Snow covered mountains, cosy chalets, log fires and après ski…the perfect winter holiday. This statement might ring true for many of us but the setting for a winter holiday doesn’t have to involve racing down a mountain with your snow legs on.
Of course, a winter holiday can be many things but for an alternative adrenaline sport, why not picture this: Sandy beaches, damp wetsuits and the rush of catching a winter wave as the sun sets on the horizon, with no one around but you and a few good friends…
Often associated with summer, surfing is an all year round activity and although it might be warmer in the summer months, surfing in winter is just as good, if not better. There are no crowds, the waves are more consistent and if you go to the right places, it doesn’t have to be freezing!
Europe and North Africa are home to some of the best winter waves in the world, so if you’re looking to get away from the cold, here’s the low down of where to surf and keep (relatively) warm:
Portugal
Portugal is a popular destination for every level of surfer, boasting miles of coastline getting good surf all year round. Add to that a wonderful culture, a very mild Mediterranean climate and water temperatures between 14 – 16 degrees and you will find surfing in Portugal a unique and exciting experience. In winter, head to Lagos on the South West tip of the Algarve, where the ocean will be at its warmest and a summer wetsuit is all you’ll need!
Spain
Spain offers the winter surfer excellent conditions, catering to every level of ability. To enjoy some of the best winter waves that Spain has to offer, head to the Costa de la Luz - or Coast of Light - in Andalucía. Often overlooked for the higher profile surf destinations of Portugal and Morocco, this small stretch of coast from Cadiz to Tarifa promises minimal crowds in a warm and sunny climate, with plenty of delicious tapas bars around for refuelling!
Morocco
Morocco has the perfect conditions for winter surfing, benefiting from hot and dry weather conditions from the desert on one side and a coastline exposed to constant swells from the North Atlantic on the other. The best time to go surfing in Morocco is in January, when the water is a comfortable 16 –20 degrees and the air temperature 18 – 30 during the day. For those quality waves, head to the world renowned surf town of Taghazout, just north of Agadir. Be sure to take some time out of the water to experience Morocco’s Berber culture, tasty tagines and open air markets full of exotic finds!
Visit The Co-operative Travel for information on flights and accommodation.
For the brave, why not reduce your carbon footprint and stay in the UK. Our winter weather might be miserable in contrast to the sunny warm climes of the Med, but for the quality of waves on offer, the UK has a lot to boast about. Most people associate Cornwall and North Devon with surfing in the UK, when in fact it is possible to surf at a whole range of destinations, from Scotland to Sussex, Wales to Scarborough - our coastline has it all! It might not be warm but with the right gear, it’s not as cold as you might expect…with a full winter wetsuit, booties and gloves to protect you from the cold water, the coldest part of the experience is likely to be getting changed! Nothing a tasty hot chocolate can’t fix…
For advice on equipment required, just ask at any of the local surf shops in the area you are visiting.
Another reason to save our seas…
The Co-operative is campaigning to save our seas. If you love surfing, love your ocean. To find out more and join us, visit Marine Reserves Now.