On the Water

Surfing

Learn to surf with a qualified instructor, from a first lesson to a full surf camp. A surf lesson usually lasts two hours. The school supplies the board and wetsuit, and an instructor shows you how to read the waves and stand up.

Many surf schools also run longer camps, group sessions and private lessons. Ask about group sizes and what happens if the waves are too small or too big.

Surfers riding a wave near the shore

The quick facts

Who it suits

Beginners of most ages and abilities. Groups, families, stag and hen parties and school groups are all catered for by many surf schools.

Best time of year

May to October for the warmest water. Many schools teach all year round.

Typical price

Check with the provider

A guide only. Prices change, so check with the provider.

Surfers riding waves at sunset beside rocks
Surfers on the waves at a rugged coastal beach
Surfers riding a wave near the shore

Providers

Surfing providers

South West

Active Escape

Coasteering, paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing and coastal rafting on the North Devon coast, with team building and group days.

  • Coasteering
  • Paddleboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Surfing
  • Activity days
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups, Corporate
View listing

South West

Coastline Sports

Coasteering, surfing, rock climbing and paddleboarding in North Devon, for schools, stag and hen groups and team days.

  • Coasteering
  • Surfing
  • Climbing
  • Paddleboarding
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups, Corporate
View listing

South West

Cornish Wave

Surf lessons, coasteering, kayaking and giant paddleboard tours from Newquay, with surf camps and retreats.

  • Surfing
  • Coasteering
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
Price
From £40 per person
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups
View listing

South West

Escape Surf School

A specialist surf school in Newquay with beginner to advanced lessons, courses and group bookings.

  • Surfing
Price
From £36 per lesson
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups, Corporate
View listing

South West

Nick Thorn Surf School

Surf lessons, paddleboarding and coasteering around Putsborough, Woolacombe and Croyde in North Devon.

  • Surfing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Coasteering
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups
View listing

Wales

Preseli Venture

Self catering cottages and adventure activities on the North Pembrokeshire coast, from coasteering and kayaking to climbing and surfing.

  • Coasteering
  • Kayaking
  • Climbing
  • Surfing
  • Paddleboarding
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups
View listing

South West

Surf Sanctuary

A surf and ocean school beside Fistral Beach in Newquay, with surfing, kayaking, coasteering and paddleboarding.

  • Surfing
  • Coasteering
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups
View listing

South West

Surf South West

A surf school and adaptive surf centre at Croyde with lessons, coasteering and instructor courses for corporate, school and stag and hen groups.

  • Surfing
  • Coasteering
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups, Corporate
View listing

More in On the Water

White water rafting

Paddle an inflatable raft down fast, rocky rapids with a guide.

£40 to £90 per person

See providers

Kayaking

Paddle a kayak on a river, lake or the sea, alone or on a guided trip.

£25 to £60 per person

See providers

Coasteering

Scramble, swim and jump along a rocky coastline with a guide.

£40 to £75 per person

See providers

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