Picking a beginner-friendly surf spot can help you to gain some instruction in a generally safe environment, and may prevent your frustration getting the better of you. With this in mind, realbuzz.com have selected ten surfing hotspots for beginners wanting to hit the water.

Llangennith Beach, Gower, Wales surfing

Considered the surfing capital of Gower, mainly due to the consistent surf. It is situated at the northern end of Rhossili Bay and stretches for around three miles. During the summer months the beach area towards the car park at Hillend is patrolled by lifeguards, giving you that extra security if you’re just starting out. There are several surfing schools in the area that provide lessons during the summer. If you have never tried surfing then this is the place to go to.

Watergate Bay, Newquay surfing

This two-mile stretch has various peaks, depending on the weather conditions. It may be a little crowded at times – due to it being a firm favourite with many surfers because of its wide expanse of clean water, good parking facilities, and relaxed atmosphere – but a short walk along the beach means you can still find a quiet stretch. There is also a surf shop as part of the Extreme Academy complex. West Coast Surfari provide surfing lessons in the area.

Perranporth, Cornwall surfing

The long beach here is another popular spot with beginners due to its size and variety of breaks. Because the sandy beach is long (around three miles at low tide), it’s possible to get away from the town end and the crowds – so you won’t embarrass yourself in front of a viewing audience! The beach is fully lifeguarded between May and September. There are several local surf shops where gear can be hired, and Perranporth Surf School provides instructions at this location.

Saunton Sands, Devon surfing

The two-mile long stretch at Saunton Sands gives you plenty of opportunities to escape from the crowds. The waves are slow, break gently, and are generally more suitable for the beginner due to the gently sloping beach. The west-facing long sandy beach works at all states of the tide and is manned with lifeguards in the summer season. Surf shops can be found at Braunton and Croyde. Try to arrive early, as car parking space is limited and can fill up on busy days.

Long Sands, Tynemouth surfing

The main beach at Long Sands is the most popular place in the area, especially for beginners. The UK Autumn to Spring is the best and most reliable time to visit this place. Beginners should head to the end of Long Sands due to the strong currents elsewhere. It might be cold and enough to put any beginner off, but provided you wear a wetsuit you should be okay.

Scarborough North Bay, North Yorkshire surfing

A nice rolling beach break which is gentle enough to make it ideal for beginners to try. This beach is usually populated by lots of mellow longboarders who may give you a few pointers. Unfortunately, the beach area can be quite crowded due to the fact that it’s close to town. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The waves generated here tend to happen in the middle of the bay around low tide.

Dunnet Bay, Scotland surfing

If you’re brave enough to venture up to the icy waters off the coast of Scotland, then you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful surf spot pretty much to yourself. Dunnet Bay is a three-mile stretch of beach with waves that break on the sandbars along its entirety. The waves are pretty consistent, especially when the wind is from the south-east. As you improve you may wish to check out the reef break at the northern end of the beach.

Bude, Cornwall surfing

Bude and the surrounding area offer many fine surfing spots, with uncrowded conditions and plenty of secret spots. The surf is consistent, and water temperatures remain comparatively high for most of the year. One of the best spots is at Summerleaze Beach, which is protected from the area’s dominant south-westerly winds, making it ideal for beginners. Surfing classes are provided here by Big Blue Surf School. Other good spots include Middle Beach and Crooklets Beach.

Newgale, Pembrokeshire, Wales surfing

Newgale is a nice long beach break with consistent small waves – which are ideal for learning or developing your technique in a safe manner The local surf shop here hires boards and wetsuits, and there is a campsite right at the back of the beach which provides handy accommodation if you’re a first-timer there. Be warned, though – on bigger days with offshore winds, Newgale gets nice and hollow and has been known to produce 6ft barrels!

Tywyn, North West Wales surfing

Tywyn beach is relatively safe for surfing as it is a long, straight beach with no rocks or tidal rip. The best surf is to be had just to the north of the concrete slipway at the South end of the promenade, near to where the chip shop and toilets are located. Gear can be hired from Dragon Surf Hire on the front, and instruction is offered by them from May to October.