 Surfing is a million miles away from the rigours of office life |
High-flying office staff in London are being lured to the south Wales coast by all-inclusive luxury surfing breaks. The package - starting at �400 a night - includes flights out of London's City airport, five-star accommodation, food, board hire and surfing lessons.
The three firms behind the deal - Air Wales, Fairy Hill hotel and surf school GSD - believe the prospect of a one-hour flight instead of a four-hour drive will tempt executives.
"The fact that there's an air link that can get them to the heart of the Gower in just over an hour means that it really is a viable option for them," said Simon Jayham, director of GSD.
Mr Jayham said he had received interest from London when Air Wales began running daily services from south Wales.
"I started to receive enquiries from high flying executives who worked in City banks or IT companies such as IBM, who were interested in learning to surf," he said.
"I've had groups of executives fly down for just one day, and others come down for the weekend."
Mike Felicetti, from Air Wales said they were trying to convince people to visit south Wales instead of Cornwall.
"As an airline we're committed to putting Wales on the map and are encouraging travellers to chose Wales over Newquay - which is traditionally seen as the surfing capital."
BBC Wales surf correspondent Simon Alexander said surfing was "a great way to relieve the stresses and strains of everyday life".
"When you paddle into the waves you can leave all the 9-5 worries behind you," he said.
He added that staying in a five-star hotel would make for an even more laid back experience.
"You don't have to stay in a campervan any more," he said.
Richard Multon, who works for Lloyds insurance broker Willis Ltd in the City, admitted he would consider the package.
"It certainly sounds like a good idea," he said.
"It still sounds quite expensive but, for a special occasion like a stag weekend, I am sure there wil be plenty of takers."
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When you paddle into the waves you can leave all the 9-5 worries behind you 
