The Esplanade Hotel Blog

In celebration of International Surfing Day, Quiksilver Surf School Newquay shares some insider tips.

Whether you’re visiting Newquay for the first time or a seasoned beachgoer, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of catching your first wave. We spoke to Meg at the Quiksilver Surf School Newquay to get expert advice for beginners, seasonal tips, and a glimpse into the local surf scene.

What makes Newquay a great surf destination?

One of the main reasons Newquay is such a great surf destination is its versatility. If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of smaller, sheltered spots that offer clean, gentle waves, perfect for learning the basics and building confidence without feeling overwhelmed. As your skills progress, Newquay caters for that too. Beaches like Fistral, the home of British surfing and where Quiksilver Surf School is based, provide world-class waves that attract advanced surfers from across the world. Whether it’s your first time in the water or you’re chasing an adrenaline rush, Newquay has waves for every level.

How does dressing for surfing change with the seasons?

Do you need extra gear in winter?

Surfing in summer and winter are two totally different experiences. In the British summertime, most surfers are happy in a 3/2mm wetsuit, and when the sun really shows up, we might even ditch the full suit for a shortie or on the best days, just swimwear (it’s rare, but it does happen!). Once winter begins though, the neoprene starts to pile on. By the coldest months of January and February, you’ll find us layered up in boots, hoods, gloves, and chunky 6/5mm wetsuits, sometimes with a thermal vest thrown in too. It might look extreme, but it’s essential for winter waves, and a hot chocolate after your session is always recommended.

What’s the difference between a longboard and a shortboard, and which is best for beginners?

Longboarding and shortboarding are two very different styles of surfing. Longboards are bigger and wider, making them great for smooth, cruisy rides. Meanwhile shortboards are smaller, faster, and designed for sharper turns and more advanced manoeuvres. For beginners, it’s best to start on a big, floaty foam board. Foamies give you loads of stability, help you catch waves more easily, and are much safer while you’re learning. Once you’re consistently standing up and starting to trim and turn along the wave face, you can decide which surfing path you want to go down, longboard style or shortboard performance. The most important thing is feeling in control of your board in the water, so stick with the foamie until you’re ready to progress. And honestly, foam boards are fun anyway!

What does it mean to be ‘goofy footed’ vs ‘regular footed’?

This is common surf lingo, and you might hear someone ask, “Are you goofy?”, and no don’t worry, they’re not calling you silly. It’s simply a way of asking which foot you surf with forward. If you ride with your left foot forward, you’re regular footed. If you ride with your right foot forward, you’re goofy footed.

How should surfers behave in crowded lineups to avoid accidents?

Surfing has its own set of unwritten rules, often called surf etiquette. In busy lineups, knowing when it’s your turn to take a wave, not dropping in on others, and keeping control of your board are all key. Always be aware of the surfers around you and hold onto your board when waves come through. It’s also important to remember that your board has a large radius because of the leash, so letting go can put others at risk. Keeping control of your board helps everyone stay safe and enjoy the session. Always listen to the RNLI and follow local safety advice when you’re in the water.

What common mistakes do beginners make, and how can they avoid them?

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not getting a lesson. Even just one lesson can make a huge difference and turn learning to surf into a much more fun and enjoyable experience. It gives you the basics to work with, from paddling and positioning to standing up, which you can then practise in your own time. A bit of guidance at the start goes a long way!

Any tips for caring for wetsuits and surfboards?

Keeping your wetsuit in good condition is simple. Fresh water is your best friend, so make sure you rinse the salt off after every session. As for surfboards, they’re pretty durable but still need a bit of care. Store yours somewhere safe where it won’t get knocked over, crushed, or damaged. If you’re on a hard board, give it some love now and then by scraping off the old wax and adding a fresh coat.

What’s the most rewarding moment you see in a student’s first lesson?

At our surf school, we joke about something called the “surfing bug”, but it’s very real. There’s a moment when a student catches their first wave, stands up, and you can see it instantly on their face. That’s when you know they’ve caught it. Fair warning though, once you’ve caught the surf bug, it’s pretty hard to shake.

Fancy a surf lesson? Head down to the Quiksilver Surf School Newquay right next to The Esplanade Hotel and chat to the team.

Find out more at quiksilversurfschoolnewquay.com

Enjoy lessons in the waves and post-surf relaxation at The Esplanade with our two-night Surf and Stay Break and women-only Roxy Surf Weekends.