Beginner & Improver Surf Lessons on Gwithian Beach

We are situated by the Lula Shack (formerly the Rockpool Bar & Grill) just outside the seaside village of Gwithian.

The surf school and shop is within a 15-minute drive from St Ives and Hayle and only 30 minutes away from the bustling seaside towns of Penzance and Newquay.

To find us by car, take the Hayle Exit (near M&S) from the A30. Just after the Hayle Exit Roundabout you will see a Double Roundabout. Take the Third Exit onto the B3301 to Gwithian. Drive for approximately 3 miles. Drive through the village of Gwithian. Turn left after the humpback bridge. You will find us in a building just to the right of Lula's.

Yes, we do. With surfing you tend to get very wet anyway so it's an activity that rain doesn't affect too much.

We wouldn't go into the sea if there was thunder and lightning, fog and mist, or during a hailstorm. If the forecast looks awkward we'll be in touch about the plan for the day.

We ask that all our customers be able to swim at least 50m in open water, be at least 6 years of age, and free from any medical problem that might put you, our coaches, or other customers, at risk.

You don't need to be a marathon runner or Olympic swimmer to take part but if you have a chance to do a few lengths in a swimming pool in the weeks before your lesson it will make surfing a lot easier for you. However, don't worry if you haven't been to the pool in years, you will still be able to achieve a lot during the lessons and even just catching a wave is one of the simplest pleasures that there is.

Yes you can. While the surf school does close during the winter we can still provide lessons if you give us advance warning.

Get in touch ahead of time and we'll let you know what we can arrange for the dates you have in mind, including morning or afternoon slots if those still suit the tide.

The most important thing is to bring something to wear underneath your wetsuit. Something thin like a bathing costume or speedos are ideal as they are comfortable and won't bunch up. Underwear and boxers will do but you should avoid swimming shorts, trunks or t-shirts as they can be uncomfortable.

You should also bring a towel, a good quality high-factor sunscreen and some flip flops or old shoes for the walk to the beach.

Yes, they are. All of the equipment that you need for a surfing lesson are provided free of charge. This includes surfboards, wetsuits and, during the colder months, gloves, booties and hood.

You even get to use them for an extra hour after each lesson if you want to stay out practising.

Please arrive 30 minutes before the lesson start time for check-in and to get suited up. Morning lessons have check-in at 9:30am and begin at 10am, and afternoon lessons check-in at 1:00pm and begin at 1:30pm.

That extra half hour gives you plenty of time to get changed and hear the brief without feeling rushed into the water.

To ensure personalised instruction and plenty of attention from the instructors, our group lessons typically have a maximum of 8 students per instructor.

That ratio helps keep the session safe and enjoyable, with enough time for each person to get feedback in the water.

Yes, we offer private lessons for individuals or groups who want more focused instruction. They're a good fit if you want to work on a particular skill, or if you're booking children under 10.

Private lessons can be tailored to your specific needs and goals, and we can set them up for solo learners, families, or a small group sharing one instructor.

It varies for each person, but most beginners find that they can stand on their board and ride small waves after 1-2 lessons.

To improve your skills and progress to catching unbroken waves, we recommend taking a series of lessons over time. Our five-lesson package is our most popular and gives you a solid foundation.

If you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate, please let us know in advance.

Our instructors are trained to accommodate various needs, but we'll need to discuss any specific requirements to ensure your safety during the lesson.

Yes, we have plenty of parking available year-round, even in the summer months, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot.

Our surf school is also just a short, level walk to the beach, so you can park up and be on the sand without a long trek.