Jamie
They could not have been friendlier and more helpful. Excellent instructors for any level, super friendly and really know their stuff. Couldn\'t have asked for a better experience.




Ready for an unforgettable surf holiday in Cornwall? Our Self-Catered Surf Package combines top-quality surf lessons with comfortable self-catering accommodation in Gwithian, a charming seaside village just a short walk from the stunning beaches of St Ives Bay. With packages for beginners to advanced surfers, this is the perfect way to experience the best of Cornish surfing with friends, family, or solo. Enjoy pristine beaches, turquoise waves, and expert tuition from our qualified instructors, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Our self-catered packages offer a flexible, relaxed holiday where you’ll spend each day on the beach, catching waves and honing your skills. Each lesson is tailored to your level, whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an intermediate surfer looking to refine techniques like cutbacks and bottom turns. Our experienced instructors provide all the guidance you need to feel confident in the water. With video analysis available for advanced surfers, you’ll get valuable feedback and the tools to progress quickly.
Gwithian Beach is renowned for its consistent waves and long, sandy shores. Located at the northernmost point of St Ives Bay, this beach is perfect for all surfing levels and offers a safe, scenic environment. The village of Gwithian is just a short walk away, making it easy to go from your accommodation to the surf school, and there are nearby beach bars and cafes for relaxing after your session.
Stay in our quality self-catering apartments in Gwithian, designed to be a comfortable base for your surf holiday. Each apartment is fully equipped with a kitchen, so you can prepare meals at your convenience. With clean, stylish furnishings, comfortable beds, and powerful showers, these apartments have everything you need for a relaxing stay. It’s a true home away from home, perfect for unwinding after a day in the waves.
We’re committed to providing an exceptional surfing experience. With over 20 years in the industry, we offer high-quality surf coaching led by experienced instructors, some of whom have worked with the British Junior Surfing Squad. Our self-catered accommodation is modern, clean, and conveniently located, providing a comfortable base for your holiday. You’ll benefit from top-notch equipment, a beautiful beach setting, and flexible package options that suit your schedule and budget. Whether you’re here for a short break or a week of intensive surfing, we’ll ensure your holiday is both fun and memorable.
Book your Self-Catered Surf Package today for an exciting surf holiday in Cornwall that you’ll never forget!
We are situated by the Lula Shack (formally the Rockpool Bar & Grill) just outside the seaside village of Gwithian.
The surf school and shop is within a 15-minute drive from St Ives and Hayle and only 30 minutes away from the bustling seaside towns of Penzance and Newquay.
To find us by car, take the Hayle Exit (near M&S) from the A30. Just after the Hayle Exit Roundabout you will see a Double Roundabout. Take the Third Exit onto the B3301 to Gwithian. Drive for approximately 3 miles. Drive through the village of Gwithian. Turn left after the humpback bridge. You will find us in a building just to the right of Lula’s.
Yes, we do. With surfing you tend to get very wet anyway so it’s an activity that rain doesn’t affect too much. However, we wouldn’t go in to the sea if there was thunder & lightning, fog and mist, or during a hailstorm.
We ask that all our customers be able to swim at least 50m in open water, be at least 6 years of age, and free from any medical problem that might put you, our coaches, or other customers, at risk.
You don’t need to be a marathon runner or Olympic swimmer to take part but if you have a chance to do a few lengths in a swimming pool in the weeks before your lesson it will make surfing a lot easier for you. However, don’t worry if you haven’t been to the pool in years, you will still be able to achieve a lot during the lessons and even just catching a wave is one of the simplest pleasures that there is.
Yes you can. While the surf school does close during the winter we can still provide lessons if you give us advance warning.
The most important thing is to bring something to wear underneath your wetsuit. Something thin like a bathing costume or speedos are ideal as they are comfortable and won’t bunch up. Underwear and boxers will do but you should avoid swimming shorts, trunks or t-shirts as they can be uncomfortable.
You should also bring a towel, a good quality high-factor sunscreen and some flip flops or old shoes for the walk to the beach.
Yes, they are. All of the equipment that you need for a surfing lesson are provided free of charge. This includes surfboards, wetsuits and, during the colder months, gloves, booties and hood.
You even get to use them for an extra 1.5 hours after each lesson if you want to stay out practising.
Our self-catering apartments in Gwithian village are modern, clean, and fully equipped. Each apartment has a complete kitchen with cooking equipment, comfortable beds, powerful showers, and stylish furnishings—perfect for relaxing after a day in the waves.
Yes! We welcome group bookings and offer discounted rates for groups of three or more. Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, we’ll tailor the package to suit your group’s needs. Group rates vary depending on the package and group size.
Each lesson is typically two hours long, offering plenty of time to learn new skills and catch waves. Our instructors will adapt the lesson content based on your skill level and provide personalised feedback to help you progress.
Yes! For those with prior surfing experience, we offer advanced coaching with video analysis to help you fine-tune specific techniques like cutbacks, bottom turns, and wave positioning. Let us know your skill level when booking, and we’ll arrange coaching that suits your goals.
Yes, parking is available at both the accommodation and near the surf school, making it easy to access both the beach and your apartment. Gwithian Beach offers ample parking even during the busy summer months.
While the apartments are self-catered, there are several great dining options nearby. Gwithian has local cafes, beach bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal after your surf sessions. We’re happy to recommend local favourites.
Absolutely! Gwithian is a fantastic base for exploring Cornwall’s coastline. In addition to surfing, you can enjoy beach walks, local wildlife spotting, and nearby attractions like St Ives and the South West Coast Path. We’re happy to suggest activities if you’re looking for things to do between surf sessions.
Yes, if the set packages don’t meet your needs, we’re happy to create a bespoke package tailored to your schedule and preferences. Whether you’d like a shorter stay, longer surf lessons, or additional amenities, just let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
They could not have been friendlier and more helpful. Excellent instructors for any level, super friendly and really know their stuff. Couldn\'t have asked for a better experience.
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 Gwithian Academy of Surfing, a partner of adventuro.