You’ve been dreaming of hitting the waves recently in the likes of Lagos, San Sebastian or Hossegor when you start thinking should you take your surfboard with you or hire one when you arrive.

You have probably heard stories about what happens when you check in your surfboard but don’t panic, just yet! We’ve weighed up the pros and cons for you, now all you need to think about is getting away a week or two of sunshine and great waves.

Is it better to take your Surfboard abroad or hire?

To hire or not to hire? Having your own surfboard with you is familiar, you know what to expect but do you really want the hassle of carrying it through the airport and more importantly risk what might happen to it during transit.

Things to consider…

How much does it cost to hire a surfboard? Will the airline charge extra for checking in a surfboard and board bag? Will the surf equipment at a surf school be suitable for your level?

Where are you going surfing?

In a destination with lots of surfers, you would expect there to be an extensive selection of surfboard’s available however this is not necessarily the case. In quieter locations, it is more difficult to find the perfect surfboard.

What type of board would you like to ride when you arrive?

If you aren’t overly fussy about what you ride and are looking for something standard, then in most places you will easily come across a board to suit you. If you are used to riding a board which is a bit unusual and not standard, then obviously this will be more difficult to find.

Pros and Cons of taking your surfboard abroad…

Surf travel is becoming more and more popular with many travelling to places such as Sagres, Portugal and Capbreton, France.

Let’s start off with the ‘surfer-friendliness’ of airlines luggage policies. It is fair to say that several airlines are trying to make surfer’s lives a lot easier and include generous luggage policies, however, as with most things some aren’t quite hitting the mark and even failing to understand that surfers travel on a regular basis.

What will it cost?

Many airlines charge a substantial fee for taking your surfboard abroad. It depends who you are flying with, but short-haul flights tend to be reasonably cheaper than long haul. Our favourite is British Airways who allow you to take a Surfboard bag for free (T&Cs apply). You’ll have to weigh up whether the extra cost of taking your board away in comparison to hiring one is worth it – sometimes it’s similar but other times there is a huge difference.

Insurance

Surfing abroad is very popular, meaning there are plenty of companies who offer surfing specific insurance, which includes surfboard cover. If you are still undecided about where to go on your surf holiday, then why not try Mundaka or even Seignosse.

Many surfing injuries occur during collisions with the board, coral reefs or hard sand surfaces. Shoulder injuries are the most common while surfing but all in all, it is a relatively low-risk sport. If you are arranging a surf holiday particularly abroad then it is important to take out the correct type of insurance for your trip.

We would always recommend you take out insurance not only to protect yourself but also your surfboard.

Total costs

Things to remember when taking your surfboard on a plane

Clearly label your bag and make it identifiable

We keep coming back to this, but if the very worst were to happen, you would want to know in your head that if your bag does go missing, but is found, that whoever finds it would be able to contact you.

Also, by adding something bright, like bits of string, to your bag, will make it much more identifiable when you’re looking at every surf bag which looks the same on the conveyor belt.

Protect, protect, protect

We can emphasise this enough, protect your board at all costs. This doesn’t mean fight any off who comes in close vicinity of your board. What we mean, is use plenty of padding and cushioning while your bag is in the bag. For example, wrap pipe insulation around the rails of your board. Add bubble wrap to the deck of your surfboard. Finally, place your board in a board sock for even more cushioning. Then you’ll be good to go!

Get a durable, well-made bag

Make sure you choose the right board bag for your journey. We’d recommend lugging around a huge coffin board bag, you’ll thank us for this tip! Also, make sure you go for a durable bag. Especially if you’re on a long trip away, your board will likely come to a few blows while it is in transit, so a durable bag is a necessity.

Whichever bag you go for, make sure you don’t scrimp, and you choose a well-made bag. The cost may be slightly higher at first, but a durable bag will last you years!

Should I Hire a Surfboard?

You may ride an unusual surfboard and feel more comfortable using your own. If this is the case your main consideration should be the cost of transporting it. If it’s not overly expensive then it makes more sense.

Looking for flexibility, then renting a board is possibly the best option for you. If the airline charges don’t fit in with your budget and you are relaxed about the type of board then hiring is a great option.

It really depends on your love of your board and the cost. If you are not overly fussed and the cost is similar, then why not hire one when you get there and save the risk of damage.

Whatever you decide we are sure you will enjoy the waves either way!!!

What to do when you’re on the other side

Forget about the hassle of dragging your surfboard from the luggage conveyor belt, out of the doors into the blazing heat and to the taxi stand or public transport station, to wait in line and get more and more sweaty.

Why put yourself through that, when you can book your transfers to the surf resort with Sea-Lifts. We take care of your transfer needs from the airport to resort, you’ll have a friendly driver waiting for you at the airport the moment you step off the plane.

Top 50 Surf Blogs!

When you live miles away from the Ocean, how do you keep up to date with the surfing community? Aside from booking surf holidays to some of the best breaks, the best way to get your surfing fix is by reading surf blogs.

But which blogs do you read? With so many blogs, it can be hard to find the right one for you. To help inspire your next surf holiday, we’ve searched the internet for the best surf blogs and ranked them to find out which is best.

How are they ranked?

In order to make our ranking fair, we took into account 4 factors:

• Alexa Rank
• Social Media Following
• Domain Rating
• Similarweb rank

For each factor we gave each blog points, with the top blog getting 1 point, the 2^nd blog getting 2 points etc. With each factor worth 25%, we added up the total number of points, with the lower the number of points the higher the ranking.

To everyone included in the rankings…

There are a number of ways you can shout about your listing on Sea-Lifts’ Top 50 Surf Blogs.

Winner’s Badge

Get your well-deserved badge to display on your website:

Copy and paste the code

Get Social

Shout about your achievement on social media

So what are the Top 50 Best Surf Blogs? Let’s find out!

The Best 50 Surf Blogs

The History of Surfing – Surfing Now & Then

With over 20 million participants worldwide, surfing has experienced a dramatic evolution. From its spiritual beginnings to earning its place in pop culture, surfing has transformed into an international, multi-billion-pound industry. But how did surfing begin? And how did surfing spread from Hawaii to Europe?

To help you understand the history of surfing, we’ve shared the key events that have developed surfing into the sport we recognise today.

How did Surfing begin?

Whilst most people believe surfing originates from Hawaii, that may not actually be the case. Although surfing was spread by Polynesian migrants from Indonesia through Fiji, the Marquesas, Tahiti and Hawaii, the first activity that can be recognised as surfing was in Peru!

Around 3000 to 1000 BCE, Peruvian fishermen built ‘caballitos de totora’ to transport their nets and collect fish. A type of reed watercraft, fisherman used to straddle the craft liking horses, hence its name ‘little reed horses’ in English.

Although it is debated in the surfing world as to whether ‘caballitos de totora’ constitutes the first form of surfing, the similarity in its shape is definitely convincing!

Surfing nearly went extinct?!

While over 20 million people actively surf world-wide, believe it or not, the sport of surfing was nearly lost in the 1880’s!

Believing the sport was a waste of time and had sinful links to gambling and nakedness, American missionaries preached against surfing in Hawaii. As colonial powers introduced a cash economy to the island, Hawaiians worked on sugar plantations, reducing their spare time and time catching waves.

Thankfully, the sport was resurrected in the late 1880’s by King Kalakaua who actively encouraged the practice of Hawaiian traditions including surfing.

Surfing in Europe

We know Hawaii is the stereotypical surfing hotspot, but how did surfing spread to Europe?

After encouragement from King Kalakaua, surfers travelled across the world to demonstrate their ability on the waves. In 1885, three Hawaiian princes visited the USA to showcase the sport, with a similar one taking place in Bridlington, UK in 1890.

However, it wasn’t until Duke Kahanamoku’s success at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, that the popularity of surfing in Europe truly began to gain momentum.

By the mid-1920’s, surfing had travelled to Europe, with the first surfers being filmed in Portugal in 1926.

Surfing was mainly focused in Portugal until WWII, when U.S. troops introduced the sport to France, transforming Biarritz into the best surfing destination in Europe.

After Peter Viertel imported the first surfboards into Biarritz and then travelled down into Spain in the 1960’s, the sport had spread across the European coast.

How have surfboards changed?

During the early 1700’s, Hawaiians followed the Code of Kapu (taboos) which dictated every aspect of an islander’s life. Under the Code, the best surf spots were reserved for Hawaiian royalty, with the island priest being sent for to pray over the water if the swell wasn’t there. Even the size of the surfboard was controlled, with royalty riding boards up to 24 feet long, whilst the rest of the islanders rode boards that averaged 12 feet long.

However, as surfing spread across the world and the sport grew in popularity, surfers began to look at ways to enhance their performance.

In 1935, Alfred Gallant Jr. became the first person to use wax on a surfboard, after noticing the effect it had on the floors of his home. In the same year, Tom Blake introduced the first stabilising fin on a surfboard, with a twin system being introduced in 1943 and Simon Anderson introducing a triple fin system in 1980.

Not only did WWII help spread surfing, it also gave way to a new generation of surfboards. As a result of the invention of chemicals and materials such as Styrofoam, Fiberglass and Resin, lighter boards were created allowing more challenging surf.

Whilst original wooden longboards usually measured 16 foot and could weigh up to 175 pounds, the 1960’s saw surfboards change shape and become smaller. After Irish Hawaiian George Freeth cut the original 16ft wood longboards in half, new surfing techniques that were more suited to European beach breaks emerged.

The Biggest Waves Surfed

2004

Date: 10th January 2004
Location: North Shore of Maui, Hawaii
Surfer: Pete Cabrinha
Height: 70 ft

2011

Date: 1st November 2011
Location: Nazare, Portugal
Surfer: Garret McNamara
Height: 78 ft

2008

Date: 5th January 2008
Location: Cortes Bank, California
Surfer: Mike Parsons
Height: 77 ft

2017

Date: 8th November 2017
Location: Nazare, Portugal
Surfer: Rodrigo Koxa
Height: 80ft

Most Influential Surfers

Duke Kahanamoku
The undisputed father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku is inducted into both the Swimming and Surfing Hall of Fame. Helping to spread the sport around the world, surfing would not have advanced into the popular competitive sport it is today without his encouragement.

Kelly Slater
The record holder for the most money made by a surfer in one year ($3 million in 2009), American Kelly Slater is the most successful surfing champion in the world.

Tom Blake
Changing both surfing technique and surfboard design, Tom Blake is one of the most influential surfers. A competitor of the Duke, Blake transformed surfing performance into the dynamic sport we now know.

Tom Curren
Immortalised forever by his clashes with the young Mark Occhilupo in the 1980’s, Tom Curren helped develop surfing into a career, starring in “The Search” series filmed by Sonny Miller.

Laird Hamilton
An incredible big-wave rider in the 1990s, Laird Hamilton innovated tow-surfing and introduced the Stand-Up Paddleboard movement, creating a new way to ride the waves.

Celebrity Surfers

From Mark Twain and Prince of Wales to Cameron Diaz and Chris Hemsworth, the popularity of surfing means more and more celebrities are riding waves.

Here’s just a few that have given it a go:

We hope you’ve learned something about the history of surfing.

If you want to give surfing a go like the celebrity surfers, let Sea-Lifts provide reliable and hassle-free transfers for your surfing holiday in Europe. Use our quote generator to get an instant quote and book online now!

Who is the No. 1 Surf Nation?

When you think of surfing, where do you think of? Although most people will say the USA’s Californian coast, Hawaii or even Australia, do these nations produce the most top surfers? Which country is the number 1 surf nation?

With the population of Brazil over 8000% bigger that of French Polynesia, it’s hardly fair to compare the two. Whilst everyone knows Hawaii and Australia often feature high on the leaderboard, we want to know who really is the best pound for pound surf nation!

How did we calculate it? After calculating the total number of points awarded to each nation on both the men’s and women’s 2017 World Surf League Championship Tour, we divided it by the nation’s total population. After doing the maths, this gave us the ranking figure of population per World Surf League 2017 Championship Tour point and in turn, the best pound for pound surf nation.

Who do you think took the top spot? Let’s find out…

The Top 13 Pound for Pound Surf Nations

Surfing Tips for Beginners

A bucket-list activity, surfing is becoming an increasingly popular sport in Europe.  The perfect way to enjoy beautiful beaches, with summer quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to learn. Whether you’re having lessons with friends or visiting a surf camp, we’ve shared our top surfing tips for beginners to help you prepare.

Essential Gear for Beginners

Just like any sport, surfing requires specialist equipment. Here are some items you’re going to need:

A Surfboard
It might be obvious but in order to learn how to surf you’re going to need a surfboard. Although you might be tempted to invest in a shorter board as quickly as possible, it’s best to start with a bigger board and reduce the size as your ability progresses. Most beginners opt for foam surfboards, known as ‘foamies’, or ‘soft-tops’ because they’re much comfortable after spending a lot of time sitting on it. Also, make sure your surfboard is fitted with a nose guard to prevent impacts with the surfboard nose (the front edge).

A Surfboard Leash
Preventing you and your board from being separated, a leash is a surfing essential. Although it might feel strange and it will get in your way a few times, take time to get used to it as it is a must-have item.

A Traction Pad
A small pad that you can push against when popping up, traction pads, also known as surf pads, are helpful for beginners to control their board in the surf. Not a necessity as some surfboards already have these built-in.

Wax
Available in various shapes, colours and flavours depending on the water temperature you are surfing in, wax helps to give your board grip. Applied to the deck of the surfboard, if you’ve opted for a ‘foamie’ or a ‘soft-top’, you don’t need the worry about this.

Wetsuit
Wherever you plan on surfing, some form of wetsuit should be considered. Helping you to surf for longer. If you plan on surfing in cold surf, invest in a winter wetsuit, gloves and wetsuit boots. Whatever option you take, make sure it is properly fitted, so the insulating characteristics work correctly.

Rash Guard
Consider wearing a rash guard to protect yourself against a rubber rash that you would otherwise get on your stomach and chest. Alternatively, wear a vest or t-shirt.

Best Surf Spots in Europe for Beginners

If you are going to successfully learn to surf, it is vital that you choose a suitable beach. It’s important to find a beach with small, good, steady waves so you can practice the technique before upgrading to a more difficult surf spot.

Below are just some of the amazing beginner surf spots Sea-Lifts offer transfers to:

Surf Spots in France

Plague Sud, Hossegor

Plague Central, Capbreton

Cote des Basques, Biarritz

Surf Spots in Portugal

Catinho da Baia, Peniche

Amado, Lagos

Guincho, Cascais

Surf Spots in Spain

Somo Beach, Santander

La Zurriola, San Sebastian

Zarautz Beach, Zarautz

Surf Safety and Etiquette

As a beginner, it’s important to understand the unwritten rules of surf and how to learn safely.

While all good surf schools will help you understand this, here are the essentials:

Surf Safety

• Beginner surfers should never try and learn by themselves. Whilst you might think you can teach yourself the basics, it can be dangerous, and you risk injuring yourself and others. Instead, have lessons or get an experienced friend to show you the correct technique.
• Never place your board between yourself and a coming wave. Ensure you stay 15 feet away from others to avoid any collision.
• Don’t push your board through the water fin first. Made to keep your surfboard pointed correctly, i.e. nose first, pushing the board this way can be quite dangerous.

Surfing Etiquette

• Surfing waves have a peak which can usually be found in the middle of the wave. The part of the wave that will break first, the surfer closest to this spot will have the best chance of catching the wave first and is awarded the wave by other interested surfers.
• Never “drop-in” on another surfer, i.e. catching a wave that has been awarded to another surfer. Not only is this extremely dangerous, it can also be seen as disrespect to another surfer.
• You should always check to see if there is another surfer on your inside before paddling for a wave. You must be 100% sure a surfer is done with a wave before catching it yourself.

Surfing Fitness

Surfing is a physically demanding sport and requires a certain level of fitness in order to be successful. Like most sports, the fitter you are, the easier you will find it and the longer you can stay in the water.

If you are planning a surfing holiday soon, try to add push-ups and burpees to your exercise regime which will help with paddling and pop-ups. Cross training, weight training, intense cardio and yoga are also great workouts for surfing.

Top Surf Tips for Beginners

Before You Get in The Water

1. Research your surf school carefully and ensure they are experienced. Look for any accreditations and see if insurance is included in the price.
2. Surfing is physically demanding so you are going to have to refuel. Make sure you have plenty of water on hand and some high energy snacks. If you’re surfing in winter, you may even want to bring a thermos to keep you warm.
3. Get an understanding of the ocean environment before you try surfing. Whilst good surf schools will teach this, knowing what a rip is and understanding currents, tides and winds will help.
4. Taking time to find out if you are goofy or natural footed is key to being successful. Whilst some people choose a foot instinctively, others are unsure which foot to put at the front of your surfboard. To test this, see which foot leads when you go down a set of stairs. Whichever foot is first should be placed at the front of your board. If you place your right foot at the front you’re goofy footed, left foot at the front and you’re natural footed.
5. Once you’re ready to catch a wave, don’t rush into the water straight away. Take time to warm-up, check your equipment and watch the waves to see what others are doing.

In the water

1. It might sound obvious but start small and build-up. Although you might feel like you have the ability to tackle larger waves, it can be very dangerous to upgrade if you’re not ready.
2. Another tip that might be common sense to many is to pace yourself. Although you’ll be keen to get going, it’s important not to rush as this can lead to injury.
3. Make sure you keep your distance from the more advanced surfers. As you’re just learning you will want plenty of space and want to avoid getting in other’s way.
4. Take time to get comfortable sitting on your board in the water. Although very basic, it’s not the most natural of things.
5. Paddling is key to surfing success so it is key that you keep practising. Find a rhythm and try to stick to that whilst thinking about your positioning. The best place is in the middle, as too forward and your nose will poke underwater, too far back and you will go too slow.
6. If a breaking wave is ahead of you, you have two choices: Either duck under it or paddle over it. Whatever you choose, once the wave has broken, you need to stay perpendicular to the whitewater. If you don’t, you’re giving the surf more surface area to pull you under the water and drag you towards shore.
7. Learn to place your hands correctly when popping up and avoiding holding onto the rails to prevent you from tipping over.
8. When you catch a wave, make sure you bend your knees and not your back as it’s much easier to keep balance.
9. Lastly, you need to be prepared to wipe out. Unfortunately, being knocked down by waves is part of learning how to surf and learning how to fall properly will help you stay safe in the water.

We hope this guide has inspired you to plan a surfing holiday and helped you take your surf skills to the next level.

Don’t forget, Sea-Lifts operates at all major European Surf Resorts and offers you the option to add a surfboard as luggage. Sea-Lifts will provide you reliable and hassle-free transfers from the airport to the surf resort. Get an instant quote and book online now!

Top 10 Surf Boards for 2018

A summertime favourite, surfing is becoming one of the most popular beach activities. Although not restricted to the warmer months, there is no denying that the rising temperatures make catching waves more enticing.

Whether you’re just starting to surf or a big-wave pro, everyone has to choose their surfboard. But which one do you choose?

With many factors to consider, choosing the right surfboard for you can be a difficult task. To help make choosing your new surfboard easier, we’ve created a guide for buying a new surfboard and shared our top 10 surfboards for 2018, whatever your ability.

Sea-Lifts Guide to Surfing in Northern Spain

Whilst sun worshipers head automatically head to southern Spain, it’s the northern regions that have long been at the top of any keen surfer’s bucket list.

Featuring over 400 miles of Atlantic coastline, northern Spain is a surfer’s paradise, with the Basque country featuring 27 surf spots alone!  Littered with a variety of setups, there is a surf spot to suit everyone.

Whether you are looking for an introduction to surfing or thinking of ticking Spain off your surfing bucket list, read our guide to discover the world-class waves of northern Spain. 

When to Surf in Spain

Enjoying a mild climate all year round, Spain is a great holiday destination whenever you decide to visit.

Although the surf in Spain is also great all year round, the surf conditions vary dramatically. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, some of Spain’s best surf spots experience contrasting conditions transforming the beaches from beginner-friendly to experts-only.

December to March

The coldest months of the year, temperatures average around 12 degrees Celsius. During this period, most of the surf camps and surf schools are closed and crowds are at a minimum. Waves are at their most aggressive between December to March, with the swell at its most powerful.

Water temperatures average around 12 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees Celsius so a winter wetsuit is advised, along with glove and booties depending on the surf spot visited and how cold you get.

June to September

Thanks to its mild climate, summers in northern Spain average between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the spectacular Picos do Europa mountain range, clouds are prevented from disappearing quickly, resulting in more rain than other regions.

Water temperatures average around 18 degrees in summer, letting you surf in just a light wetsuit or shorts.

Where to Surf in Spain

Mundaka

Known as one of Spain’s best surf spots and one the world’s top river mouth waves, Mundaka is an iconic location that every surfer should visit. Lying within the UNESCO-protected Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, with a take-off point that overlooks an 11th Century church, Mundaka is internationally renowned and has featured on the World Tour, Capable of producing pristine barrelling lefts up to 12 ft tall, Mundaka can sometimes resemble a wave park so powerful are its waves. When it’s working, this surf spot should not be attempted by beginners, but it’s worth visiting just to watch the big wave riders.

Best For Intermediate to Expert Surfers.

When to Visit Between October to April. Summer tends to be mostly flat.

Best Around low tide when the tide is falling, with a swell angle from the northwest and wind direction from the south.

• Isla de Izaro
  An inconsistent reef break located 2km from Mundaka, Isla de Izaro is rarely crowded and offers right-handed waves.
• Playa de Laida
  Located 2km away from Mundaka, Playa is an exposed river break that is best experienced during the summer.
• Playa de Laga
  Playa de Laga is an exposed beach break that provides both lefts and rights and is located 3km away from Mundaka.
• Guibeleco
  A fairly consistent point break, Guibelco is located 4km from Mundaka and works all year round.
• Bakio
  A reliable beach break that can work at any time of the year, Bakio is located 8km from Mundaka and tends to be crowded when the surf is good.

Getting there Transfers from Bilbao Airport to Mundaka take approximately 30 minutes.

San Sebastian

One of the top culinary cities of Europe, San Sebastian is a city surfing destination that is perfect for those who want to have as much fun on land as they do in the sea. Surrounded by La Concha and La Zurriola, the destination is ideal for beginners and intermediates, and thanks to the flow of the Bay of Biscay, the water stays warm throughout the summer. Surrounded by the impressive Monte Ijeldo and Monte Urgull mountains, it’s the perfect place to learn how to surf.

Best For City Surfing

When to Visit September to March

• Playa de Gros (La Zurriola)
  An exposed beach breach that works all year round, La Zurriola offers both left and right-hand waves.
• La Concha
  Located 2km from San Sebastian, La Concha is somewhat of an inconsistent beach break that is often crowded.
• Playa de Ondarreta
  An inconsistent point break located 4km from San Sebastian, Playa de Ondarreta is best experienced during the winter months and is likely to be crowded if working.
• Orio
  Playa de Ondarreta is an exposed beach/jetty/rivermouth break that is located 8km from San Sebastian and is best experienced during the autumn months.

Getting there Transfers from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastian take approximately 45 minutes.

Zarautz

Featuring a 3km long beach that runs parallel to the boardwalk, Zarautz is a hugely popular surf spot that caters to all abilities. Host to a World Championship event each September, it features amazing breaks and numerous peaks. Although it can get crowded and competitive, it’ needs hardly any swell to work, helping it produce consistent surf all year round. In addition to great surf, the beach has fantastic facilities such as surf schools, showers and lifeguards, helping to establish it as one of the best places to surf in Spain.

Best For everyone!

When to Visit October to April

• Zarautz
  An exposed beach break with very reliable surf, Zarautz is best during the summer months.
• Karramarro
  Located 2km away from Zarautz, Karramarro is an inconsistent exposed point break that produces a left-hand point break.
• Orio
  Orio is an exposed beach/jetty/rivermouth break that is best experienced during autumn and located 4km away from Zarautz.
• Play de Gaztetape
  An exposed beach break, Playa de Gaztetape is 4km away from Zarautz and produces both lefts and rights.

• Orrua
  Located 5km away from Zarautz, Orrua is an exposed reef break that is best during autumn and winter.

Getting there Transfers from Biarritz Airport to Zarautz take approximately 55 minutes.

We hope this guide has inspired you to visit northern Spain for your next surf holiday!

If you are planning a trip to northern Spain, get an instant quote from your transfers from Biarritz Airport and Bilbao Airport to the surf resort and have the option of adding your surfboard as an item of luggage!