The Guardian, 12th May 2007

Surf addict Alf Alderson says setting up camp is the best way to search for the perfect wave

Lying in your tent as dawn breaks, you already know there's surf from the muffled roar that's been filling the air all night, as the Atlantic swell hurls itself on to a beach only yards from your portable home.

One of the great things about "surf camping" - quick and easy access to the waves at budget rates. Where else would you get accommodation within metres of the surf for the price of a few pints?

With a car or train ticket, a tent and a board, the surf is there to be discovered, and chasing the waves around the UK's massive 12,000km coastline (almost four times longer than France's) is an adventure you can repeat year after year. Britain also has some of the most varied and dramatic coast in the world, so even if you don't score good waves, you'll have a great adventure.

One of Alf's top five surfing campsites...

Mitchum's Campsites
Croyde Bay, North Devon
Two sites within easy reach of the most accessible and popular surf beach in south-west England.

· Alf Alderson is the author of Surf UK, the definitive guide to surfing in Britain (John Wiley, £14.95)

Mitchum’s Village Site
Review by: Andrea Nicholson
www.ukcampsite.co.uk

‘Small fun camping site in town, generally young groups, quite a few surfers, quieter than other group sites in Croyde and and not too much noise after chucking out time. Staff are brilliant, very helpful, and someone is on duty all night; site is therefore very secure. Showers are always lovely and hot and toilets always stocked, tidy and clean. 10 minute walk to Croyde Bay, shops and pubs 2 minute walk. Would definitely use again.’

Mitchums campsites given a glowing report in the Cool Camping guide by Jonathan Knight.