This week we are looking into all things surfing. As Cornwall is a hotspot for surf-related reviews on HelpHound we thought we'd feature it in this week's Hot Topic. So are you are surfer? Or do you just fancy a quick trip down to the Cornish coasts? If so we have information on surf schools, accommodation, shops and entertainment, pubs and restaurants.
Shops & Nightclubs
If it's retail therapy that you're looking for whilst down in Cornwall then luckily for you your fellow HelpHounders have been quite busy shopping and reviewing to steer you towards the good'uns. If you are anything like wonderwoman86 then you won't be able to "resist going in every surf shop" that you can find. She particularly rates The Boardwalk Surf Shop, there's also Fat Willy's Surf Shack who henryobrien likes as they have "a great team of staff who are really passionate about surfing". He also likes Ocean Magic as they have "a great range of great surf and beach wear as well as great selection of sunglasses". After a long day of surfing and shopping then there are the following clubs that have been reviewed to offer evening entertainment: Sailors Night Club has got five reviews all positive, then there's The Beach, Tall Trees Club and Berties Nightclub. If you find yourself in Wadebridge then Ann's Cottage Surf Shop is a recommended pit stop and according to Sophie21 "if you love a picturesque beach and teaming it with some retail therapy then come to Anne's Cottage." If it's raining then there's always the Regal Cinema.
Surf Schools
If you get the bug whilst down in Cornwall and fancy a surfing lesson or two then check out the surf school tag to help you select a Cornish school. Surfs up Surf School in Wadebridge is a "cool place to learn how to surf" according to Sasha Jacques with "friendly, well trained staff that can teach children and adults of all ages". mfbx6ds7 has been surfing with The Escape Surf School in Newquay for three years now and thinks that "they are excellent motivators and will have you really enjoying your time in the water". In Newquay there is also Blue Wings Surf School who "are ideal for beginners" and "put no pressure on the student and allow them to progress at their own pace" mfbx6ds7. So check out the surf school page to see which one you fancy.
Accommodation
Fancy making your stay in Cornwall a little longer? Well there are plenty of places reviewed in and around Cornwall. For this HotTopic we have focussed on Padstow and Newquay, two ideal surfing spots for this summer. In Newquay there is: Surfers Hotel which is "Really, really cheap" and, looking at the map, is right on the coastal road; Reef Surf Lodge, Smugglers Haven camping and caravanning which is "just outside of Newquay with free shuttle buses running in to Newquay on a regular occasions, there is a little quiet beach just up the road about a 10 minute walk" although "it doesn't catch much swell" according to msedcole and Hendra Holiday Park which is a "lovely park" according to Izzy with evening entertainment, restaurant and take away, and Summer Lodge.
In Padstow there is the Trayarnon Bay Youth Hostel which is "cheap but pretty and is on the beach so it has a perfect situation", says Rachelp and the Trayarnon Bay Caravan Park which also has a positive review from HelpHounder msedcole who says that the campsite "is perfectly placed overlooking the sea allowing a great view to see what the surf is like" and who finishes by saying "this is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a cheap spot".
Activites, Pubs, Cafés & an Airport
If you are travelling from further a field and fancy flying to the surf spots, then check out the reviews for Newquay Airport, which has received 3 positive reviews from your fellow HelpHounders. To entertain the kids, or the young-at-heart adults, there is Crealy Great Adventure Park in Wadebridge. Phoebe thinks that "those coming prepared with a sense of fun will be charmed". For any Rick Stein fans out there you can eat in his Café in Padstow which according to hettiedc is "a great place to grab some fantastic fresh seafood and fish". For those keen culinary HelpHounders there's Padstow Sea food School. "Rick Steins renowned school over looks the idyllic Padstow quay on the Camel estuary in Cornwall" kara16. the Cornish Arms Inn in Padstow has a good review from HelpHounder Cerys, and continuing the 'arms' theme, the Sailors Arms and the Newquay Arms in Newquay both received raving reviews. Belushi's Barracuda Bar in Newquay also seem to please our HelpHounders, so why not go and see for yourself!
Interesting points...
The Boardmasters Surf Competition/ Unleashed Music Festival is happening in Newquay from 4th - 10th August, click here for details.
And how about this for some entertaining, surf related watching. Don't get any ideas though!