Gwithian Surf School
Gwithian Surf School

Family Surf Lessons

Family Surf Lessons

Experience the thrill of family surf lesson with Gwithian Surf School. Whether you’re new to surfing or looking to improve, our family-friendly lessons provide a fun, safe and supportive environment to create unforgettable memories together.

Our expert instructors bring years of experience and a passion for surfing to ensure every family member, from the little ones to the grown-ups, enjoy catching waves together.

Let us help you ride the waves, share the laughs and embrace the thrill of surfing as a family. Book your lesson today and experience why Gwithian is Cornwall’s go-to destination for family surf experiences!

What the experts say

"For me, there’s nothing better than watching families catch their first waves together. It’s such a special moment—full of laughter, excitement and connection. Surfing isn’t just about the waves, it’s about creating memories as a family that you’ll always treasure."

Issac Wilson
Senior Surf Coach

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
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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!

Trusted by Families for Over 20 Years

SAFE SURFING

Gwithian is a safe and welcoming destination for families, offering a spacious, RNLI-lifeguarded beach with gentle waves ideal for all skill levels. With easy parking, stunning coastal views and a selection of lovely cafés nearby.

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.

The Ultimate Guide to Family Surf Lessons in Gwithian

Why Choose Gwithian for Family Surf Lessons?

Gwithian Beach isn’t just a surfing hotspot—it’s a haven for families seeking a memorable day by the sea. With its gentle waves, safe waters and picturesque surroundings, Gwithian offers the ideal environment for beginners and younger surfers. Plus, the beach is backed by sand dunes and coastal trails, making it a perfect day-out destination for your whole family. Combine the natural beauty of Cornwall with the thrill of learning to surf and you have an experience your family will treasure forever.

What to Expect from Our Family Surfing Sessions

Our family lessons are designed with flexibility and fun in mind! Sessions typically begin with a friendly welcome and a short safety briefing, followed by an introduction to surfing techniques. Once you’re confident, it’ll be time to hit the waves! Whether it’s helping the little ones pop up on their first wave or giving teenagers a taste of adventure, our sessions are structured to ensure everyone walks away with a big smile and a shared sense of achievement.

Meet Our Experienced and Friendly Instructors

We pride ourselves on having the best instructors in the business. Each instructor is a fully qualified surf coach and beach lifeguard, with a passion for teaching families how to surf. They understand the unique dynamics of working with children and adults together, ensuring everyone feels included and encouraged. You’re not just learning to surf—you’re learning from local experts who are as passionate about the ocean as they are about creating lasting memories for your family.

Safety First: A Fun and Secure Surfing Experience for Families

We understand that safety is every family’s top priority, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure your peace of mind while you’re in the water. Our instructors carefully assess daily surf conditions, select the safest spots on the beach and provide all the equipment you’ll need. We keep our groups small to ensure personalised attention, giving you the confidence to relax and enjoy every moment of your surf adventure.

Family Surf Lessons Gwithian

Book Your Family Surf Adventure at Gwithian Beach Today

There’s no time like the present to create special family memories. At Gwithian Surf School, we offer flexible scheduling and a variety of lesson options to suit families of all sizes. Whether it’s a one-off experience or the start of a new family tradition, our surf lessons are the perfect way to bond, have fun and learn something new together. Don’t miss out—book your session today and get ready to ride the waves at Gwithian Beach!

Watch our latest surf lesson video

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

What is the minimum age for children to participate in family surf lessons?

We welcome children as young as 6 years old to join our family surf lessons. Our experienced instructors are skilled in teaching younger participants in a fun and safe environment.

Can we book private lessons for our family, or are lessons in groups?

We offer both options! You can book a private family lesson for a more personalised experience or join one of our small group sessions where families can learn alongside others in a friendly and supportive setting.

What facilities does Gwithian Surf School provide?

We provide everything you need for a great surfing experience, including high-quality wetsuits and surfboards. On-site, we have changing facilities and secure storage for your belongings. Plus, the nearby beach amenities make it easy for families to spend the whole day at Gwithian.

Do we need any prior surfing experience?

Not at all! Our lessons are designed for complete beginners as well as those with some experience. Our instructors will tailor the lesson to match your family’s skill levels, ensuring everyone has fun while learning.

How long do the surf lessons last?

Our standard family lessons are 2 hours long. This includes a beach-based introduction to surfing techniques and safety, followed by plenty of time in the water to practice your skills. After the lesson, you also have the option to keep your equipment for an extra hour, giving your family more time to continue practicing and enjoying the waves on your own.

Is surfing safe for children and beginners?

Yes, safety is our top priority. Our instructors are fully qualified and lifeguard-trained, we choose the safest areas of Gwithian Beach for lessons and we provide a thorough safety briefing before entering the water.

What should we bring to our lesson?

All you need to bring are swimsuits to wear under your wetsuits, towels, sunscreen and a positive attitude! We’ll provide all the surfing equipment, including wetsuits and boards.

Can we book lessons in advance, and do you offer discounts for families?

Yes, we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time. We also offer family packages and discounts for multiple participants, making it even easier for your whole family to join in the fun.

What happens if the weather or surf conditions aren’t suitable?

If conditions aren’t safe or suitable for surfing, we’ll contact you to reschedule your lesson or provide a full refund. Your safety and enjoyment are our priority.

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