Photo: @_louisreed
With the UK surf season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to level up your skills and make this year the best surfing year yet! Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an intermediate surfer ready to refine your technique, booking a surf lesson with a professional coach can accelerate your progress.
For intermediate surfers a surf school refresher session will help fine-tune your paddling, balance, and wave selection—giving you the confidence to take your surfing to the next level.
Are you brand new to surfing? You want to start but you’re not sure where to begin? The best way to learn is by booking surf lessons with a reputable surf school. A professional surf coach will teach you essential skills, from water safety and wave reading to paddling, popping up, and balancing on your board.
Taking surf lessons helps you progress faster than learning solo. Instructors correct your posture, paddling, and technique early on, making it easier to catch waves with confidence. You can also opt for 1-to-1 coaching or improver sessions to refine your skills. There are so many amazing surf schools in the UK and Ireland where you can learn!
Learning to surf in the UK may not be as tropical as Byron Bay, but with the right coaching, you’ll master the fundamentals in no time. Plus, surf schools provide all the equipment and valuable local knowledge, helping you find the best beginner-friendly waves.
Ready to start your surf journey? Discover the top surf schools in the UK and Ireland with this guide…
Here’s a list of the surf schools in the UK and Ireland
CORNWALL
CORNWALL
Home to some of the most famous surf beaches, Cornwall offers some of the best surf schools in the UK for all levels.
ADSurf
Bude
Specialising in adaptive surf coaching, ADSurf was set up in 2022 to provide accessible and adaptive surfing to people with disabilities, mental health conditions and neurodiversity.
Big Green Adventures
Crantock
Offering surf lessons, SUP, and coasteering, this adventure school provides fun, safe, and informative sessions for all ages.
Blue Wings Surf School
Widemouth Bay
Situated on Widemouth Bay, this school offers lessons for all abilities with a friendly and knowledgeable team.
Bude Surfing Experience
Bude
Provides professional surf coaching at Summerleaze Beach, focusing on fun, safety, and skill development.
Constantine Bay Surf School
Padstow
Provides expert coaching at one of Cornwall’s best surf beaches, offering group and private lessons for all levels.
Cornish Wave Surf School
Newquay
Offers small-group and private surf lessons, as well as surf and adventure retreats, with a focus on immersive experiences.
Elemental Surf School
Newquay
Passionate about delivering the best surf experience, whether you’re a beginner or improving your skills.
Escape Surf School
Newquay
Based on Towan Beach. Escape offers progressive coaching for all abilities with ISA-qualified instructors.
Evolve Surf School
Gwithian
A mobile surf school offering lessons at various top surf spots, ensuring the best conditions for every session.
Fistral Beach Surf School
Newquay
Situated on the iconic Fistral Beach, this school offers a range of lessons and courses for all skill levels.
Gather and Glide
Newquay
Longboard and advanced coaching for women with supportive female instructors. 2-5 Day courses, suitable for all levels.
Global Boarders Surf School
Praa Sands and Gwithian
An award-winning surf school that offers lessons across Praa Sands and Gwithian, ensuring the best waves and conditions for every session.
Hayle Surf School
Hayle
Located near the stunning beaches of St. Ives Bay, this school offers expert coaching for all levels, focusing on safety and fun in a friendly environment.
Holywell Bay School of Surf
Newquay
Located at the scenic Holywell Bay, this school provides expert tuition in a quieter surf setting, ideal for learning.
Kingsurf Surf School
Mawgan Porth
Operating since 1997, Kingsurf provides tailored lessons with a focus on fun and safety on Cornwall’s north coast.
Newquay Activity Centre
Newquay
Provides surf lessons alongside other adventure activities, with experienced instructors in the heart of Newquay.
NQY Surf School
Newquay
Ran by 4-times UK surf champion and World Tour competitor, Adam Griffiths, NQY Surf School is one of the town’s longest-running centres, based right on the sand at Great Western beach.
OA Surf Club
Bude
A surf school and adventure centre offering lessons on Widemouth Bay with experienced local instructors.
Peg’s Surf Coaching
Perranporth & Surrounding Areas
Peg’s Surf School is one of the only surf schools offering lessons 7 days a week throughout the year. Peg himself was a competitor on the BBC’s 2023 Survivor Series. As head coach, you’ll definitely get some interesting stories during your session.
Perranporth Surf School
Perranporth
Offers lessons on the expansive Perranporth Beach, suitable for beginners and improvers.
Quiksilver Surf School Newquay
Newquay
Located at Fistral Beach, this school offers lessons for all abilities, with experienced instructors and quality equipment.
Shore Surf School
St Ives & Godrevey
Shore Surf School provide high-quality surf lessons in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful surf spots, with experienced instructors and top-tier equipment.
St Ives Surf School
St Ives
Based on Porthmeor Beach and Porthminster beaches, this school provides professional surf tuition in the heart of St Ives, catering to beginners to advanced surfers looking to refine their skills.
Stoked Surf School
Perranporth
Based in Perranporth, Stoked Surf School has lessons curated for everyone—kids, adults, groups, families, and even those planning unforgettable stags, hens, or corporate activity holidays. They also have their own surf progression system called Loop to help you master every step of the journey.
Surf Sanctuary
Newquay
Based at the Headland Hotel, Surf Sanctuary specialise in high-performance surf coaching, private lessons, and adventure activities for individuals and small groups. They pride themselves on their small student-to-instructor ratios.
Surf Sistas
Cornwall
Surf Sistas have been taking women’s surfing to new places since 2003. Their programmes in Cornwall, are for all surfers, from complete beginners to improver/intermediates looking to progress.
The Surf Club Cornwall
Newquay & Mawgan Porth
The Surf Club offer surf lessons in Cornwall at the sandy beaches of Newquay and Mawgan Porth for all surfing levels.
Wave Riders Surf School
Cornwall
A family-run surf school providing tailored coaching and lessons at various surf spots in Cornwall.
Wavehunters
Polzeath & Watergate Bay
A renowned surf school offering lessons, equipment hire, and surf safaris at both Watergate Bay and Polzeath Beach.
Waves Surf School
St Merryn
Waves Surf School is a mobile school work across 5 beaches and are based in St Merryn, located between Newquay and Padstow. Offers surf lessons and holiday packages, catering to all abilities with a relaxed and friendly approach.
Westcountry Surf School
Watergate Bay
A family-run surf school providing high-quality coaching on the beautiful two-mile stretch of Watergate Bay.
Women + Waves
Newquay
A surf collective specialising in bespoke coaching, surf camps and training exclusively for women, locally and across the globe!
DEVON
DEVON
With beautiful beaches and consistent waves, Devon is a top spot for surf schools in the UK.
Bantham Surfing Academy
South Devon
Bantham Surfing Academy are a mobile surf school, providing expert coaching in stunning locations across South Devon, perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Barefoot Surf School
Putsborough Sands
Barefoot Surf School is a family-run centre based in beautiful North Devon. All lessons are held at Putsborough Sands, which is a safe beach in North Devon perfect for learners.
Croyde Surf Academy
Croyde
Situated in North Devon, this academy provides lessons from a unique double-decker bus setup overlooking Croyde Bay.
Discovery Surf School
Bigbury-on-Sea & Bantham
A top-rated surf school offering lessons and surf hire on the beautiful South Devon coast.
Lords of Downend
Croyde
A surf school offering Surf Lessons, Surf Hire, Coasteering, and Paddleboarding in Croyde Bay.
Nick Thorn Surf Coaching
Putsborough
Specialist surf coaching in North Devon, offering everything from beginner lessons to advanced surf training and lifeguard courses.
Surf Saunton
Saunton
Based in North Devon, Surf Saunton offers lessons on the three-mile-long beach that is Saunton Sands, ideal for beginners.
Surf South West
Croyde
Based in Croyde, this school is one of the longest-established in the UK, with expert coaching and surf camps.
Surfing Croyde Bay
Croyde
An award-winning surf school offering premium lessons and coaching programs on Croyde’s world-class waves.
Surfing Woolacombe Surf School
Woolacombe
Surfing Woolacombe are at the heart of North Devon surf culture. They pride themselves on exceptional surf coaching & customer service. Established in 2002, they are the only school located on Woolacombe Beach, steps away from the sand.
The North Devon Surf School
Westward Ho!
One of the UK’s longest-running surf schools, offering lessons at the consistent waves of Westward Ho! Beach.
Walking on Waves
Saunton
Walking on Waves was opened by Sarah Whiteley in 2003 after years of competing at a National and International level. Based at Saunton Sands, this school offers high-quality surf lessons in one of North Devon’s most picturesque locations.
Westward Waves Surf School
Westward Ho!
A friendly, professional surf school offering lessons for all abilities on Westward Ho! Beach.
Woolacombe Surf Centre
Woolacombe
Located in the heart of Woolacombe, this centre provides expert tuition in one of England’s best surf locations.
SOUTH COAST
SOUTH COAST
The South Coast is perfect for beginners, with friendly surf schools in the UK offering lessons in scenic spots.
Bournemouth Surf Academy
Bournemouth
Based at the famous Boscombe Beach, this academy provides fun and professional surf lessons for all ages and abilities.
Brighton Watersports
Brighton
The only dedicated surf school in Brighton, offering lessons and surf hire on the pebbled beaches of the south coast.
Shaka Surf
Branksome
A Surfing England accredited surf school in Branksome. In 2024, Shaka were proud to win Attraction of the Year for Bournemouth & Poole. Shaka Surf are also the proud hosts of the UK Dog Surfing Championships.
WALES
WALES
From Pembrokeshire to the Gower, Wales boasts excellent surf schools set against stunning backdrops.
Abersoch Watersports
Abersoch
A well-known watersports centre offering surf lessons along the stunning beaches of Abersoch, with lessons for all ages and abilities.
Barefoot Boardriders
Pembrokeshire
Located on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast, this surf school provides a variety of board sports, including surfing and paddleboarding, for all abilities.
Blue Horizons Surf Club
Pembrokeshire
A surf school and club offering a variety of surf lessons, from beginner to advanced, as well as surf camps and coaching.
Cressey’s Surf Academy
Porthcawl
An experienced surf academy based at Rest Bay beach, Porthcawl. Offering beginner to advanced coaching at Rest Bay, and at Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot. They are also a Wave Project Cymru charity partner, experienced at delivering sessions for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Gower Surf Academy
Swansea
Located on Caswell Bay, Gower Surf Academy offers surf lessons to people of all ages and skills. From after-school lessons for children to family group sessions, adult group sessions, stag dos and parties! Open all year round, they provide coaching and water safety!
Llangennith Surf School
Swansea
A surf school located on the famous Llangennith Beach, known for its consistent waves, perfect for learning and improving surf skills.
Newsurf
Pembrokeshire
A modern surf school offering lessons, surf camps, and coaching, focusing on progression and fun at some of Pembrokeshire’s most popular beaches.
Outer Reef Surf School
Pembrokeshire
A top-rated surf school with a focus on surf coaching and safety, offering lessons at Pembrokeshire’s best beaches for surfers of all levels.
Pembrokeshire Surf & SUP Centre
Pembrokeshire
Top quality equipment and professional instructors offering surf lessons, coasteering, kayak tours and paddleboarding in Pembrokeshire.
Pembrokeshire Surf School
Pembrokeshire
Started and owned by Phil Sadler Welsh Junior Team Coach. Pembrokeshire Surf School offeres surf lessons in Pembrokeshire’s stunning beaches, this school caters to beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers with tailored lessons.
Pembrokeshire Surfing Lessons
Pembrokeshire
Offering lessons in Pembrokeshire’s surf hotspots, this school provides one-to-one coaching, group lessons, and surf camps.
Porthcawl Surf School
Porthcawl
Open all year round (except Christmas Day). Porthcawl is a well-established surf school based at Porthcawl, offering lessons and surf hire for all ages and skill levels in a vibrant coastal town.
Progress Surf School
Pembrokeshire
A friendly surf school offering surf lessons for all abilities, with a focus on progression and helping surfers improve at their own pace.
South Wales Surf Lessons
Llangennith
A family-run surf school based at the award-winning Llangennith beach on the stunning Gower peninsula, South Wales. They have over 10 years of experience providing quality surf sessions, from first-time beginners to advanced level
Surf School Wales
Swansea
A family run, not-for-profit surf school based on the beautiful Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot.
NORTHERN IRELAND
NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland offers a range of surf schools in the UK with incredible beaches and welcoming instructors.
Alive Adventures
Portrush
An adventure company offering surf lessons, paddleboarding, and other activities along the north coast, perfect for families and groups.
Long Line Surf School
Benone
Long Line Surf School was established in 2012. They provide lessons and experiences which teach the skills and techniques of surfing and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Portrush Surf School
Portrush
A popular surf school on the scenic Causeway Coast, offering lessons for all ages and abilities on the famous West Strand Beach.
Surf Camp Northern Ireland
Portstewart
Provides immersive surf camps for all levels, focusing on surf progression, fitness, and community, based in Northern Ireland’s top surf locations.
Troggs Surf School
Portrush
One of Ireland’s longest-running surf schools, providing expert tuition, surf coaching, and equipment hire on Northern Ireland’s best waves.
IRELAND
IRELAND
Ireland has so many amazing surf schools with world-class waves and great coaching..
7th Wave Surf School
Enniscrone
A friendly and professional surf school offering lessons for all levels, set in some of Ireland’s most stunning coastal locations.
Aloha Surf School
Fanore
A welcoming surf school on the scenic west coast, providing expert coaching and a relaxed approach to surfing for all abilities.
Atlantic Surf School
Strandhill
Provides surf lessons along Ireland’s west coast, specialising in beginner and intermediate coaching in some of the country’s best surf spots.
Ben’s Surf Clinic and Surf School
Lahinch
A top-rated surf clinic focused on high-quality coaching and progression for surfers of all levels in the Lahinch area.
Bunmahon Surf School
Waterford
A relaxed and fun surf school offering lessons on Bunmahon Beach, a hidden gem for learning to surf in Ireland.
Celtic Surf School
Spanish Point
A surf school offering lessons in Ireland’s best surf locations, with a focus on fun, safety, and learning in a supportive environment.
Inchydoney Surf School
Cork
Located on the beautiful Inchydoney Beach, this surf school provides high-quality lessons in one of Ireland’s most scenic surf spots.
Kingdom Waves Surf School
Kerry
Located on the stunning beaches of Kerry, this surf school offers beginner-friendly lessons and surf camps in one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions.
Lahinch Surf Experience
Lahinch
An experienced surf school offering lessons tailored to individuals, families, and groups, right in the heart of Lahinch’s surf scene.
Lahinch Surf School
Lahinch
One of Ireland’s best-known surf schools, offering high-quality lessons on Lahinch Beach, a prime surf destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Murf’s Surf School
Bundoran
Provides surf lessons for all levels, focusing on small-group coaching and fun, friendly instruction.
Pukana Surf Adventures
Cork
A mobile surf school providing lessons and surf tours on Garretstown Beach, focusing on adventure and progression.
Rebelle Surf School
Strandhill
A female-focused surf school dedicated to empowering women through surfing, offering lessons and retreats in a supportive environment.
Rossnowlagh Surf School
Donegal
Located on Rossnowlagh Beach, this school offers beginner to advanced lessons in one of Ireland’s most consistent surf spots.
Strandhill Surf School, Sligo
Sligo
One of Ireland’s most established surf schools, based at Strandhill Beach, offering lessons and surf experiences for all skill levels.
Sligo Surf Experience
Sligo
Provides expert coaching and guided surf experiences at Sligo’s top surf beaches, with a focus on progression and enjoyment.
Surf Mayo
Louisburgh
Situated at Carrowniskey Beach, this school provides expert tuition and a friendly atmosphere for surfers of all levels in Mayo.
The Surf Shack Ireland
Curracloe
A fun and friendly surf school offering beginner-friendly lessons and equipment hire, perfect for those new to the sport.
SCOTLAND
SCOTLAND
Scotland’s wild coastline is home to some of the most unique and beautiful surf schools in the UK.
Coast to Coast Surf School
Dunbar
Situated at the beautiful Belhaven Bay, Coast to Coast offer surf lessons and equipment hire perfect for beginners and intermediates. For the more adventurous, they also offer adult surf camps to Scotland’s stunning North Coast and West Coast Islands.
New Wave Surf School
Lossiemouth
A friendly surf school offering lessons in a variety of surf spots in Scotland, catering to surfers of all levels with an emphasis on fun and progression.
North Coast Watersports
Thurso
A watersports hub in the Highlands, providing surf lessons along the rugged coast of Thurso, ideal for surfers seeking adventure and excellent waves.
Pete’s Surf School
Kilkenzie
Based on the stunning west coast of Kintyre, with amazing views of the open ocean, Northern Ireland, Islay and Jura, Pete’s Surf School provides surf lessons in a relaxed environment, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Surflewis & Harris Surf School
Isle of Lewis
Located on the wild and beautiful Isle of Lewis, this surf school offers surf lessons and surf tours in some of the most dramatic and remote locations in Scotland.
Suds Surf School
Sandend
Suds Surf School is based around Sandend on the beautiful waters of the Moray Firth. They offer lessons and coaching along Scotland’s stunning coastline, perfect for those looking to experience the unique surf culture of the country.
NORTHEAST ENGLAND
NORTHEAST ENGLAND
For amazing surfing adventures, Northeast England hosts some great surf schools along its rugged coastline.
Longsands Surf School
Tynemouth
A fantastic surf school located on Longsands Beach, offering expert coaching for beginners and advanced surfers.
NE Surf
Northumberland
An amazing surf school in the North East owned and run by Northumbrian surfers who live for the surf, and making sure you learn in the best way.
Saltburn Surf School
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
As one of the UK’s oldest surf schools, it provides lessons on the North Yorkshire coast, suitable for all levels.
Scarborough Surf School
Scarborough
Located on the East Coast, this school offers comprehensive lessons and equipment hire for surfers of all abilities.
Tynemouth Surf Co
Tynemouth
One of the longest-running surf schools in the northeast, providing expert tuition and a well-stocked surf shop.
Yonder Women’s Surf School
Tynemouth
A female-focused surf school dedicated to empowering women through surfing, offering group and private lessons.