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Lone surfer on Scarborough beach.

The word on the street – or should that be the surf! – is that the coast in North Yorkshire is becoming a Mecca for surfers to rival those of Cornwall and Devon.

So, if you’ve always fancied riding the waves like those glamorous types you see on the tele, but thought it was out of the question because it’s not easy to nip to the West Country for a day’s surfing! Well you’ve no excuse now because great surfing is on the doorstep.

We’ve spoken to North Yorkshire surfing expert, Mark Juggins, and he gave us his top tips to get started.

• You don’t have to be super-fit. You can start with comparatively low levels of fitness, but you must have some swimming ability as you’re in the water!

• People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy surfing but eight years old is the preferred minimum because there is quite a lot to learn regards safety and it’s difficult for kids younger than that to take that in.

• Safety is very important. You have to be equipped for the whole surfing future and be aware of all the dangers. The weather, wind strength, wind direction and rip currents are things you need to be aware of. There is general safety regarding your board. You don’t want to get hit by your board or other surfers. You don’t want to get any teeth knocked out!

• It can be expensive to buy the equipment, but to start with you can hire all the kit needed for around £10 for two hours and a two hour lesson costs around £25. If you then decide you like it and buy the kit, it’s then only the cost of the petrol to get to the beaches. The sea and the surf is free!

• The East Coast is not known for its tropical weather and as the best time for surfing in North Yorkshire is autumn, winter and spring, don’t let the cold put you off. Modern wetsuits are very warm and flexible meaning it’s possible to stay out there for three or four hours, even in the depths of winter.

• So, get out there, have a good day's surfing and go home happy and relaxed!