Surfing at Strandhill offers a brilliant mix of fun, challenge, and learning—whether it's your first time or you're building on past experience. With expert guidance, all the kit provided, and a welcoming team, you’ll get plenty of time in the water and leave with a solid grasp of the basics.
After signing in at the National Surf Centre, you’ll be kitted out with a wetsuit and boots before heading to the beach. There's a quick changing session and a safe place to leave your belongings while you surf. Your instructor will give you a land-based demo covering surfing basics—how to lie on your board, paddle, and pop up safely.
Then it’s into the waves for 1 to 1.5 hours of guided surf time. Your instructor will be with you in the water, giving advice and encouragement while you practise catching waves, popping up, and hopefully riding a few to shore. The ABC method breaks things down into manageable steps, and the 1:8 instructor ratio means you’ll get plenty of support. After your session, you’ll return to the changing rooms to get warm and dry, with hot showers available on-site.
Strandhill Beach in County Sligo is one of Ireland’s most popular surf spots, known for its consistent Atlantic waves and safe beach layout. The location is ideal for learning, with specific areas flagged for safe surf zones depending on the tide and swell.
The beach sits beside the lively village of Strandhill, which is full of great places to eat and relax post-surf. You’ll also find the National Surf Centre right by the shore, offering modern facilities and easy access to the beach.
You don’t need to be a confident swimmer to join in—this is surfing, not swimming. You’ll always stay in waist-deep water where you can stand comfortably. While a basic level of fitness can help, it’s not essential—surfing is for everyone, including couch potatoes.
Sessions are better suited for children aged 8–10. For safety, anyone under 10 will need a parent or guardian with them throughout. Group surf lessons work best for ages 10 and up.
The team behind these surf lessons includes fully certified surf instructors who hold qualifications from Irish Surfing, Irish Water Safety, and Sport Ireland’s Safeguarding 1 programme. Every instructor has also undergone additional in-house training under the lead coach, who brings over a decade of coaching experience and a background in competitive surfing at Strandhill Beach.
Safety is a top priority. Lessons are run in accordance with Irish Surfing guidelines, with clearly marked surf zones and constant supervision. Instructors carry rescue equipment, first aid kits, and communication tools on the beach. With an excellent safety record and a reputation for making surf lessons fun and approachable, you’re in good hands every step of the way.
About the centre
Strandhill
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