In their words...
why we love South
The South Coast of England is amongst the nations favourites when it comes to a seaside visit but also attracts tourism from around the globe. With a choice of destinations scattered along a varied coastline it offers rural tranquility in The Purbecks coupled with the buzz of urban areas like Weymouth and Brighton, places that were first discovered by the Victorians as great holiday resorts. Home to the Jurassic Coast this region boasts fossil-laden cliffs, picturesque coves and famous geology like Durdle Door and Old Harry Rock, in contrast it’s been said that Bournemouth is the closest thing to Californian living in the UK and Brighton boasts great culture, historic architecture and great places to party.
Not necessarily known for its surf culture and perfect waves the South Coast still attracts pockets of keen surfers and has an ever growing watersports community. Surfers here have learnt how to read the swell forecasts and make the most of the winds that blow across the English Channel. A few key spots get pretty much perfect waves from time to time but expect them to get fairly crowded by locals when the conditions are right. The stand-up paddling boarding scene down South has boomed in the last 5 years, making the most of the regular, small waves and allowing people to adventure round the scenic harbours and unique coastline. Windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing have all played key parts in the history of watersports here and have brought with them a wide selection of shops and sports academy’s in which you will find all the kit you need to get involved.
Surfers Against Sewage have a number of Regional Reps supported by thousands of volunteers on the South Coast. Together they are tackling the same common issues of marine litter and the waste left behind by tourists, but also more site specific problems surrounding water quality and access to restricted beaches like Broad Bench, Kimmeridge which was the basis for the historic ‘Stand up for your rights’ campaign and introduces the importance of the ‘Protect Our Waves’ campaign.