November Surf Social at Bracklesham Bay

Our November Surf Social was one of those days that really reminds you why these sessions are so good. Not just for the surf, but for the people.

We kicked things off with a really useful chat and presentation on surf forecasting, led by Joe. It wasn’t overcomplicated or overly technical. Just everything you actually need to know to plan a solid surf session at Bracklesham. He covered wind direction, tides, swell size and swell period, where to get that information, and how to read it all together so it actually makes sense. Practical stuff you can go away and use straight away.

Before heading out on the water, we did the usual beach warm-up, then broke off into smaller groups so beginners and intermediates could get tips suited to their level. It’s a similar approach to what we use in our adult surf lessons, focusing on confidence, technique, and time in the water.

Mikey was also there with a pump foil setup, including the platform and a specialist pump board and foil. A few of the brave or curious crew gave it a go. There were some solid attempts, plenty of laughs, and a lot of respect for how hard pump foiling actually is.

One of the highlights of the water session was the party wave. Around eight people all sharing the same wave on surf boards, SUPs, with a mega SUP thrown into the mix for good measure. Absolute chaos in the best way and loads of smiles all round.

After the session, everyone piled back inside The Beach Bracklesham. The log burner was on, boards stacked outside, and the smell of a Sunday roast filled the place. Around 50 people packed inside, enjoying an unreal roast dinner put together by the Bracklesham team. Chicken, beef, all the best sides, cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets, roasties, and loads of veg.

A cold beer, great food, and chatting surf and watersports with people made this a personal highlight for me. Some were local, others had travelled a fair way. It was great meeting new faces, catching up with familiar ones, and just enjoying that post-surf glow. And yes, I definitely squeezed in a delicious dessert as well.

I’m already looking forward to the next one.

To find out when the next Surf Social is happening, click here.