Beginner and Improver Surf Lessons on Praa Sands Beach

Two hours from the car park and back, with a short brief on the sand and the rest in the water. Most people spend that time catching white water rather than standing on the beach talking.

Arrive 15 minutes early so changing does not eat into the water time. After the lesson you can keep the kit for another hour and practise without a coach.

Praa Sands Beach Car Park on Castle Drive, TR20 9TG. Kit up there, then walk onto the sand. Toilets, lockers and a cafe sit next to the car park.

If Praa is not usable we send a new meeting point for a nearby beach. Check your messages the evening before and again that morning.

A surfboard, a wetsuit and a rash vest. Boots come out when the water is cold. You can wear your own full-length suit if you prefer. We match the board to your size and the day's waves.

The extra hour after the lesson uses the same kit. That hour is unguided, so only stay on if you are happy choosing waves without a coach next to you.

No. First-timers and people who already stand up share this booking. Tell the coach at the start so you are not repeating a first-stand drill if you already pop up.

If you want the coach to yourself, or you have a mixed family that needs a different pace, book a private lesson on the same beach.

Eight for a group lesson. Anyone under 18 needs an adult on the beach. Children under eight can join if an adult is in the water with them, or they can book a private session from age five.

Ask before you book if you have a mixed-age family. We will point you at the group slot or a private hour rather than mixing the two on the day.

Rain does not stop a lesson. We move or cancel when the swell or wind makes the beach unsafe, or if there is nothing useful to ride. A nearby beach is the first option.

We message you with the new meeting point. If we have to cancel, we rearrange. Call or message the day before if you are travelling a long way.

Swimwear, a towel, warm dry clothes and sunscreen. A water bottle helps. Get changed into swimwear before you arrive if you want to skip the queue.

Leave phones and bags in a locker or the car. Give the coach any medication you need in the water.

Up to eight. Solo bookers join the same group as other people who booked that slot. The coach still has time to give you cues between waves.

Bigger parties should book a private lesson so we can put more coaches on the sand. Tell us the headcount when you book.

Yes. Every coach holds a surf coaching award and a current lifeguard qualification. The same team also runs the Gwithian base, and the school is a Surfing England Centre of Excellence.

Chris used to head the British surf team. That does not mean the session is a performance camp. The aim is a useful two hours on this beach, at your pace.

Yes. Add a two, four, six or eight lesson package when you book if you want several sessions. Pick the first date; we agree the others with you.

Packages are for this group lesson on Praa Sands. If you later want a private hour, say so and we will look at that separately.