Gwithian Surf School
Gwithian Surf School

Beginner Surf Lessons

Beginner Surf Lessons

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of catching your first wave, and at Gwithian Surf School, we’re here to make that moment unforgettable. Our beginner surf lessons are designed to help you build confidence, learn the basics and fall in love with surfing in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Gwithian Beach, with its gentle, rolling waves and golden sands, it’s the perfect place to start your surfing journey. Our experienced instructors are passionate about teaching and will guide you step-by-step, from understanding the ocean and safety basics to standing on your board and riding your first wave.

Take your first step into the world of surfing with Gwithian Surf School – book your beginner lesson today and experience the thrill of riding the waves!

What the experts say

"There’s nothing better than seeing the joy on someone’s face when they catch their first wave—it’s why I love teaching beginner lessons."

Ellie Fraser
Senior Surf Coach
Cornwall Professional Surfer.

Don’t just take our work for it

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Fiona Greenwood profile picture
Fiona Greenwood
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We had the best group paddleboarding experience with Ruari as our guide today! We had a huge paddle board with 5 of us plus Ruari on it - who knew there were boards so big! It was brilliant fun and the large board meant that we could go in slightly windy autumnal weather very safely. Don’t feel that you can’t have a go on the sea - 3 of us are in our 50s and 60s and managed easily - with an adventure element too. Ruari guided us calmly and confidently and let us try adventurous caves and close up to rocks. We even stopped for a swim - it’s nearly November but we borrowed winter wetsuits which worked like a dream. Go and try it here. It’s such a great afternoon out trying something different. Thanks Ruari!
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Clair McAninch profile picture
Clair McAninch
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Jo took myself and young family out to the Lizard for a coastering session and it was brilliant. The children aged 10,9 and two 6 year olds thoroughly embraced it. Jo made sure they felt comfortable and not scared. We did double up on wetsuits just to ensure the kids didn't get too cold. The youngest did the more typical jumps but my eldest ended up pushing himself and going much higher. They all felt so proud of themselves after and their sense of belief/courage was amazing to watch. We would love to do it again.
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Rachael Williamson profile picture
Rachael Williamson
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Family of 4 with 2 teenage boys. We all absolutely loved it. Such a different experience and great fun. Phil, our guide, took his time, giving the more hesitant (me) extra support and pushed all our boundaries in a safe and very fun way. Would love to do it again. Brilliant.
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Charlie Hall profile picture
Charlie Hall
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What an amazing adventure! My wife and I did coasteering last week off Bas Point with Ru and had an amazing time. So great to explore the cliffs so close and get to swim around, climb and jump into the sea. Ru was excellent in guiding us through the route and adjusting the adventure for us based on how confident we were feeling. Would 100% recommend this to anyone! We were particularly lucky to be followed by 3 curipus seals as we went along the route. A completely unforgettable experience. Thanks Lizard Adventure and Ru!!
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Luke Fradsham profile picture
Luke Fradsham
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Had an amazing coasteering and kayaking morning with Roo on Friday. The company were super flexible when I had to change days and it ended up being just me on the activity! Which could have felt awkward if not for how friendly and relaxed Roo was, he even pulled out a seaweed buffet! 😁 An amazing morning can not recommend enjoy.
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Patrick Vinnicombe profile picture
Patrick Vinnicombe
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Couldn’t recommend this higher if you’re ever in Cornwall. My partner and I done the sea kayaking session which lasted around 3 hours and were left absolutely buzzing from the experience and the session as a whole. Our instructor Adam was very fun and informative about the wildlife and seascape on which we traversed, we kayaked through gulleys and caves, saw abundant sea life (some which we have never heard of). All in all something we’ll definitely try more of because of this experience, cheers for having us!
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Clare Thomas profile picture
Clare Thomas
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Super friendly coasteering guides. Fantastic location, would definitely recommend.
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Anna Dwyer profile picture
Anna Dwyer
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We had a lovely kayak trip today with Ru who was a fantastic guide. He was very thorough about the best methods for kayaking in any situation we might encounter instilling us with absolute confidence in ourselves and him as a guide. We navigated the waters from Mullions Cove and had some fun riding through small coves and taking rest stops in areas where we saw a number of different seals. It was a lovely way to spend the morning and we finished with a lovely swim in the rain. Would definitely recommend booking with Lizard Adventures! Thanks Ru!
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adam bryan profile picture
adam bryan
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Amazing, did both surfing and coasteering with Phil and Jake, both were really helpful. The coasteering especially was really fun
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Ed Willis profile picture
Ed Willis
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Absolutely amazing afternoon coasteering. Our guide Ruairi got us kitted out, we walked down to near Church Cove, then he explained how to do the jumps safely and slowly increased the height until it was extremely scary but we still managed to do them. We then moved along the coast, scrambling over the rocks, jumping and going into a little cave under a sump. Fabulous afternoon, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a bit of an adventurous spirit!

CORNWALL'S No.1 SURFING BEACH

2 HOUR LESSONS

The surf lessons last for 2 hours, with approximately two-thirds of that time spent in the water practicing skills. Additionally, all lessons include an optional extra 1 hour of surf hire after the lesson, free of charge, so you can practice what you’ve learned.

ALL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED

All equipment is included in the price, with warm, stretchy wetsuits, winter thickness for children, and a huge range of beginner and improver surfboards, all sourced from industry-leading companies that prioritise sustainability.

Beginner Surf Lessons at Gwithian Surf School – Key Info

Exceptional Facilities

At Gwithian Surf School, we’re proud to offer excellent facilities to make your surfing experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Our private changing rooms and on-site toilets will ensure you’re comfortable before and after your lesson, while the Sunset Surf Café provides the perfect spot to relax, refuel and soak up the stunning coastal views. With a large car park conveniently located nearby, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the waves. Everything you need for an unforgettable surf experience is right here!

Beginner Surf Lessons at Gwithian.

Booking a lesson couldn’t be made easier

Booking your surf lesson with Gwithian Surf School couldn’t be easier! Our quick and hassle-free booking process is designed to fit around your schedule. You can book online 24/7 through our website, or reach out to us via email, phone, social media or WhatsApp. Whatever works best for you, we’re here to make booking your surf adventure as smooth as possible. Secure your spot today and get ready to hit the waves!

Availability

We’ve made it easy to find a surf lesson that fits your schedule! During school holidays, we run daily lessons at 10am, 11am and 2pm, giving you plenty of options to hit the waves. Outside of school holidays, we offer one beginner group lesson per day, carefully timed to match the best surf and tide conditions. To check live availability and secure your spot, simply use our online booking system. It’s quick, easy and always up-to-date—book your session today and get ready to ride the waves!

Enjoy an Extra Hour of Surf Practice – On Us!

At Gwithian Surf School, we’re all about helping you make the most of your time in the water. That’s why every student gets an additional hour of equipment hire completely free straight after their lesson! It’s the perfect chance to practice what you’ve learned, build confidence and enjoy even more time riding the waves on beautiful Gwithian Beach.

Beginner Surf Lessons at Gwithian – Watch the Action!

Useful Q&As for booking a beginner surf lesson at Gwithian Surf School:

What is the best time to book a beginner surf lesson?

The best time to book is when you’re ready to start your surfing journey! During school holidays, we offer lessons at 10am, 11am, and 2pm daily. Outside of school holidays, we run one beginner group lesson each day, depending on the surf and tide conditions.

How long is a beginner surf lesson?

Each beginner surf lesson lasts 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to learn the basics, catch some waves, and gain confidence in the water.

What should I bring to my surf lesson?

All equipment is provided, but you’ll need to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and warm clothes for after your session. Don’t forget your waterproof camera so we can capture your first wave!

Do I need to have any surfing experience?

No experience is necessary! Our beginner lessons are perfect for anyone who’s new to surfing or just looking to get started. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

What happens if the weather isn’t great on the day of my lesson?

If the conditions aren’t safe or suitable for surfing, we’ll let you know in advance and reschedule your lesson for another day. Your safety is our top priority.

Is there an age limit for beginner lessons?

We recommend that beginners be at least 8 years old to take part in group lessons. However, we can arrange private lessons for younger surfers if needed.

Do I get extra time to practice after my lesson?

Yes! Every student receives an additional hour of free equipment hire after their lesson to practice more and catch a few extra waves. It’s a great way to keep improving and make the most of your day on the water.

How do I book a beginner lesson?

Booking is quick and easy! You can book online 24/7 through our website, or reach out via email, phone, WhatsApp or social media to secure your spot.

What makes Gwithian Surf School unique?

Gwithian Surf School is the closest surf school to Gwithian Beach, meaning you’ll spend less time walking and more time surfing. The beach is dog-friendly and lifeguarded, so you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while staying safe. Our location provides the perfect setting for your surf lessons!

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