Read on for a review of this year’s BUCS Surf Competition and to find out more about the upcoming Surf trip to Morocco!

The lifestyle of a surfer is one that, as a busy student, is easy to envy. Wouldn’t it be nice to cast aside the books, forget the essays, leave behind the libraries and in stead open up the surf forecast, head down to the beach and watch those waves rolling in? Although a weekend at the coast may seem a bit out of reach from Egham, the Surf Society plans weekends and longer trips away for the much-needed fun and relaxation.

Photos by Kelly Ah Chin Kow

At the beginning of every school year, the society makes the long trip to Cornwall in order to compete in BUCS, though we usually only have 1 competitor. In October, we headed down to the ‘Surfer’s village’ just outside Newquay – basically a caravan-site filled with students from all over the country and one bar to serve them all!

The trip was split between surfing lessons and watching Miguel, our competitor, surf through to the 4^th round. The helpful instructors from TicketToRide had all the complete beginners standing, perhaps unsteadily, on their boards but also helped more experienced surfers improve their skills. We surfed at Perranporth Beach: a beautiful and also quiet location. Once shivers from the cold water started to kick in, we would head back to the comfy caravans. If we were lucky, we had ‘forgotten’ to turn off the heaters whilst we were gone, and they were nice and toasty on return. They were also great for pre-parties. On the Friday, we managed to squeeze most of us into one before the traditional BUCS opening party in the popular Sailors club. With the Stanton Warriors performing, it turned out to be a night of crazy dancing, more drinking and socializing with other surfers – ah the life. The trip flew by, but not without a meal out to the cheesiest Mexican restaurant in town, Señor Dick (note the pun), which had remarkably good food.

We were very lucky with the weather and enjoyed a full day of sunny surfing. Appropriately, the last day turned grey and wet, preparing us for our return to student-life. And during the drive home we were the first shout-out on the Official Chart with Reggie Yates. A celebratory ending to an amazing trip!

Sadly though, people start to forget about surf society once BUCS is ticked off the list – surfing in the English winter is not exactly desirable. However, members should stay involved, excited and prepared to jet set off to the next prime surf spot! The committee is currently working on the next  trip on the agenda – one week of surf, sun, party and culture in Taghazout, Morocco. Does this sound like your ideal escape from winter, then join the Royal Holloway Surf Club on facebook and find out more!