Kevin
Steph was great, loved the lesson
Looking for a personalised lesson that fits around your group, schedule and surf goals? This 2-hour private surf lesson is ideal for individuals, families, or friends wanting dedicated coaching with plenty of flexibility. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or working on specific techniques, these sessions are fully tailored and include all equipment plus an extra hour of surf hire after your lesson—completely free.
Private lessons start with a friendly welcome and short briefing to assess your needs and experience level. You'll then get kitted out in high-quality gear before heading onto the beach for a warm-up and dry-land instruction tailored to your group. From there, it’s into the water, where your coach works closely with you to help reach your individual or shared goals—whether that’s catching your first wave, refining your paddle technique, or learning to turn on green waves.
Coaching is adapted to suit the pace of the group, particularly if young children are included. Each session is carefully designed to maximise both fun and progression, using easy-to-learn techniques and close support throughout. After your lesson, you’re welcome to keep surfing for another hour using all of the equipment, giving you more time to practise in your own time with full access to the beach.
Lessons are based at Gwithian Beach, a well-known surf spot on the north coast of Cornwall offering great waves for all abilities. However, surf conditions can change quickly, so your exact beach location may be updated in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable session.
If needed, we’ll switch to a nearby beach where the waves are more suitable and keep you fully informed.
All participants must be able to swim 25 metres unaided in open water. Children aged 5+ can take part in private sessions, but it's important to note that the group will follow the pace of the youngest surfer.
No previous surfing experience is required, and all fitness levels are welcome.
The centre has been providing top-tier surf coaching in Cornwall for two decades, offering fully tailored experiences for all abilities. Every coach is an ISA-qualified surf instructor and certified beach lifeguard, ensuring safe, high-quality tuition at every level. The team includes industry leaders such as a former Head Coach for the British Surf Team and a Surfing England trainer and assessor.
Lessons are kept small in terms of student-to-coach ratio so every participant gets the attention they need. You'll benefit from professional instruction, well-maintained kit less than two years old, and full access to private changing rooms, toilets, and secure lockers. Whether you're learning as a family, group of friends or an individual, this private session is designed to deliver fast progress in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Absolutely. Every private session is built around the needs of your group. Whether you're keen to help your child catch their first wave, work on turning techniques, or simply want a relaxed, fun day in the sea with friends, your instructor will adjust the session accordingly.
If you’d like to include specific elements—such as video analysis, ocean safety training, or paddling technique—just let us know in advance and we’ll shape the lesson around it.
Private lessons offer greater flexibility and more direct feedback from your coach, which often leads to faster progress. You’ll have the freedom to move at your own pace, focus on your personal goals, and spend more time in the water with guidance that's completely tailored.
For families or mixed-ability groups, private sessions also allow everyone to participate together without the pressure of keeping up with others.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome in private lessons. If there are younger surfers involved, the coach will set the pace and content of the lesson to suit them.
That may mean spending more time close to shore, using smaller boards, or breaking up the session into shorter bursts. While older or more confident surfers can still progress during these lessons, it's important to know that the flow of the session will generally be led by the youngest participant’s comfort and stamina.
Yes, we offer flexible start times to fit around your plans. Once you book, we’ll confirm a time slot that suits you and also aligns with the best surf conditions that day. We keep a close eye on swell, wind and tide to ensure your lesson takes place in the safest and most productive part of the day.
If conditions at Gwithian aren’t suitable, we’ll offer a nearby alternative with a similar set-up and keep you fully informed of any changes.
Yes. For larger private groups, or if your group includes a wide range of ages or abilities, we may assign additional instructors to maintain a low student-to-coach ratio. This ensures everyone gets personalised guidance and time in the water with a coach.
For example, if your group includes a mix of confident teens and younger children, we may split you into sub-groups during the session for the most effective coaching.
About the centre
Sunset Surf Cafe, 10 Gwithian Towans, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5BT
Steph was great, loved the lesson
Coasterring with Lizard adventure. Great day out. Rory was great with us. Got some sea snacks along the way. Great jumps for all levels. Saw the seals. All in all a great day out
I was impressed that Steve contacted me to ask if my adolescents would like a more adventurous experience and tailored the coasteering to them. They all had a great time - came back exhilarated and exhausted. Thanks also for taking some great photos
We had a fab time with Steve guiding us. A wide range of abilities and Steve enabled us all to meet our challenges and succeed. Highly recommend this as an amazing activity. Thumbs up for Steve. Thank you.
Five stars great fun and engaging and entertaining hosting!
It was great and our guide was very enthusiastic, personable and conscientious. Thankyou!
Absolutely fabulous. Chris(?) the instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful but also definitely a ‘people person’. It was my first ever time and I loved every second of it. Will definitely do again. But wanting to make this a frequent thing for me. Sad to think it may not be…
Adam was a very knowledgeable and seemingly very experienced guide on our sea kayaking adventure from Mullion Cove. We had a great time, paddling alongside seals and in and out of caves and coves.
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 MAKAI, a partner of adventuro.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £230
