There are killer surf spots all around the UK. From the heavy, cold-water waves of Thurso in Scotland to the heartland of Welsh surfing in the Gower. Heck, we’ve even got man-made waves now at Snowdonia but Cornwall is to British surfing, what Jenny was to Forrest…like peas and carrots. They just go together.
A surf roadie to this corner of our fair isle can provide super waves, toasty pasties, friendly pubs and slight amazement to those of us not from around these parts. Here’s the run-down of the top 10 things that non-locals find amazing:
1. The Warm Water
Last year the Cornish seas reached temperatures that were hotter than Santa Monica. Pretty impressive for a country that is famed for its terrible weather.
2. The Obsession With The Pasty
Yes, they are a tasty treat of piping hot filling and flaky pastry but the region’s obsession with this culinary delight is second to none. The politics of the pasties amaze us foreigners, for example, the fact that the pastry is crimped dependent on where the maker is from is fascinating.
3. Just Really Great Waves
This may seem like an obvious observation but as a surfer from the East of England - whose closest break needs near perfect conditions to work - it ‘s a delight to visit the region. Surfing in the South West is a year-round affair with winter especially bringing great swells from the North Atlantic - you’re never far from a break that’s on point.
4. They Don’t Play By The Rules
They put exclamation marks in place names (Westward Ho!), they design 16-sided houses and alongside the traditional pasty they designed a pie called the Stargazy Pie, made from pilchards, eggs and potatoes in a pastry crust with the fish heads poking out and apparently gazing skyward.
5. The Rivalry Between Devon and Cornwall Is Not A Joke
Do I need to mention the recent Cream Tea debacle that has plagued the region?
6. Newquay Can Rival Zante at Certain Times Of The Year
The word ‘Cornwall’ is synonymous with stunning scenery and pristine blue waters but at peak summer, or during Boardmasters, the high street will be packed to the rafters with party-goers. Perfect if you want some apres-surf mayhem on your trip.
7. The Creativity
There must be something in the water because this region has been pumping out talented musicians, indie surf brands, cool surf shops, writers and clothing brands at an astronomical rate.
8. The Drink
Beer produced by Sharp's Brewery, Skinner's Brewery and St Austell Brewery is the best-known in Cornwall which will keep you rather merry until the wee hours of the morning.
9. Killer Seagulls
Seagulls on steroids that terrorise those with food (well that’s what the newspapers say anyway).
10. The People
They’re a friendly bunch on the whole in Cornwall. They always have a spare five minutes to talk to you about your day (even if you can’t decipher the accent a lot of the time).
Hello and welcome to This Ruth Is On Fire, a UK blog which is a haven for random thoughts and sarcastic observations.
I'm also into books, clothes and visiting places too.
