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I can report after two years that surfing is very dangerous for anyone who has a singular obsessive bone in his or her body!

I went surfing on a body board originally in Cornwall 38 years ago and it was not until a friend suggested I go with him to Cayton Bay at Scarborough around two years ago that I went again, I was by this time 44 years old!

I hired a long foam board, a wetsuit, gloves and boots (it was October and you need to be kitted out in the North Sea – trust me). I quickly found out that:

• There are world-class waves on the East Coast! Though I tend to stay on the beach breaks around Scarborough, Cayton, South Bay and North Bay.

• I could not stand up on the board first time, it’s without doubt a very tricky art form to master but small steps are made with each visit. RULE 1: respect the sea it is THE master.

• The commercial surfing businesses in the Scarborough area are all extremely helpful and honest in their dealings and advice. Take the time I had driven to within 15 minutes of Scarborough from Leeds where I live and I realised I had left my wetsuit on the kitchen table! I phoned Mark from Fluid Concept who was just getting in the sea but he sorted out a wetsuit with Secret Spot for me so I did not miss the glassy waves!

• Take some lessons with these guys they are experts and you will progress far quicker, and be far safer.

• The East Coast is a truly beautiful place with very clean bathing water.

• The folks (boys and girls) out in the line up are welcoming as long as you show consideration and follow the very few simple rules.

Though I do now travel to Devon and Cornwall for waves when Scarborough is flat I have caught the best waves of my life just 65 miles from where I live!

Get in the sea it's free!

Stephen Waite