These Are The Best Surf Schools In The UK

Enjoying the Olympics? Our eyes are fixed on the surfing. If you’re planning a UK coastal staycation this year, luckily the UK has plenty to offer when it comes to surfing. When it comes to learning to surf in the UK, you should head west. The best surf schools and surf hotel breaks in the country are grouped in large part in Devon and Cornwall, with a few options in Wales, too. So, if you’re looking for the best surf schools in the UK, the search ends here. From Newquay to Porthcawl, these surf spots have all the makings of the perfect beach break.

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Best Surf Schools In The UK

The Surf Sanctuary at The Headland Hotel, Newquay

The Headland Hotel is set on a clifftop overlooking Fistral Bay and its Surf Sanctuary offers introductory surf classes, equipment hire, improver and private lessons (starting from £50 per person), as well as coasteering, kite surfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Visit from autumn to spring to experience the impressive 4-12ft swells, or for a more gentle introduction, visit during a summer holiday and get to grips with the 1-4ft waves.

Details: The Headland Hotel and Spa, Headland Rd, Newquay TR7 1EW. headlandhotel.co.uk

The Surf Club Cornwall, Newquay

Overlooking Mawgan Porth beach, a beach break surf spot, with right and left-hander waves, The Surf Club has a host of fully qualified surf coaches, all of whom are qualified beach lifeguards too. Perfect for beginners, the sandy beach is fairly protected by two headlands, and you can opt for private, family or group lessons. Wetsuits, boots, gloves and surfboards are all included in the lesson price.

Details: Price from £75 for a one-to-one lesson, £80 for two people, £30pp for a group of three or more. Lessons runfrom KingSurf Surf School (Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4BA). thesurfclubcornwall.co.uk

Croyde Bay

Croyde Surf Academy, Croyde

Run out of a blue double-decker bus overlooking Croyde Bay, not only does the Surf Academy teach you to hang 10 (or, at least one or two), but you can also book in for SUP lessons and tours and coasteering. Expect really friendly instructors and an informal style at this excellent surf school.

Details: Lessons start at £40 for adult lessons. Find it at Down End Car Park, Croyde Bay, North Devon EX33 1QE. croydesurfacademy.com

Porthcawl Beach, Wales

Outer Reef Surf School, Pembroke

On the gorgeous Pembrokeshire coastline in West Wales, this surf school is run by professional surf coach Dean Gough, who has experience in coaching the GB team. They also run women’s surf and stand-up paddleboard weekends.

Details: From £35 for a half day lesson. Find it at Castlemartin, Pembroke SA71 5HW. outerreefsurfschool.com

Porthcawl Surf School, Porthcawl

Rest Bay in South Wales is one of the best spots to learn to surf in the UK, with rideable waves all year round. It’s also the closest surf beach to Cardiff, Bristol and London, making it a popular weekend retreat for city-dwelling surfer-types. As well as surf lessons, the surf school also rents boards in the car park opposite the beach. Watch out for rip currents that pull towards the rocks; opting for a lesson for your first few tries is a good idea.

Details: Lessons from £35. Find it at Watersport Centre, Rest Bay CF36 3UP. porthcawlsurf.co.uk

Newquay Activity Centre, Newquay

Get yourself down to the Newquay Activity Centre and book in with one of their friendly and talented instructors (our lesson with Jack was exhausting but a lot of fun), who can take you from complete beginner to confident surfer in just a couple of hours. Towan Beach is right in the centre of town, and is ever so slightly less busy than Fistral Beach, so you should find your own slice of surf to practice in.

Details: 60 Fore St, Newquay TR7 1LW. newquayactivitycentre.co.uk

Walking On Waves, Braunton

Fancy learning to surf with one of Britain’s most successful female surfers? Check in to Sarah Whiteley’s North Devon surf school Walking on Waves. You can combine your lessons with a luxury camping stay to really get stuck in, too.

Details: Saunton Sands Car Park, Saunton, Braunton EX33 1LG. walking-on-waves.com

Wavehunters, Watergate Bay

If you’re looking for a Cornish getaway with a little extra wave-power, check in to Wavehunters at Watergate Bay. Lead by ex wave-ski champion Carl Coombes and open all year round, the Academy offers fully trained experts available for tuition.

Details: Watergate Bay, Newquay TR8 4AA. Get in touch with the hotel to find out about special surf clinic events and offers for guests. watergatebay.co.uk 

Cornish Wave, Newquay

Providing equipment and lessons to surf fans since 2012, Cornish Wave is all about unforgettable adventures. With a team of enthusiastic outdoor adventurers with experience across the globe, expect enthusiastic, passionate instructors as well as classes filled with friendly, like-minded people. Options span small group lessons to camps and retreats featuring yoga, paddleboarding and, of course, plenty of surfing.

Details: Find Cornish Wave Surf School at 40 Fore St, Newquay TR7 1LP. More details about classes and pricing can be found at cornishwave.com

St Ives Surf School, St Ives

Backed by the Tate Gallery with a wide sandy expanse, Porthmeor is the favoured surfing location in St Ives, semi-sheltered from the south westerly winds. St Ives Surf School runs surfing lessons from Porthmeor beach for most of the year.

Details: Saint Ives TR26 1JZ. stivessurfschool.co.uk

Featured Image: (c) Louis Reed