Surf Kayak Coaching in South West Cornwall

Not necessarily. If you have never been in surf in a kayak, Matt can start you on a sit-on-top so a capsize is a swim and a climb back on, not a spraydeck problem. That is how many people get used to waves, timing and the noise of white water before they try a sit-in surf boat.

If you already paddle sit-in kayaks, say so when you book. There is a range of specialist surf kayaks to try once you are ready for that hull. Mixed groups only work if everyone is open about what they have done, because a first surf and a performance surf boat need different water.

Sit-on-top kayaks are the usual starting point in broken waves. They are stable, you can get back on after a swim, and they let you concentrate on catching white water without worrying about a closed cockpit. Plenty of people keep using them because they are simply fun.

Specialist surf kayaks are shorter and more manoeuvrable sit-in boats made for riding waves, turning and playing in the surf. They suit paddlers who already know a sit-in kayak and want to work on wave selection and boat control. Matt will match the craft to you rather than putting everyone in the same boat.

Venues are chosen for the surf on the day, not for a branded beach hut. Regular options include Hayle River Mouth, Praa Sands, Sennen Cove and Mounts Bay. After you book, Matt will pick the spot that matches the swell, the wind and whether you are on sit-on-tops or sit-in surf boats, then confirm a meeting time, usually 09:30.

You can say where you are staying or which beach you already know. If that beach will not work, you will get an alternative before you set off. Check parking and tide times once the meeting point is locked, because surf beaches fill quickly in summer and access can change with the tide.

A half day is enough to brief, get in the water and work on a handful of skills before fatigue sets in. It is a good length for a first surf session or for a specific drill such as taking off on a chosen wave. You still get coaching throughout, not a dump-and-leave hire.

A full day gives more waves and more time to rest between runs, change the plan if the tide shifts, and repeat skills once they start to stick. Mention which length you want and how tired you usually get in cold water so the venue and the pace stay realistic.

Surf kayak, sit-on-top, paddle, spraydeck where the boat needs one, helmet, buoyancy aid and cag can be provided. Tell Matt your height and whether you have paddled sit-in boats before so the right craft is ready. The pool of kit is small, so do not assume every size of surf boat will be on the beach without a note on the booking.

Own boats are welcome if they are suitable for surf. Bring the spraydeck that fits, and any pads or backrests you rely on. You still supply your own wetsuit and fully enclosed footwear. Ask about thickness and boots if you have not surfed in Cornwall before.

Wear a wetsuit you can paddle in, not a fashion suit that fills with water. Footwear must stay on when you swim. Add a towel, a warm layer for the beach, and a drink. A helmet and buoyancy aid are supplied, so you do not need to buy those for the day unless you prefer your own.

Leave keys and phones somewhere dry. Glasses need a strap. If you feel the cold quickly, say so, because sitting in the impact zone between waves is a different kind of waiting to touring. Spare clothes in the car make the drive home far more pleasant.

Surf coaching only runs when the waves and wind make sense for the craft you are on. A huge swell can be the wrong classroom for a first sit-on-top session, and a flat day will not teach wave riding. Matt will move beach if another south-west spot has a more useful size.

You will be contacted if nowhere nearby is suitable. Do not drive to a beach until the meeting point for that date is confirmed. A cloudy day can still be a good surf day, and a bright day can still be the wrong swell, so wait for the message rather than guessing from a weather app icon.

No minimum age is listed, so ask before you book children onto a surf kayak day. Waves, cold water and swimming after a capsize are part of the sport, even on sit-on-tops. Honesty about swimming comfort matters more here than on a calm estuary paddle.

You should be ready for repeated efforts, getting back on or rolling practice as appropriate, and time in breaking water. Mention injuries, especially shoulders, back or ears, when you request the date. Matt can then keep the session in water that still teaches you something without ignoring those limits.

Being dumped by a wave is part of learning. Sit-on-tops take a lot of the stress out of that because you swim, grab the boat and climb back on. First sessions can stay in white water that is big enough to practise on and small enough that a swim is annoying rather than frightening.

Write that you are nervous in the booking notes so the plan is not written for someone chasing steep take-offs. Confidence in surf comes from choosing the right size of wave and the right boat, then repeating it. You can always book again once the first session feels familiar.

Send a request with half or full day, group or 1:1, dates that work, and a short note on whether you want sit-on-tops, sit-in surf kayaks, or advice. Booking is on request with a 48-hour lead time. Matt confirms he can run the day, then sets the beach once the forecast is useful.

Bring the same detail about your paddling background that you would tell a coach on the sand. If you want a follow-up session, book again and say what you want to try next, for example moving from sit-on-top into a surf kayak, or working on a particular turn.