Surfing & Diving - end Jan-mid Feb 2010

Hi all - Merry Christmas! I'm planning on a 1 month surfing sabbatical end Jan through late Feb 2010. I've never tried surfing but am a good swimmer and have previously done bodyboarding and wakeboarding so I think I'll be fine... ish.

Whilst I'm riding the waves, I'll also be interested in taking up the PADI Open Water certification. Why not :)

I'm currently based in Shanghai and am toying with the usual suspects eg. Hawaii, Bali. However, if anyone's got a better suggestion/itinerary for a beginner surfer & potential diver, for 3 weeks, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks! x

You should consider Fiji - the diving is stunning and the surfing spectacular. Have a look at the island of Kadavu where it is possible to both surf and dive. Could be a fair amount of rain during January though.

Hi there,

I know this place is not even close to Shanghai, but why not go to Costa Rica? There's several great surfspots, and it makes a perfect combination with diving...

I went diving with Rich Coast Diving in Playas del Coco, up in the north at the Pacific side, maybe you should check out their website, i had a great time, and it gives you a great oppurtunity to relax as well, as it is a nice, little place, whith a good share of night and beachlife. Here's a big change to see white tip sharks, nurse sharks, eagle and stingrays every dive, and i'm not talking about one, but groups of them, really cool!!! Also from here, boats hit Catalina Islands several times a week where at this of the year, there's a big change to meet the Manta Rays!!!! When it comes to surfing, Playas del Coco is surrounded by great surf spots...

The dive center has a great team of international staff, who will give you very proffesional education when it comes to your open water course... Have fun