Private surf lessons give you the chance to progress at your own pace with the full attention of a qualified surf coach. Whether you’re looking to refine a specific technique, gain confidence in the water, or introduce children to surfing in a safe and fun way, these sessions are tailored to suit your goals. Lessons are held right next to the beach, making it easy to maximise time in the water.
Every session starts on the beach with a surf-specific warm-up, a look at the day’s conditions, and a safety briefing. Your instructor will then guide you through positioning on the board, paddling technique, and how to pop up with control. For beginners, the focus will be on catching small, manageable waves and building confidence step by step.
Those with more experience will move on to refining board control, improving stance and balance, and practising techniques for generating speed. Your coach may also introduce skills such as reading waves, timing take-offs, and understanding wave priority. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, you’ll get plenty of direct feedback, ensuring steady progress throughout your lesson.
Lessons are based at South Fistral Beach in Newquay, one of the best-known surf spots in the UK. The beach offers consistent waves ideal for all abilities, from small lines for beginners to more powerful surf for those advancing their skills. Being slightly quieter than other parts of Fistral, it’s a great place to learn without the larger crowds.
The surf school itself is purpose-built and just steps away from the sand. Facilities include indoor hot showers, secure lockers, and free parking directly outside. With hotels, restaurants, and bars close by, it’s an easy place to spend the whole day enjoying the coast.
Private lessons are open to complete beginners as well as those who have surfed before. Instructors adapt each session to your ability and the surf conditions on the day.
Children as young as four can take part in family or one-to-one sessions, making it a flexible option for families. A basic level of fitness and ability to swim is required for safety.
The surf school is a Surfing England Centre of Excellence with a reputation for professional yet friendly coaching. All instructors are ISA qualified, lifeguard trained, and DBS checked, giving you the reassurance that safety and quality are at the forefront of every lesson.
Purpose-built facilities mean you can enjoy your lesson in comfort, with free use of wetsuits, accessories, and surfboards included. Being right on the beach makes sessions easy and accessible, while the centre’s reputation as one of the top-rated in Newquay ensures you’re learning with a trusted provider.
Each private surf lesson is two hours long, giving you plenty of time to warm up on the beach, learn key skills, and put them into practice in the water. This duration allows instructors to assess your ability, adjust the teaching pace, and ensure you leave the session with clear progress.
The timing is designed to balance effective learning with physical exertion. Surfing is a full-body activity, so two hours is ideal to challenge yourself without becoming overly fatigued, particularly for younger children or beginners who are still building stamina.
All essential equipment is included free of charge. You’ll be given a surfboard suited to your ability and the day’s conditions, plus a wetsuit and accessories to keep you warm and comfortable in the water. These are provided at no extra cost and are available in a wide range of sizes for adults and children.
Using the right board and wetsuit makes a huge difference in your surf experience. Beginners usually start with larger foam boards that provide stability, while more experienced surfers may be offered shorter, more responsive boards. Wetsuit thickness is tailored to the season, ensuring you’re kept warm year-round.
Yes, children as young as four can take part in private surf lessons, either one-to-one or as part of a family session. The smaller group size and dedicated coaching mean young surfers receive more focused attention, making lessons safer and more enjoyable.
Instructors adapt their teaching to suit younger ages, focusing on confidence, safety, and fun rather than technical detail. Many families choose private lessons to introduce children to surfing in a relaxed way, with the reassurance of close supervision.
Private surf lessons are open to complete beginners as well as those with experience. Your instructor will start with an assessment to understand your current level, then tailor the session to your skills and goals.
Beginners will be guided through paddling, balance, and pop-up techniques, while returning surfers might focus on improving stance, generating speed, or reading waves more effectively. The flexibility of private tuition means you’ll never feel left behind or held back.
All the equipment you need for surfing is provided, but you should bring swimwear to wear under your wetsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Flip-flops or beach shoes are also useful for walking across the sand.
If you’d like to shower afterwards, you may also want to bring toiletries and a change of clothes. Secure lockers are available at the surf school, so you don’t need to worry about leaving your belongings unattended.
Safety is the highest priority during every surf lesson. All instructors are fully qualified with ISA coaching certificates, lifeguard training, and DBS checks. Before entering the water, your coach will guide you through a safety briefing, covering surf conditions and safe areas to practise.
Private sessions allow instructors to keep a closer eye on each participant, ensuring quick assistance if needed. South Fistral Beach is also patrolled by lifeguards during peak seasons, adding an extra layer of reassurance.
About the centre
9 Esplanade Road, Pentire Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1PS
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Quicksilver Surf School, a partner of adventuro.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £175
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £120
