Sunday Times - Jan 2012

Where to get fit in the great outdoors.

As exhausting as it is exhilarating, surf school is boot-camp-on-sea with lungfuls of freash air and a beach holiday thrown in. With gentle, sandy shelves and some of the most consistent wave breaks in Britain, neighbouring Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands are two of the best places to learn. Surf Southwest (01271 890400, surfsouthwest.com) has learner/improver courses, from half-days to a five day break. The website has accommodation suggestions around Croyde Bay, including the 17th-century Combas Farm, near Putsborough, where doubles start at £60, B &B. Surf Southwest also offers one-week surf holidays for all levels in Portugal.

by Jeremy Lazell.