter than me, namely George Burgess, an ichthyologist and director of the International Shark Attack File, thinks the drop in shark attack numbers is directly related to the economic downturn.

“I can’t help but think that contributing to that reduction may have been the reticence of some people to take holidays and go to the beach for economic reasons,” Burgess said. “We noticed similar declines during the recession that followed the events of 2001, despite the fact that human populations continued to rise.”

This may be so. After all, his logic is sound and his use of words such as reticence makes me want to believe him. But so far, the outlook for 2009 doesn’t look as rosy. Especially after numerous shark attacks on surfers around the world, including two fatal attacks in South Africa and an alarming number of incidents in Australia.

Couple this with the fact that the recession itself is freeing up a lot of time for people to go surfing when they would normally be working, it seems that this theory might not hold up in the long run.

Head Surf Coach Teaches JLC to Surf

TV star Justin Lee Collins is took time out of hosting his chat show The Justin Lee Collins Show on ITV2, to learn to surf for a new Sky One series due out in June. Errant's head surf coach Chris Thomson, alongside Watergate Bay's Carl Coombe have been tasked with the mission to take Justin from total new surfer to compete in the May's English Nationals. All the surf coaching is taking place at the stunning Newquay beach of Watergate Bay.

Try Surfing For Less This Easter

Come learn to surf in Newquay this Easter and save 50% on our half day taster surf sessions!
You day will start at 10am, where the team will meet you and equip you with the latest surfing equipment, you will head down to the beach via our private access to Great Western beach. A theory lesson, followed by quality water coaching from some of the best coaches in the UK. All for £15 with surfing equipment!

Check out our Newquay surf school website for the latest deals here.

Head coach Chris Thomson

Pasta Point Availability April Onwards

Perhaps the most famous wave in the Maldives, this is where Tony Hussein-Hinde set up Atoll Adventures in the early '90s. Its name comes from the fact that the island used to be an Italian resort -- and after surfing the perfect lefts all day your arms will most certainly be noodled. Pasta Point is indeed probably the best left out here, as it picks up the most swell, is the least affected by wind, and offers a 100-yard-long tubing wall for your pulling-in enjoyment. The fast takeoff section leads straight into the so-called "Macaroni Bowl" tube section and then mellows for a couple top turns before the inside shallow racetrack, called Lockjaws.

Below is current availability for the Chaaya Island Dhonveli.

Now – 06 April / 4 surfer places

24 April – 06 May / 5 surfer places

07 & 08 May / 3 surfer places

09 May – 15 May / 4 surfer places

26 May – 05 June / OK

07 June – 14 June / WQS contest

15 June – 12 July / OK

14 July – 18 July / 2 surfer places

19 July – 29 July / 3 surfer places

04 Sep – 07 Sep / 2 surfer places

08 Sep – 11 Sep / 4 surfer places

12 Sep – 19 Sep / 8 surfer places

30 Sep – 10 Oct / 2 surfer places

11 Oct – 25 Oct / OK

09 Nov - end November / OK

Kelly Slaters Surf Travel Tips

For pro-surfers like nine-time world champion Kelly Slater, flying from continent to continent looking for the perfect wave seems like a freewheeling lifestyle, but for amateurs, it requires careful planning.

Surfing champ Kelly Slater gains altitude at Hossegor, France, in 2002.

Surfers checking out unique vibes at sites in Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and France are driven by the buzz that comes from exhilarating swells, breaking waves and amazing barrel tubes created by truly awesome forces of nature.

Unlike other travelers, surfers are interested in surfer-friendly places to crash, snagging the best airline rates for surfboards and where to hang out.

Here's Slater's list of five great surfing meccas along with some hints about how to fully enjoy your search for the proverbial endless summer.

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu, Hawaii

Event: Billabong Pipeline Masters, December 8 to December 20, 2009

"I grew up mesmerized by it, and it never lets you down," Slater said. "It's just an amazing place to be and a wave that always challenges you."

The vibe: Surfers compare this event to professional golf's Master's tournament. Since the 1950s and '60s, mobs of fans have traveled to view one of the sport's great venues to watch competing surfers.

How to get there: To find this quarter-mile long treasure trove of breaking waves, drive southwest of Ehukai Beach Park along the Kamehameha Highway, about seven miles northeast of Haleiwa.

During competition season -- in November and December -- visitors can soak up a lot of action on the beach, said Scott Bass, editor at Surfer Magazine.

Don't Miss

• Surfer Magazine

"It's a unique spot because a large, crazy death-defying surf breaks only 100 yards from shore. It's very accessible as a viewer," said Bass.

Where to hang out: Got something sweeter in mind? Matsumoto Shave Ice has become a Hawaiian institution during its 60 years, serving the namesake snow cones, candy and crack seed, an island snack of dried fruits.

Where to get lunch: Locals will tell you that hanging out on the North Shore must include a stop at some of the island's tried and true mom and pop shops. Macky's Sweet Shrimp Truck is literally just that -- a brightly painted RV parked in a private lot. Macky's specializes in serving succulent shrimp, rice, fruit and veggies.

CLOUDBREAK, Tavarua, Fiji

Best waves: April to October

"One of the great surf discoveries ever," said Slater about Cloudbreak, the name given to a surfing reef about two miles off Fiji's island of Tavarua. The South Pacific waters off Fiji offer the perfect temperature and a "really good swell window" for timing waves, Slater said. "The wave has so many different faces to it. It's challenging and perfect."

The vibe: Exclusive.

How to get there: Surfing Cloudbreak can cost you, both physically and monetarily because of its distance off the island and the expense of traveling to the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Surfers get to the reef on local boats or jet-skis -- or by paddling on their boards, which will take a lot out of you.

Where to stay/hang out: Options are very limited. Surfer tourists can expect to spend at least $200 per night at the island resort.

SNAPPER ROCKS, Kirra, Australia

Event: Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast February 28 to March 11, 2009

It's no secret that surfing is a national pastime in Australia, especially during pro-surfing competitions in February and March, when the weather is toasty warm and the water is aqua blue.

How to get there: Arrive at the Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta or at the airport in Brisbane, which is about 68 miles (109 kilometers) to the north on the Pacific Motorway. The stretch of breaking waves between Snapper Rocks and Kirra is called the Superbank.

The waves are "perfect, hollow, fast," said Slater. Superbank's sandy-bottom, barrel point break makes it worthy of his list. "On its day, it's the wave you would draw on your school books," he said.

The vibe: The Gold Coast during competition season is similar to Spring Break in the United States, said Bass, a globetrotting surfer who has produced a documentary about the Vietnam War's surfing soldiers.

Gold Coast spectators tend to be young, hip trendy, college-age surf fans. For tourists with wider interests, the scene includes a music festival and skateboard competition.

Where to stay: Take your pick. There are plenty of hotels along the Gold Coast, ranging from upscale three or four-star destinations to modest beach motels. For $20 (Australian) you can grab a bunk bed in a backpacker hostel. At the posh Palazzo Versace, you can spend thousands of dollars for one night's lodging. Apartments near the shore run from $80 to $250 Australian per night. Book early if possible.

TEAHUPOO, Tahiti

Event: Billabong Pro Teahupoo May 9 to May 20, 2009

Cloudbreak's remoteness is matched by Tahiti's Teahupoo, which is described by Slater as "one of the most challenging waves and confronting waves in the world." When negotiating Teahupoo's South Pacific monster waves, said Slater, "Just make a decision and follow it. No second guessing."

The vibe: Teahupoo is very exclusive and expensive, according to Bass. "It's a grand spectacle along the same lines as the Pipeline, just not as accessible."

How to get there: You might have to pay a boater for transportation to the wave, which is about a quarter mile off shore, said Bass.

Where to stay/hang out: Small pensions,homes that island residents rent to tourists, are the way to go in Tahiti, said Bass. Hiti Moana Villa offers bungalows for $110 to $160 per night.

HOSSEGOR, France

Event: Quiksilver Pro France September 23 to October 4, 2009

For nonsurfers, Hossegor is a big secret.

"People don't realize how good the surf is there but it's incredible very often," said Slater. The elbow-shaped Bay of Biscay near the French-Spanish border offers "lots of swell and good weather that Ireland and England don't get."

The vibe: More waves, more surfing, less competition. The Hossegor area offers many fine beach breaks that result in abundant waves. These "peaky" beach breaks democratize the surfing experience. With more good waves, there's less jockeying among surfers for position. During most of the year, surfers will need to wear a wet suit. The Bay of Biscay is really cold.

Where to hang out: The area has great food, according to Slater, and, "Spain is just right next door for something different." Across the Spanish border, surfers can discover crashing waves along the shore of San Sebastian, the town made famous in Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises."

Continue down the coast to experience amazing waves off the S3panish towns of Zarautz and Mendexa. There, surfers will discover a pure point break, with waves breaking off cobblestone rocks on the ocean floor.

Where to stay: All along the coast are dozens of beach hostels offering low-cost lodging. Also, there's camping in the area, if you feel like really roughing it. The Hortensias du Lac hotel offers rooms from €170 to €220 per night.

How to get there: From Paris, drive about 6 hours southwest to Bordeaux and then drive about 2 hours south to Hossegor. By train from Paris takes about 6 hours and costs about $130

http://www.errantsurf.com

Surfboards on airplanes

The relationship between surfers and their boards is close. Sometimes very close. Many surfers feel their boards are like a physical part of them. As a result, they accept no substitutes -- or rentals. They bring their boards.

Traveling with a 9-foot, 70-pound piece of sporting equipment can be expensive. Several airlines hit surfboard-toting travelers with stiff fees, sometimes hundreds of dollars. But a few carriers will allow surfboards to be checked as baggage free, within certain guidelines.

Here's a quick list of policies among major airlines for travel with surfboards as checked baggage:

American Airlines charges a special handling fee.

British Airways bans surfboards as checked baggage.

Delta Airlines charges a special handling fee.

Singapore Airlines offers free baggage check for surfboards within certain guidelines. Otherwise, travelers are charged a handling fee.

United Airlines charges a special handling fee.

Virgin Atlantic offers free baggage checking within certain guidelines.

New Surf and Yoga Dates 2009 and 2010

Our Surf and Yoga holidays in Morocco are the perfect balance of good food, chilled atmosphere, quality Yoga and surf coaching. Set in the region of Taghazoute, Morocco at thr exclusive apartments overlooking Killer Bay. These weeks are designed to inspire and invigorate the mind with a fine balance of action and relaxation.

As of today we have released new dates for the coming surf season in 2009 and 2010.

• 22nd - 29th April 2009 - Thomsonfly Flights from £158 London - Agadir return
• 18th - 25th May 2009 - Thomsonfly Flights from £128 London -Agadir return
• 21st - 28th September 2009
• 12th - 19th October 2009
• 4th - 11th January 2010
• 8th - 15th February 2010
• 8th - 15th March 2010
• 5th - 12th April 2010
• 3rd - 10th May 2010

Book now

May Surf and Pilates - FULL, but new date in September!

Following on from last years amazing Surf and Pilates weeks in Spain, our first one in 2009 is now fully booked. In the same week this trip became fully booked we released our dates for the september Surf and Pilates week in Spain.

The week starts on the 27th September 2009, and runs for one week. Guests will stay at our cool, surfers guesthouse La Hosteria de Latas and will receive pro surf coaching from the team, plus daily Pilates coaching from London based Amy Swanson. All meals are included, and transfers to and from Santander airport. Flights are currently £44 return and direct from London Satnasted to Santander airport with Ryan Air.

Win a FREE surfing holiday to Spain!

Complete the A1Surf.com survey and you could win a surf holiday for two people to Loredo in Northern Spain, courtesy of Errant Surf Holidays.

In order to help us improve A1Surf for you.

We have teamed up with Errant Surf Holidays and will pick out the name of one person at random. The winner will get a week’s ‘Stay and Surf’ with Errant at La Hosteria de Latas in Loredo.

Staying just two minutes walk from Playa de Somo, you can enjoy a week full of awesome, uncrowded waves in a beautiful location.

The prize includes:

• Accommodation in La Hosteria
• Breakfast
• Airport transfers to/from Santander
• Free WIFI
• Free use of Lush Longboard skateboards
• British Guide on hand 24/7
• Free surfing lesson in UK
• TextMate service
• Flight emissions offset

Fights to nearby Santander are cheap and easy with Ryanair. Check out our review of La Hosteria de Latas here and a video clip to give you a flavour here.

The survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete so click here to take the survey.

Find out more about Errant Surf Holidays here.

Terms and conditions: Only one survey to be completed per person. Prize is for two people on the ‘Surf & Stay’ package. Flights are excluded. Personal travel insurance cover is required. Dates for holiday can be arranged directly by Errant Surf Holidays, and is subject to availbility. Deadline for entries: 31/03/09. The winner will be chosen at random from all completed surveys and contacted. No cash alternative. Prize is non-transferable.

Fat Face To Become Agent For Newquay Surf School

After many years working alongside Fat Face, the active lifestyle clothing brand. Errant will be offering clients the chance to book surfing lessons and private surf lessons through shops in the South West for its surf school in Newquay, Cornwall. The new location for our surf school in Newquay is due to open this weekend, ideally located over looking the surf of Great Western, and with its own private access to the surf, it is quite simply the best location in Cornwall!

Errant on Twitter!

MySpace, Facebook, WAYN, Blogs and now......Twitter!

Errant first used Twitter in conjunction with Fat Face during the Ultimate Convoy last year.

Now in 2009 we will be using Twitter to keep you up to date with the personal, behind the scenes surf travel news that keeps our team riders, staff and customers surf happy :-)

Check us out here, come follow us!

Only two weeks..

....until we open La Hosteria de Latas in Loredo, Northern Spain for 2009. This year is looking good with a range of new surfboards from Fat Face, more rooms and a top crew all waiting to make sure your next surfing holiday in Spain is a good one. La Hosteria is exclusive to Errant Surf Holidays and was voted in the top 10 surf bars/surf camps by Carve magazine last summer. You can fly to Northern Spain from Dublin and Stansted with Ryan Air. You can also catch the boat from Portsmouth and Plymouth.

Latest Spaces Left...

Below is current availability for the Pasta Point in the Maldives staying at Chaaya Island Dhonveli.

Please note that space has opened up in mid-March; this is probably one of the best periods to travel to Maldives with the least number of charter boats in the North Male region.

08 Feb – 04 March / OK

11 March – 17 March / 6 surfer places

18 March – 27 March / 9 surfer places

01 April – 09 April / 1 surfer place

18 April – 23 April / 2 surfer places

24 April – 02 May / 6 surfer places

03 May – 15 May / 9 surfer places

20 May – 26 May / 2 surfer places

27 May – 04 June / OK

06 June – 14 June / WQS contest

15 June – 12 July / OK

15 July – 20 July / 1 surfer place

21 July – 29 July / 2 surfer places

01 Aug – 07 Aug / 1 surfer place

30 Sep – 04 Oct / 3 surfer places

05 Oct – 25 Oct / OK

09 Nov - end November / OK

Location, Location, Location....

....they say is everything.

And who would we be to argue? Errant Surf Holidays has just moved into our new premises at Trebarwith Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall. The surf school overlookings the entire Newquay Bay and has its own private steps down to the beach.

Moments from Newquay town, and seconds from the surf, this has to be the best location of any surf school in Newquay.

Check us out on the map, better still come by and see us :-)


View Larger Map

Errant Surf Video Of Los Lobos

Errant lead International Tourism Fair in Santander, Spain

This week the Cantabrian government launched the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Spain. The fair which is due to run for over a week in Santander will include attractions from all over the region, aimed at promoting this stunning part of the world.


Errant Surf Holidays who run one a cool surfers guesthouse in Loredo, Spain have also been caught on the front page of the supplement to cover the show. Head surf coach Damian Freeman takes to the waves on the front cover while coaching at Somo beach last summer.

Like we didn't need anymore convicing...

..that now is the prefect time to head to the warmth and sunshine, of those surfing locations! This was shot this morning, as the snow came down in south west England at our office in Newquay, Cornwall.Anyone for snowboard lessons in Newquay? Maybe not, we will wait for spring.

The Island of the Wolves

You don't have to go to the end of the Earth for perfection.....


...between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands lies the island of Los Lobos. This island is home to nothing, but the best right hand point break in Europe. Ocean swells travel from the North Atlantic, and wrap along the edge of the island, creating perfect, long waves.

These shots were taken on Wednesday by Will Blair. You can book the Lobos boat from the harbour which is near our apartments, and surf house in the town of Correlejo. The boat leaves each day at 10am and costs 10 euros. Returning back at 1.45pm or 4.45pm.

Waiting for the boat back, ready for a cold beer at the local Cafe Lounge and then to bed ready for some more action!

North Track Fuerteventura

The north shore of Fuerteventura is home to some of Europe's biggest, and heaviest waves. From the town of Correjelo on the North-East side, a small dirt track runs along the coastline to El Cotillo on the west coast. Each day you will see hire cars, piled with surfboards searching for the best spot. With nothing around but a lot of lava and dirt, its fair to say the cars get a bit of a battering. Here Chris and James struggle to return the car to the airport.


Its not all burnt out cars, and massive waves in Fuerteventura. In fact on any given day it is possible to search out a surf spot to suit your level. Today the boys surfed on the west coast, a small beach break called Esquinzo.

Photos: Will Blair

Naked Golfers, Good Waves and Volcaneos

The surf has been going crazy this winter in the Canary Islands, with big, hollow surf on the north shore of Fuerteventura, and super fun, warm waves on the east coast and south coast of Fuerteventura. The surf school in Fuerteventura has been scoring some great beginner waves, check out these photos from the south coast of Fuerteventura.

Errant Surf Holidays also offers surf tours for more advanced surfers around the more exposed surf spots on the North Shore of Fuerteventura. Check out Cornwall's, James Waters bomb at Bristol Playa this morning.


Surfing is not the only thing to do on Fuerteventura, you can dive, kitesurf, windsurf, get lost in the sand dunes or play naked golf, like these two fellas today on the North Shore of Fuerteventura. All photos were shot by Will Blair

All Time Surf Hits Morocco

Check out this latest shot of a surf spot in Morocco, taken by surf guide "Dave the Grom", good surf continues to hit Morocco, and the following two weeks look even better!

This surf spot is just north of Taghazoute and Tamraght in south Morocco. We have a range of apartments, surf lodges, car hire, surf guide and surfing lessons in Morocco, not to mention the popular Surf and Yoga weeks in Morocco.