We recommend you choose a surf school which has been approved by the British Surfing Association (there are lots of them about). A good surf school will direct you to a safe beach (i.e. one with few rock and other hazards) which is not crowded and has some smallish 'user-friendly' waves which are ideal when just starting out.

Surfing is a great sport and we think its well worth the effort!

Beginners: There are dangers when learning to surf, but if you take lessons from a qualified instructor the level of risk and danger should be kept to a minimum. See explaination below...

Advanced: For advanced surfers, as you know surfing on big waves is serious business and damn dangerous - we salute you! The DoctorDanger.com danger rating puts 'Advanced Level surfing' at 91 out of a possible 100. Yikes! See explaination below...

Element of Danger: (15/30) it depends on how big the waves are, rips, rocks, stinging fish but if it's a sandy beginner style beech 15 out of 30

Skill level required: (21/30) it can be a bit tricky

Concentration level required: (7/10) position your self and choosing your wave is important.

Fitness level required: (9/10) it's a hell work-out.

Availability/easy to get started: (7/10) obviously if you live near a beech it will be easier, and there are an increasing number of good surf schools now.

Cost of equipment/lessons: (10/10) lessons and equipment hire are very reasonable for this sort of experience.

Element of Danger: (27/30) it depends on how big the waves are, rips, rocks, sharks but if they are big, it'll be damn dangerous.

Skill level required: (29/30) respect is due

Concentration level required: (8/10) things happen quickly

Fitness level required: (10/10) top

Availability/easy to get started: (7/10) obviously if you live near a beech it will be easier

Cost of equipment: (10/10) boards last a long time (er usually)