Surfing: questions and Band 8 answers

No, I haven't, actually. I grew up quite far from the coast, so I rarely had the chance. I did have a go at paddleboarding once during a seaside holiday in Cornwall, but attempting to catch proper waves on a surfboard has always felt a bit intimidating to me.

Not really across the whole country, but it's huge in certain coastal regions where the swell is reliable. Down in the south-west, for instance, you'll see heaps of dedicated surfers braving the chilly water all year round, even in the middle of winter.

To be honest, I don't follow them religiously, but if highlights pop up on a video-sharing app, I'm usually glued to the screen. It's fascinating seeing athletes pull off sharp turns and navigate massive barrels. The sheer balance and core strength they have is incredible.

Definitely, I'd love to give it a shot. I've promised myself that next time I go on a beach break somewhere warm, like Portugal, I'll book a couple of beginner lessons. It looks like an absolute blast once you get the hang of standing up.

I'm much more keen on low-key activities like kayaking or open-water swimming. I find gliding across a calm lake far more relaxing than tumbling around in rough surf. My friend and I often rent a tandem kayak during the summer, which is always brilliant fun.