introduction

The south coast of England has been a popular tourist destination since the early 19th century. Most of this tourism is centred around the towns of Brighton, Bournmouth, Weymouth and the Isle of Wight. In 1841 the town of Bournemouth was visited by the physician Augustus Bozzi Granville. Granvilla was the author of The Spas of England, which described health resorts around the country. As a result of his visit, Dr Granville included a chapter on Bournemouth in the second edition of his book. It was this more than anything that put the town on the map as the perfect place for people with health problems, especially chest complaints, which were common in the 19th century. Bournemouth quickly became a destination for affluent holiday-makers and for invalids in search of 'the sea air'.

People have been riding waves on the south coast of England since the 1960's. When you think of surf on the south coast it brings to mind images of freezing cold days with onshore winds watching guys on longboards riding the mush along side bournemouth pier as retired holiday makers look on drinking tea out of a thermos. I guess you could say that when it comes to commitment to the sport the south coast surfers knock the rest of the country off the block. They are keen to get wet no matter what swell big or small and for those prepared to search there are a number of great secret spots that pleasantly surprise!

surfing

Swells on the south coast are generally short and sweet, this is because they are often generated by local storms with a short fetch. It pays to never take your eye off the ball here as waves can appear and disapear very quickly and the locals seem to have got it wired and make the most of any available ride.

The south coast does have some classic surf spots dotted around. The Isle of wight and Kimmeridge are the stand outs in this area. The Isle of Wight especially, as that juts out into the English channel and is a magnet of most swell going from the easterly and westerly directions, you can normally find offshores somewhere. 

Also at the time of writing the go ahead has been given for the first artificial surf reef in Europe to be constructed at Boscombe. Banzai Boscombe?

travel

Most of the south coast breaks are easily accessible as there is an excellent network of roads following the coastline. Kimmeridge is accessible via a network of B roads but there is a toll on the way. The Isle of Wight access is a little more difficult and involves an expensive trip across the Solent (the area of sea that separates it from the mainland) by car ferry. This, however, does keep the crowds at bay on the island.

where to stay

As a result of being a popular seaside retreat since the 19th century there is no shortage of places to stay and the south coast! There is everything to suit every budget from cheap campsites and hostels right up to high end hotels. Travel Lodge and Premier Inn also have hotels in Bournemouth 

what to pack

During the summer months (May-Sept) you'll need short sleeved t-shirts, shorts and long trousers (pants) and probably a light jacket or pullover for the more blustery days and evenings and sun cream for days out on the water. In winter bring long trousers (pants), warm pullovers, warm waterproof coats, scarves, hat and gloves!!

As far a wetsuits go you'll need a good quality 3/2mm steamer for Summer, add boots and gloves for Spring/Autumn. For Winter it's strictly 5/3mm steamer, boots, gloves, hood, thermal rashie and all the rest of the wetsuit gear you can get your hands on!!

The best boards to go for on the south coast are ones with plenty of volume in. You will be wearing a lot of warm gear so take that extra weight into consideration. Fish go well down here something nice and wide to get you over the flat sections and to pick waves up quickly. Longboards are also very popular for the same reasons.

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.