Surf’s Up: Catching up with Quiksilver Surf School

Based in the Esplanade Hotel, family owned Quiksilver Surf School is based less than 100 meters from the stunning South Fistral Beach - making it the perfect place to learn to surf, SUP and more! We got the low down on all things watersports with Meg & Lisa...

Tell us how Quiksilver Surf School started

Meg: Quiksilver came to the Esplanade Hotel in 2005. We were delighted to establish a working relationship with Roxy and Quiksilver, especially at the home of British surfing, Fistral Beach!

What activity would you recommend for someone hesitant to get into the water?

Lisa: If you're feeling a little bit unsure about getting in the water, a fun experience would be to have a bodyboard lesson. It’s a bit easier than surfing but you still get to ride the waves, without needing to stand up but you’ll still be able to enjoy that feeling!

On the flipside...best activity for the thrill seeker?

Meg: Surfing is a true adrenaline rush. Once you’ve experienced the feeling of standing up on a board, you’ll be hooked! It’s known as the ‘surfing bug.’ As you improve, you’ll progress to bigger waves, and the thrill you feel from that is incomparable!

Any advice for a novice surfer?

Lisa: Practice, get in the water as much as you can. Get a wetsuit that will keep you warm and a board that is right for your ability. Having the wrong kit can set you back and leave you feeling frustrated.

What makes Fistral Beach so good for surfing?

Meg: Fistral is the home of British surfing, and for good reason. The 750-metre golden sand beach offers some of the most consistent and best conditions in the UK. Fistral hosts major surf competitions, including the English Nationals and Boardmasters, so even if you’re not a surfer, it gives you the chance to watch the pros in action. The beach offers a range of mellow waves as well as more challenging ones, making it suitable for everyone!

Where is the favourite place you’ve surfed?

Lisa: Sri Lanka and Barbados, it's so lovely in the water with the colourful sea life and tropical temperatures.

Talk us through a typical day at QSS

Lisa: First thing in the morning we get the boards and flags put outside. The flags are great for showing people who we are and indicating what the wind is doing! We then get organised for the lessons that day and greet our excited clients. We have a lot of equipment for hire; surfboards to suit all abilities, stand up paddle boards, wetsuits and bodyboards and when the sun is out we are super busy with getting everyone kitted out ready for action, also providing advice on where to go. In between lessons, we have the important job of helping refuel our instructors so that they are energised and ready to get back out there. Throughout the day we have returned equipment that needs washing and drying. I have an 80% sand free rule, which is actually quite hard to achieve in this business (haha!) At the end of the day whilst we pack away the final hire returns, it’s lovely to hear how our customers have got on, how they are already hooked and wondering what time we open the next day to do it all again!

Name one thing you love about your job

Lisa: I love meeting people who want to get out there in the water and experience the thrill of riding the waves, it’s very special sharing the stoke with them.

What's your favourite time of year for being in the water?

Lisa: September is a great time, the water is still nice and warm and we usually get some good waves. It’s also a little less crowded in the line up.

Meg: I hate being cold, so the chances of me getting in the water during winter are very slim, but not impossible! I love summer, and an after-work dip is my favourite thing to do!

Tips on warming up once you're out of the water?

Meg: Surfing in the UK, particularly in winter, can be a bit chilly! Making sure you have the right gear that fits well before you get in the water is a great start. Once you’re out of the water, a warm shower followed by a nice hot drink to warm you up from the inside is usually our go-to.

So if you're ready for the adrenaline rush, you can learn more, and book online at www.quiksilversurfschoolnewquay.com or call 01637 851 800