Build your surf skills and ocean confidence with this five-day adult surf camp in Strandhill, County Sligo. With progressive coaching, structured beach sessions, and environmental awareness built in, this surf camp is ideal for beginners or those looking to refresh their technique. Equipment and use of changing facilities are included — all you need is your swimwear and towel.
Day One
On arrival, participants are introduced to the instructors and given a walkthrough of the camp structure. After gearing up, you’ll head to the flagged surf zone to cover equipment handling, beach safety procedures, and key hand signals. The first surf session focuses on paddling, board control, and getting comfortable in the surf.
Day Two
The second day begins with a recap of safety and technique. Instructors help identify personal goals and areas for improvement. Time in the water is used to refine your pop-up and build consistency in catching and riding waves. You’ll also practise maintaining position in the surf zone and develop better wave timing.
Day Three
Focus shifts to wave selection, with instructors offering tips on spotting good waves and avoiding wipeouts. There’s also a beach chat on the science behind swell, wind, and tide patterns specific to Strandhill. This session helps tie in theory with practice, giving you a broader understanding of your environment.
Day Four
With your technique now more solid, instructors introduce tips on turning and trimming the board. You’ll also learn how to identify rip currents and develop strategies for managing them. Beach games and drills help reinforce what you’ve learned while keeping sessions fun and active.
Day Five
The final session is more relaxed, giving you time to consolidate what you've learned. Before heading in, the group takes part in a quick two-minute beach clean, reinforcing the importance of caring for the coastline. After your last surf, each participant receives a completion certificate and personalised feedback from the instructors.
Strandhill is one of Ireland’s best-known surf beaches, offering consistent Atlantic swell and a wide sandy bay ideal for learning and improving surf skills. The beach has lifeguard cover in summer and a welcoming surf-focused community.
The camp meets at the National Surf Centre on Shore Road. Located opposite the Strand Bar and close to local shops, cafés, and public transport, it’s a convenient spot for both locals and visitors.
This surf camp is open to all adults aged 18 and over, regardless of experience. Whether you’re stepping on a surfboard for the first time or returning after a break, the coaching is adapted to your current level and personal goals.
Participants should be comfortable in the sea and prepared for physical activity across the five-day course. No prior knowledge of surfing or swimming proficiency beyond basic water confidence is needed. Don't worry if you're not a strong swimmer - you'll be surfing, not swimming!
The surf school is led by a team of fully qualified instructors who hold Irish Water Safety beach lifeguard certification, Level 1 Surf Instructor status from Irish Surfing, and child safeguarding training through Sport Ireland. Each instructor receives additional onsite training from the lead manager, who brings over a decade of experience running adult and youth surf camps at Strandhill.
All sessions follow Irish Surfing’s safety guidelines. Instructors carry rescue gear and first aid kits, use walkie-talkies for group coordination, and mark out a designated safe zone on the beach. With a long-standing record of excellent safety and surf coaching, the team delivers a surf camp experience that’s fun, inclusive, and designed for steady progress.
About the centre
Strandhill
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