Surf dudes - UK - surf schools, wetsuits advice and ideas

[wotzthisnewmadness]

So DH, me and 4 teen girls (two daughters and their mates) are off in August to North Cornwall. Bit of bodyboarding and some surf lessons for the kids. Firstly kids wetsuits, what's best for August weather/surfing - rash vests only, shorties or full length ones or make them brave the cold water? Do they need those surf boots? I'd like them to have hours of fun in surf, not 15 mins of not getting into the water and coming back to annoy me as I start to read my book.

Last time I did this I was in my 20's (and 4 stone lighter :0 ) camping with then BF, don't remember much other than I wore a full length wetsuit for bodyboarding which was fine, but I was in awe of cool surf dude BF so don't recall much else ... it didn't last. Have lovely non surf dude DH now.

We have stayed at the sands resort hotel just outside Newquay for the past 4 years and they hire out wetsuits and surf boards for free if staying there! There are some great local surf schools nearby with watergate bay being within walking distance if not carrying surf board but 5 mins drive if you are, or lots and lots of other great beaches/ surf schools near too! My kids have always needed full wetsuits if staying in for more than 10 mins in august/sept as water is cold! Its ok to dip in with just a rash vest but for longer you really need a proper wetsuit!!

Thanks. The sands looks lovely.

If you are going to Cornwall in august then i hope you have booked your accom. already or you may struggle! go for full length wetsuits and definately something on the feet to combat the weaver fish. we go to Polzeath where there is a fab surf school right on the beach. take a look at the magicseaweed website for all the info on the surf conditions. Make sure you pick somewhere with life guard cover as the rips catch out even the most experienced. have a look also at toga beach towels - perfect for getting them warm and changed quickly. also look at coasteering and tree surfing for something when they are fed up with the water (which will happen ) hope you all have fun.

Yep we booked after a few days of nearly giving up, especially as there's 6 of us. Managed to get a nice place very close to the beach which has life guard in summer. Looking forward to it. Will get boots and full suits. Enough time to check out eBay before we go.

Staying Near Boobys Bay...well I just had too

My 15 year old would like to go to a residential surf school in the Summer. I have found 2 in North Devon but would appreciate if anyone has any recommendations.