Was looking for a way in which to keep the kids under control on my last surf trip.

There are a few factors you need to take into account when setting off on a surfari :

  • Transport - nearly a 600 mile round trip to Cornwall
  • Accommodation - we had booked a caravan in Devon but were going to Cornwall
  • Swell - we checked the surf reports regularly on MagicSeaweed and Sharkbait, hence the redirection from Devon
  • Equipment - suitable wetsuits for the water temps, waxed and ready surfboards
  • Clothing - warm stuff for when you get out of the water ( I love my Quiksilver striders )
  • Sleepy Stuff - like some blankets or sleeping bags
  • Money - enough for 3 hot meals a day - or a frikkin picnic if your friends insist
  • Toys - some gadgets and chargers like ipods and mobile phones - even a portable DVD player

All the above are easy.to sort and come quite easily from experience, but the hardest factor to cover is that of childcare. when you are single, not only do your pockets jingle (with cash), but your freedoms are limited by few ogres.

So - the most pressing problem was how to convince one’s spouse that being a single parent for a few days will bring her closer to the kids and be an enriching experience for all involved (while I catch some waves). This is a hard sell, believe me, they are not easily fooled and as the time for departure approached, and the weather conditions in Cornwall improved, I became more and more aware that something had to be done should I wish to leave with smiles from all and get on and enjoy my holiday.

Luckily I have a friend who runs a childcare agency, I gave her a call and she suggested a childminder for the Saturday and Sunday who was fully CRB checked and had passed her paediatric first aid course. It did not cost the earth and certainly made my (watch free) surf sessions down at Newquay all the more chill.

Tigerlily supplies loads of nanny jobs and nursery jobs for a variety of locations including east Sussex, Herts, Hamps, Surrey and suchlike.

For those going to Newquay the best information can be found here : Fistral Surf report, Town beaches worked well when the swell was high and south westerly, ….