Learn to surf with highly-trained and dedicated watermen and women in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Our Surf School is located on the blue flag awarded Porthmeor Beach, just a stone’s throw away from the heart of St Ives. Porthmeor is the ultimate surfing playground and we cannot wait to get you acquainted. Nestled on the West facing side of St Ives, we benefit from a unique combination of exposure to Atlantic swells and good protection from the prevailing wind. The clean conditions this creates, provide an absolutely ideal environment for learning to surf.
At St Ives Surf School, our friendly and experienced team offer a variety of surfing lessons and courses. Starting from absolute beginners, ranging through to surfers looking to gain more control over their board and onto more skilled intermediates who are seeking to venture ‘out the back’ and conquer a few unbroken waves from the deep. Our ground breaking level system, ranging from 1-5 will ensure the challenges keep coming and most importantly, that your lessons are relevant to you as an individual as well as the group as a whole. In all of our surfing lessons, top-quality equipment is included free of charge and we provide on-site secure changing facilities.
Beginner (2 hours)
The beginner lesson is aimed at absolute newcomers to surfing. Once you’ve been kitted out with all your gear, you’ll learn everything a beginner needs to know about beach safety, paddling technique, how to catch waves and finally the fundamentals of getting up to your feet on the board.
Improver (2 hours)
For Surfers looking to further develop their skills. Our improver lessons range from Improver to intermediate and cover aspects of surfing such as fine-tuning the basics, turning your board, gaining speed, duck diving and catching unbroken waves from further out to sea. We also offer a large variety of boards to suit the needs of the improving surfer.
Advanced
Our advanced coaching team is led by our senior and most experienced coaches who have dedicated large parts of their lives to the sport. These sessions are best booked on a private basis or with a group of surfers of similar ability. With a catalogue of expert knowledge and experience we will be sure to maximise your potential and push you towards new goals.
Private
Flexibility is the buzzword when it comes to our private lessons. We can cater to individuals right up to groups of 30+. The private lesson structure is designed to enable us to meet the exact needs to the person or people taking the lesson without any distractions. Please contact us for more info and possible discounts for larger groups.
Surf lessons (2hrs)
INDIVIDUAL LESSON/COURSES
Our Surfing courses are designed to introduce new skills and challenges every session. Each lesson has been structured to follow on from the last and is the perfect way to maximise your potential in a short period of time.
FAMILY/GROUPS
For families and groups of friends participating in a shared lesson with other surfers outside of their group.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Bespoke surfing lessons for individuals and groups. Sessions are scheduled to your convenience and with your own personal instructor.
+ £40pp thereafter
EDUCATIONAL GROUPS
Specifically tailored surfing and beach sessions for pre organised School, College and University groups.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Winter wetsuit
Surfboard
Wetsuit boots
Gloves and hood (winter)
Suncream
Changing rooms
Shower
FAQs
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Bring a towel, tight swimwear and a drink for after!
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It varies depending on the level of lesson and conditions but around 80 minutes on average.
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Surfing is the ultimate wet weather activity, you will be in the sea after all!
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We have five different levels of lessons from first time catching a wave to outback and trimming a six footer.
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Children under ten years need to be supervised by a non-surfing adult in our group lessons. We provide a wetsuit free of charge.
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Our beginner lessons take place in waist deep water and Porthmeor Beach is extremely safe. Our maximum group size is 1-7 so your instructor will be very close at all times.
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Our lesson times vary every day depending upon the tides. Waves don’t break on Porthmeor Beach during high tide.
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Allow 30 minutes to check in, meet your instructor and get your kit.
Any Three Activities for £120
Can’t decide? No problem, mix and match any three of our salt water activities for £120. All equipment is included in the price and you can choose whatever days that suit you.
SALT WATER RETREATS
Our luxury surf and yoga retreats offer you the opportunity to escape everyday life and indulge in a week of surfing, yoga, wellbeing and delicious healthy food with like-minded people.
Surf Hire
Make the most out of your time on holiday in Cornwall and get active on the water! We have everything you need to fill your days with fun and adventure!
Take the plunge
Coasteering in Cornwall is the ultimate aquatic adventure experience. Join our highly trained team and explore secret caves, sheltered bays and exposed ledges all just steps from the beach.