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here is no better place to learn to surf than in the beaches in North Devon, host to some of the best waves and surfers in the UK. Croyde Bay tends be the epicentre of all things surfing in this part of the world, the pretty thatched village’s friendly inhabitants’ lives revolve around the wind, the tide and the waves.

Organisations like Surfing Croyde Bay offer expert guides, a private sandpit for learning, all the surfing gear, including thick warm wetsuits, and a two hour lesson in the surf itself.

It’s a short walk to the beach from their HQ, and if Croyde isn’t “working” (as surfers say) protected beaches like Saunton and Putsborough offer beautiful back ups just round the corner.

Now we’re not saying it’s easy, but with plenty of patience and some intake of saltwater, you should leave the water exhausted and elated and probably hooked on the feeling that comes with wrestling with the Atlantic Ocean.

Of course all there is to do then is head to Thatch Inn, a known surfers’ hang out, down a locally brewed beer and swap tales of your salt water exploits. It’s in the Thatch that some of the biggest waves and tallest stories have been ridden.