Your Questions Answered
Can I just turn up or do I need to book?
What do I need to bring?
Are the courses suitable if I am not a strong swimmer?
What time do the courses start?
Will it be cold?
Is there a minimum age?
Will you have a wetsuit to fit me?
Can I wear glasses/contact lenses in the surf?
When is the best time of the year to surf?
What happens if it's raining?
What happens if the surf is too rough?
What happens if there is no surf?
What's included in the cost of course?
Are there group discounts?
How long are the sessions?
Do I have a choice of beach?
Why are half days included on some courses?
What day of the week do the courses start?
Can I book a half day or full day on a weekend?
Do you cater for more experienced surfers?
Are there other course options?
Can I just turn up or do I need to book a surf lesson?
It is really important to book. Each course has a limited number of places due to our maximum instructor/student coaching ratio of 1 to 8. Experience has taught us that limiting the number of participants gives everyone a better level of surfing instruction.back to top
What do I need to bring?
The course cost includes use of a wetsuit and surfboard. If you have your own, bring it along but it does not affect the cost of the course. You will need to bring a towel and some swimwear to wear underneath your wetsuit. It's a good idea to have a t-shirt and a sweatshirt/jumper to cover all weather possibilities. Don't forget suncream, as even on the not so sunny days you will catch the sun from the reflection off the sea!
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Are the surf courses suitable if I am not a strong swimmer?
All of our beginner surf courses take place in waist depth water. We are experienced at coaching people with varying levels of fitness and find that the great thing about surfing is that everyone can take it at their own pace and still enjoy it. To date, our most mature student was a 72 year old grandmother! All we ask is that participants can swim 50 metres.back to top
What time do the courses start?
Our usual courses begin every morning with a session from 10.30 to 12.30 and then every afternoon from 1.30 to 3.30, but at busy times these session timings can vary. We will send you details of your start time with the confirmation of booking.back to top
Will it be cold?
Our wetsuits have the latest technological advances in design and are replaced annually to ensure they work efficiently to keep you warm and comfortable. We also provide wetsuit boots and gloves if you require them.back to top
Is there a minimum age?
8 years is our minimum age for group lessons, however we are happy to arrange one to one surf lessons for 6 and 7 year olds as our experience has shown that they benefit more from individual attention.back to top
Will you have a wetsuit to fit me?
We have a large range of wetsuits in all sizes, so whatever height and shape you are, we will have wetsuit to fit.back to top
Can I wear glasses/contact lenses in the surf?
Glasses can be lost unless well secured, so we recommend prescription swimming goggles. Many contact lens wearers find that soft lenses are fine for surfing, but we would advise you to bring a spare pair just in case.back to top
When is the best time of the year to surf?
We operate from late March to early November and throughout this time, the surf tends to be consistent and predictable.back to top
What happens if it's raining?
As there is little chance of avoiding getting wet on a surfing course, you'll soon find that surfing is the ideal all weather activity. Whatever the weather, once you catch that first wave, it'll be the last thing on your mind!
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What happens if the surf is too rough?
Fortunately, we are ideally located with three beaches in our vicinity all facing slightly different directions. This means when one beach is too rough others will often be calmer. We surf at Croyde and Saunton most of the time but occasionally we load up and transport everyone to Putsborough Beach for a surf lesson, only five minutes away.
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What happens if there is no surf?
As our beaches face west into the Atlantic, it's extremely rare for us to have no waves at all, and the days with smaller waves are often the most enjoyable for our students, as they enable greater progress to be made. If we decide the conditions are unsuitable, we will credit you with any lessons you have missed. You can then return and take advantage of any lessons owed within a one year period.
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What's included in the cost of course?
All surfing tuition and use of surfboard and wetsuit is included during session times. We provide lunch on all pre-booked full days and while surfing with us, you are welcome to use the surf school facilities for changing and storage of belongings. These costs are valid for all ability levels. Cost does not include accommodation; please see our Places to Stay Guide.
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Are there group discounts?
We offer a 10% discount on all bookings of 12 places or more providing all places are booked at the same time. The discount is not available for group bookings where separate payments are made by each individual. We offer even larger discounts for school and community groups.
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How long are the sessions?
Our sessions are two hours long and we operate at least two lessons every day, am and pm, with extra sessions added at busy times.
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Do I have a choice of beach?
As Croyde is our most popular location, we will assume that you intend to attend our Croyde surf school. If you prefer to surf at our Saunton surf school, please make it clear on the booking form and we will endeavour to comply, but please be aware we do not operate every day at Saunton.
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Why are half days included on the Mid Week course?
Half days are incorporated on our longer courses to give you a chance to rest and allow time for sightseeing and relaxation. On the last day of a course, they allow for time to travel home. If you would rather not have time off from surfing let us know and we can add extra sessions.
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What day of the week do the courses start?
We aim to be as flexible as possible so most courses can start whenever it fits in with your travel plans. However, the weekend course always starts on Saturday and the mid-week course always starts on Monday.
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Do you cater for more experienced surfers?
We have Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 BSA qualified coaching staff which means we can coach surfers right through to elite standard. If you feel your surfing could benefit from a programme covering topics such as conditioning/fitness training, contest strategy, mental preparation and nutrition, contact us and have a chat with our senior coaches. We can tailor a course to suit your particular requirements.
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Are there other course options?
If you require another course option, please contact us and we will try to customise your requirements.back to top
