Catch your first wave with this fully guided bodyboarding experience on the scenic west coast of Ireland. Designed as an easy entry point to surfing, bodyboarding is ideal for younger participants or anyone looking for a fun and supportive introduction to wave riding.
You’ll meet your surf instructor at Strandhill Beach where you’ll be fitted with a full-length wetsuit and handed your bodyboard. The session starts with a friendly beach briefing where the instructor will walk you through the basics – everything from paddling and catching waves to riding safely within your depth. The team uses a simple ABC method that breaks the sport down into easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Once everyone is ready, the group will head to a flagged-off section of the beach chosen specifically for its safety and suitability for beginners. Instructors stay close throughout the session, offering tips, encouragement, and adjustments to help you get the most out of your time in the water. With a student-to-instructor ratio of no more than 8:1, you’ll get plenty of individual support. Communication devices, first aid kits, and safety procedures are all part of the setup, so you can focus on enjoying the surf. For children aged 8–10, a parent or guardian must stay close by throughout the session.
Strandhill Beach is located in County Sligo on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, known for its consistent waves and wide, sandy shore. It’s a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding, backed by dunes and with easy access to local cafés, shops and walking trails.
The meeting point is right at the beach, with all equipment provided on-site. There’s parking nearby, as well as changing facilities and toilets, making this a hassle-free way to get in the water and have fun.
No prior experience is required to take part in this bodyboarding session – complete beginners are welcome. Don't worry if you're not a strong swimmer. You'll be surfing, not swimming! You will always be able to stand in waist-deep water.
The minimum age is 8 years, and for those under 10, a parent or guardian must be present throughout. Sessions are planned with safety as the top priority and are tailored to suit the group’s ability on the day.
The centre follows Irish Surfing’s official guidelines to deliver safe, high-quality surf lessons. All instructors hold Irish Water Safety beach lifeguard qualifications and Level 1 Surf Instructor certification from Irish Surfing. They are also trained in Sport Ireland's Safeguarding 1 course for children's safety.
With over a decade of experience running lessons at Strandhill, head coach Seamus Mc Goldrick ensures every session is run with the highest standards of safety and instruction. The team is friendly, approachable, and genuinely passionate about sharing their love of the ocean in a safe and supportive way.
This session usually goes ahead in all types of weather, including rain, as getting wet is expected. The only time a session would be cancelled or postponed is if conditions are unsafe—for example, due to strong winds, lightning, or unusually rough sea conditions. If this happens, you’ll be contacted directly with options to reschedule or receive a credit or refund.
Conditions at the coast can change quickly, so it’s worth checking your messages the evening before and morning of your booking. Instructors are used to working around different sea states and will adapt the session accordingly to keep things safe and enjoyable.
You’ll need a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, and some easy footwear like flip-flops. If you wear contact lenses, disposable ones are usually best. Long hair should be tied back, and it’s a good idea to put on waterproof sun cream before you arrive, even on cloudy days.
All necessary equipment is provided, including a wetsuit and board. You may also want to bring a change of clothes for afterwards, especially if you’re planning to travel or head out after the session.
Don't worry if you're not a strong swimmer. You'll be surfing, not swimming! You will always be able to stand in waist-deep water.
Wetsuits offer extra buoyancy, and if you’re unsure or nervous around the sea, it’s helpful to mention this at the time of booking or on arrival. The session can then be adjusted to make sure you feel safe and confident throughout.
Yes, this session is beginner-friendly and starts with an introduction on the sand. The instructor will go over how to use the board, basic techniques, and essential safety info before you get into the water. You won’t need any previous experience—just a willingness to try something new.
Everyone progresses at their own pace, and there’s no pressure to perform. Whether you’re catching your first few waves or just getting used to the feel of the board, the aim is to have fun while picking up the basics.
Basic changing facilities are usually available close to the meeting point, and there may be access to an outdoor shower or tap to rinse off. These are often shared public amenities, so it’s worth coming prepared for simple and functional setups.
Many participants bring a towel poncho or changing robe and get changed beside their vehicle, which is common at coastal sessions. A spare bottle of water can also come in handy for rinsing feet or hair after the session if you’re not heading straight home.
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
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Operated by Sligo Surf Experience, a partner of adventuro.
