SURFING IN NEWQUAY: WOMEN & WAVES REVIEW
A benefit of remote working is that it has given me the time to explore new hobbies, one of which is surfing. I started properly surfing when I moved into my campervan full time a few years ago, as living in the van meant I had my board with me at all times and I could park up next to surf spots whenever I liked. It is essentially what led me to setting up home in Newquay, as it is one of the best places to surf in the UK!
Learning a new sport in your adult years though can be daunting and hard work, so it has definitely been a slow process of improvement, so when Women + Waves invited me along for their Progressor coaching weekend I jumped at the chance! Women + Waves is a women's surf society dedicated to fostering a community for women of all ages and abilities who are passionate about surfing. They offer surf programs, camps, and training courses in various locations, both in the UK, Europe and internationally, including Bali, Barbados, and Costa Rica. I was invited onto their Newquay Progressor Surfing Programme, which is priced at £289 and is located in Newquay, Cornwall.
Now, I had not been in the water for 6 months - the winter surf had just not appealed to me. and I think sometimes it is easy to psyche yourself out when you haven’t been in the water for a while. Cornwall - like anywhere - can be an intimidating place to surf, and it is so easy to get caught in the habit of just not going in. This course was the perfect way to ease me back in the water - not only as I felt safe being looked after by the surf coaches whilst I got my confidence back, but also because I was surrounded by other women who wanted to support and uplift one another. It was awesome!
The two intensive days were the perfect balance of time in the water surfing, as well as outside either on the sand or in the classroom learning! We dived into video analysis or our surf sessions, as well as surf and ocean theory, plus coaching tips and tricks. Here is a list of everything included:
Three surf sessions
In-depth video analysis of part of your surf sessions with demonstrations and move-by-move breakdowns to help you progress onto the next stage of your surfing journey
Surf theory discussions to enhance your ocean awareness and confidence in the water and ask any further questions
Bespoke fitness and stretch routine video for pre course preparation.
Post course, stretch out routine supplied on video to help your muscles to repair after 6 hours of surfing.
Pre surf session, dynamic warm up routine video to prepare your mind and body for each epic session.
Board and wetsuit hire for the duration of the programme
Professional photos and footage of your surfing to see where you can improve
Plus loads of discounts card for cafes and shops in Newquay!
I’d recommend the course to anyone - not only was it just such a fun weekend, but I took away so much from the coaches. How to read Surfline, how to read waves, the different kind of breaks, as well as how to improve on my own individuals surfing technique and style. The course has well and truly given me back the surfing stoke!
For more information, visit their website or follow them on Instagram here.