Health & Fitness Magazine August 2007
Board Appeal

Surfing's a sport that looks cool but is physically pretty demanding. I'd always wanted to try it and, after hearing about well-respected surf school Surf South West, based in North Devon's Croyde Bay, I persuaded two girlfriends to try it too.

We strolled down to the beach for our one-day lesson, feeling far from cool surfer chics, slightly nervous about trying something new (not to mention the thought of wearing a wetsuit), and full from our B&B's cooked brekkie.

The guys at Surf South West were very welcoming though, and instantly put us at ease. Wetsuits on, we headed onto the beach, clutching our large foam beginner surfboards. We sat on the sand and were told the theory behind riding the waves, and practised how to 'pop' up on to the surfboard. Then it was time to practise on the waves (which were tiny by seasoned surfers but big enough for us!). Our instructor Scott, took us all out till we were waist-deep and, one at a time, we had to lie longways on the board, toes hooked over the back for balance, and wait for a small white wave to appear close behindus. When the wave was very close , it was time for a few quick, strong paddles with our arms, and a squat-thrust-type manoeuvre to 'pop' yourself onto the board. That's the idea anyway.

I was nominated to go first, the whole thing being my idea, and amazingly, I got to my feet for a second or two before tipping off sideways into the shallows. But I'd done it! After loads more attempts to stay on a bit longer, it was time to grab some lunch in the sun. In the afternoon session, I managed to stay up long enough to try sterring the board to the left or right under Scott's very enthusiastic direction, and felt much more confident.

It's great exercise! You need a bit of strength to 'pop' straight onto your feet on the board, and it can be easier to get onto it in a kneeling position first. You also need to balance to stay on the board and strength in your legs to steer.

Your arms get a workout too, from paddling and helping you pop onto the board. I ached the next day in places I'd never ached before, but went straight back down to the beach for more!

Outdoor lovers will soon be hooked - you get that fantastic tired, hungry, satisfied feeling that comes after a great fun day (and lots of exercise) in the fresh air.