Catch your first wave off the shores of Pembrokeshire with Ma Simes Surf School’s beginner lessons. Learn surf basics in two hours from seasoned instructors near St. Davids’ dramatic coastline.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness needed; ability to swim and stamina for paddling recommended
Wildlife
History
Pembrokeshire’s coast has been shaped over millennia, supporting marine trade routes and Celtic settlements, with St. Davids itself renowned as Wales’s smallest city and early Christian center.
Conservation
Local surf schools emphasize low-impact practices, including using reef-safe products and educating visitors on respecting tidal habitats and marine life.
Ma Simes Surf School
Catch your first wave off the shores of Pembrokeshire with Ma Simes Surf School’s beginner lessons. Learn surf basics in two hours from seasoned instructors near St. Davids’ dramatic coastline.
Ma Simes Surf School is a surf provider based in St Davids, Wales, operating at Whitesands Beach. The school offers a range of hire options and lessons for visitors and locals, including surfboard hire, bodyboard hire, wetsuit hire, private surf lessons for groups of one to four people, and a two-hour group beginner surf lesson. All equipment required for lessons is provided, and instructors deliver beach-based coaching followed by guided wave practice. Lessons emphasise fundamental techniques for beginners, water safety, and building confidence to ride waves independently. Private lessons run for approximately 1.5 hours and include one-on-one or small-group instruction tailored to individual progress. The two-hour group beginner surf lesson combines beach instruction with supervised water time suitable for new surfers and those with limited experience.
Hire options allow participants aged eight and up to access quality surfboards and bodyboards for self-guided practice at Whitesands Beach. Wetsuit hire is available to ensure comfort in local water temperatures and to support longer sessions on the water. Bookings can be made for single sessions or longer hires according to customer needs. The school operates in a popular coastal setting known for accessible beginner waves and scenic views. Safety and familiarity with local conditions guide lesson planning and equipment use. Ma Simes Surf School is focused on delivering practical, accessible surf experiences for families, beginners, and small groups at one of Pembrokeshire’s most popular beaches. Sessions run seasonally with availability depending on weather and tide; bookings are recommended in advance to secure times.
Location
St Davids, Wales
Based at Whitesands Beach
Lesson Sizes
Private 1–4
Small-group and private lessons
Session Lengths
1.5–2 hours
Beach coaching and water time
Equipment
Boards & Wetsuits
Surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits
Book private or group surf lessons, surfboard and bodyboard hire, or wetsuit rental in St Davids — secure a session at Whitesands Beach today.
Check the tide schedule
Surf conditions vary greatly with the tides—plan your lesson during incoming or mid-tide for manageable waves.
Arrive early for beach briefing
Spend time warming up and understanding local hazards like rip currents and rocks before entering the water.
Limit sunscreen use before lesson
Choose water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen and apply it generously, but avoid heavy lotions that can make grip slippery.
Wear suitable footwear for rocky access
Beach access might involve walking over pebbles or rocks—neoprene booties or sturdy sandals can protect your feet.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm and protected against wind and cold water throughout the year.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Water-resistant sunscreen
Protects skin from prolonged UV exposure on reflective water surfaces.
spring|summer|fall
Neoprene booties
Offer extra warmth and foot protection when walking on rocky beaches.
fall|winter
Board wax
Improves grip on your board’s surface, crucial for standing up and balancing.