How We Started

In 1996 Darren Burrett, an established British Surfing Association instructor with many years surfing and coaching experience, fulfilled his ambition to run his own surf school. From these small beginnings, Surf South West is now internationally recognised as a provider of surfing courses and surf holidays.

We are the first surf school in the UK to be awarded Level 4 status by the British Surfing Association. This is the highest level attainable and is awarded in recognition that Surf South West has the highest standards of coaching.

Click here to view our latest inspection report.

We have achieved 'Approved Surf School' status from the British Surfing Association for all ten years of our existence and all our instructors are qualified beach lifeguards as well as qualified coaches.

Based in Croyde Bay, Devon, our experience and reputation has ensured that we are the only surf school officially permitted to instruct surfing on Croyde Beach and Saunton Beach. This means we have satisfied the stringent conditions imposed by the beach owners to ensure that we operate safely and professionally. We have fully equipped surf schools at both beaches.

We offer 'Learn to Surf' courses, 'Improvement' courses, 'Expert' coaching, 'One to One' coaching, 'Girl Only' weekends and 'Longboard' coaching.