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This surf camp offers a structured and fun way for young surfers aged 9 to 15 to build confidence and skills over five days at Strandhill Beach. Each day combines practical surf lessons with safety guidance and environmental awareness, ensuring participants develop both their technique and respect for the ocean. All necessary equipment is provided, making it easy to focus on learning and enjoying the waves.
The camp begins with introductions and a safety briefing on how to handle the surfboards, carry them safely, and understand the designated surfing zone marked by flags. The first day focuses on basic techniques and familiarising participants with communication signals such as whistles and hand gestures used during lessons. Instructors ensure everyone feels comfortable before progressing.
Day two revisits the basics, allowing campers to reflect on what they did well and set goals for improvement. By day three, coaching points are introduced to help refine technique, alongside lessons about the ocean’s environment, including wave formation and the effects of wind and tide. The camp also teaches environmental responsibility through concepts like Leave No Trace and encourages care for the sea.
On day four, ocean awareness is expanded with talks on recognising surfing conditions and spotting rip currents. Beach games complement the practice sessions, helping participants gain confidence to catch more waves. The final day combines a relaxed but energetic surf session with a beach clean-up, raising awareness of marine litter. Campers finish by receiving a certificate recognising their progress and commitment.
Strandhill Beach is located on the west coast of Ireland, known for its reliable surf and wide sandy shore ideal for learners. The beach provides a safe environment with clearly marked zones and consistent surf conditions suitable for all skill levels.
The meeting point is at the National Surf Centre on Shore Road, Strandhill, where participants gather before heading to the beach. Facilities include changing rooms and showers, making it convenient for families and campers to prepare before and after sessions.
You should be comfortable in the water, but don't worry if you're not a strong swimmer. You'll be surfing, not swimming! The camp is designed for beginners and intermediate surfers aged 9 to 15, so no prior experience is necessary.
Children should bring swimming gear, a towel, water-resistant suncream, and a backpack for personal items. Wetsuits, boots, and surfboards are provided by the school, ensuring everyone has suitable equipment for the conditions.
The surf instructors hold recognised qualifications including Irish Water Safety beach lifeguard certification, Level 1 Surf Instructor accreditation from Irish Surfing, and Safeguarding 1 Children’s Safety Protection from Sport Ireland. This ensures a professional, safe, and supportive learning environment for all campers.
Following best-practice guidelines set by Irish Surfing, the school prioritises safety with trained instructors who carefully select safe surfing areas and maintain constant communication via walkie-talkies and mobile phones. With a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan and a strong safety record, participants can enjoy their surf experience with confidence and peace of mind.
The camp runs in most weather, including rain—getting wet is part of the fun. However, if conditions are unsafe due to high winds, lightning or unusually rough seas, the session may be postponed or cancelled. You’ll be contacted directly with options to reschedule or receive a credit or refund.
Because the weather can change quickly on the coast, it’s worth checking your messages the evening before and morning of your session. Instructors are experienced with adapting plans to suit sea conditions and will always prioritise safety.
Bring a swimsuit for under the wetsuit, a towel, flip-flops or sandals, and suncream (even on overcast days). Long hair should be tied back. If you wear contact lenses, disposable ones are usually best.
You may also want a change of clothes for afterwards, especially if you're planning to go elsewhere after the session. All essential surf gear is provided.
Participants should be comfortable in the water and able to follow instructions, but don’t need to be strong swimmers. The surf camp is run in shallow water under close supervision. Wetsuits offer extra buoyancy, and safety is always a top priority.
If you're unsure about your confidence in the water, it helps to let the team know when booking or on the day. Instructors can adapt the session to make sure you feel safe and supported.
Yes. The camp is designed with beginners in mind and starts with dry-land coaching on the beach. You’ll learn how to use your board, the correct position for paddling, and how to pop up safely.
Sessions are adapted to suit ability and confidence levels. There's no pressure to perform—whether you're catching your first waves or just getting used to the board, the aim is to have fun while learning the basics.
Yes—there are changing rooms and showers available at the National Surf Centre, a short walk from the beach. These facilities are shared but practical, giving you a chance to rinse off and get changed comfortably after your session.
Some teens also bring a towel robe or poncho to get changed beside the vehicle, which is common practice on surf beaches.
The meeting point for this session is Shore Road, Strandhill—right across from the Strand Bar. This is where you'll check in and meet your instructor.
If you're driving, there are two free public car parks nearby. The seafront car park is the closest, but it fills up quickly—especially in the summer months. The main car park on Shore Road is a better bet and just a short 200-metre walk from the beach. To avoid delays, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for parking and getting ready. Sessions start on time, and late arrivals may miss part of the introduction.
All instructors leading this session are fully qualified with an Irish Water Safety beach lifeguard certification and a Level 1 instructor award through Irish Surfing. They also hold Safeguarding 1 certification from Sport Ireland, which focuses on child protection and creating a safe environment for younger participants. These qualifications ensure that the session is run with professional supervision both in and out of the water.
In addition to formal qualifications, instructors receive hands-on training specific to Strandhill Beach, drawing on over a decade of local experience. This includes detailed site knowledge, safety practices, and session planning, so you can feel confident you're learning from someone who understands both the conditions and the coastline well.
About the centre
Strandhill
Operated by Sligo Surf Experience, a partner of adventuro.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £150
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £175
