There’s nothing like riding the waves to get your kicks, and to show off in front of your mates on the beach, but when we think of surfing, we usually picture Hawaia, California or Australia. It’s about time we changed that. Those places might be blessed with a bit more sun than the British Isles, but they’re not the only places with sandy beaches and reliable waves. Northern Ireland, is the most westerly part of the UK, located between the Irish Sea and the Atlantic ocean, which means that it doesn't lack beaches or waves. If you live here, or you’re visiting, it’s easy to find established surfing resorts to enjoy the waves, alongside some more surprising spots for surfing. Whatever you have in mind, you can find it here - and you don’t have to fork out for a plane ticket to become king or queen of the beach.

Where are the best places to go surfing in Northern Ireland?

• Portrush: If any name is associated with surfing in Northern Ireland, it’s Portrush. County Antrim’s very own Bondi Beach sits on the Atlantic coast where a series of beaches provide waves of all kinds to suit absolute beginners and globe-trotting surf addicts. Sheltered East Strand is perfect for an initiation into surfing, while West Strand has bigger, barrelling waves, which can be enjoyed all year round. Then there’s Whiterocks Beach, named after the limestone cliffs which enclose it, where views to the Scottish islands across the ocean and the Giant’s Causeway are enough to make you fall in love before you even get into the surf.

• Benone: Another favoured spot on the north coast is Benone Strand, 7 miles of sandy expanse on the limits of County Londonderry. The western side of the beach is perfect for beginners and novices, with the waves getting progressively more powerful as you go east towards Downhill Strand, where Mussendun Temple stands on the clifftops above the sand. The nearby town of Castlerock is also a popular destination for surfers, but the right hand waves that come off the Atlantic are tricky for novices to handle. You can always cross the River Bann to Portstewart Strand, a beach with a good offering of waves, and a better scene of bars and cafes to rehydrate after a day in saltwater.

• Belfast: The sheltered waters of Belfast Lough and the Irish Sea mean that there aren’t great beaches for surfing in the area, but the town of Donaghadee is a popular spot for paddleboarding and new developments in boardsports like E-Foil. Don’t worry if you’ve got your heart set on riding the waves though, because in Andersonstown they come thick and fast - on an indoor surf pool. Even on the rainiest days, you can come here and have some fun, while developing your technique, on a 5 metre wide wave that’s pumped down a specially designed pool.

• Donegal: Although Northern Ireland doesn’t have a west coast, in County Fermanagh its border comes to within a few miles of the Atlantic coast of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. Rossnowlagh is one of the best surfing beaches in Europe. It hosts numerous surf competitions for pro wave riders, but don’t let that put you off. There are reliable waves that come in slowly along the several miles of beach, so you’re guaranteed the chance to try out the technique as many times as you need.

Options for organising experience

- Riding a wave can look so easy when you watch a professional do it, but the reality is that just getting your feet on the board can be a challenge if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why the best way to get into surfing is to take a lesson, and on the Atlantic coast of Northern Ireland you’ll find some of the best schools in the UK. They offer lessons to beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced surfers, with high quality equipment and top tier instructors. If this is your first lesson, you’ll start off on the beach, learning about the board and the technique of catching waves. Then it’s into the surf, where your instructor will do everything they can to get you standing up and surfing like a pro. You can take lessons that last just 1 hour, but a more common duration is 2 - 3 hours.

- But lessons aren’t just about learning, they’re also great fun. In fact, they’re a great choice for groups of friends or families who want to do an exciting activity together. Why not turn your family holiday into a trip to remember, or organise a stag or hen do to give your best mate a proper send off, with a surfing session? You might be surprised who ends up riding the waves, and who gets more than a mouthful of seawater!

- Lessons run at set times of the day - including sunset sessions - but if you want to have a bit more freedom, you can rent equipment here in Northern Ireland. Rental companies have hourly and daily rates for boards and wetsuits, so if you’re confident that you’re going to get the most out of the waves without an instructor, you can go off at your own pace and find the perfect waves for you.

- Finally, the indoor surf facility in Belfast is best organised as a group of 8. In a 45 minute session, instructors will supervise you in the pool as you ride a never ending series of waves with your friends.

Requirements to do this activity

It’s never too early to start surfing! Special kids classes are on offer at schools here for youngsters of 6 years old and up. On top of that, many schools run surf courses and camps for kids and teens during the school holidays, for young surfers to get the hang of catching waves and learn to pull off some awesome stunts. These run at Easter and in the summer, but you can surf here all year round. And you’re never too old to get started either. Adults of all abilities are welcome to have a go at it and, who knows? It might become your new passion. When it comes to indoor surfing in Belfast, people of any age can get involved, as long as they are over 1.2 metres tall.

The coolest sport around doesn’t have to be reserved for the warmest countries, we urge you to enjoy it!