Recently NCW rolled out its family friendly surf spot mini guides. This is a page designed to help families and give inspiration for where to head for that next surf trip. Currently its UK locations only but we’ll be adding to these guides moving forwards. And expanding the info to include worldwide destinations. But what makes a surf spot family friendly?
A variety of surf conditions.
Depending on your kid’s ages and experience the type of waves you’ll be looking for will vary. For young families, however, the surf needs to be a mellow as possible. You don’t want a spot with macking whompers. And hardcore mum and/or dad may love this but your offspring mostly probably won’t.
Some of the spots we’ve featured on the mini guides page may not immediately jump out as being surf spots in the traditional sense. A good many may only surf up ripples for the majority of time. But when you’re a nipper or learning this is a good thing. Of course, every dog has its day and you may luck into some solid swell even in sheltered locations. Awesome if you do! Even for the more recognisable locations we’ve picked you get a variety of surf conditions, which during prime summer holiday season will most likely be serving up doable waves for all the family.
Accessibility.
When compiling the surf spot mini guides we keep access firmly in mind. With kids in tow you need a location to have an easy put in and get out. This often does mean headline location which’ll get busy during summer. But better this than being a tricky spot to get to and get out of. Children often won’t last a whole day somewhere with a sharp getaway needed after a few hours! Keeping this in mind you can’t afford to be miles away from your transport in the back end of nowhere.
Also, actually travelling to the area with your chosen family surf spot in mind should be given consideration. When talking family surfing time path of least resistance is always better in our opinion.
Surf spot amenities.
Any seasoned surfer will know how remote some locations can be. This can be welcome if you’re looking for respite from crowds and on your own or with a crew of hardened swell chasers. Family time, however, commands you have amenities close by.
And with amenities, we’re talking things like toilet facilities, easy (ish) parking, refreshment options and easy accommodation options. As we said above this accessibility does often mean many of these family friendly surf venues are busy in high season. But you’ll thank your lucky stars you opted for one of these locations if suddenly (for any reason) you need some of those facilities.
If you haven’t done already check out NCW’s family friendly surf spots mini guide here. Stay tuned for more being added ASAP.