Private lesson • Age 6+ • 2 Hours • Taylored surf lessons to suit all abilities!
Discover the perfect beginner surf spot in England with private lessons at Westward Ho! Beach. Learn to ride gentle waves in a stunning coastal setting tailored to all skill levels.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed with good balance and basic swimming ability.
Wildlife
History
Westward Ho! Beach’s name stems from Charles Kingsley’s 1855 novel, reflecting the area’s longstanding maritime heritage.
Conservation
Local groups work to preserve the dune ecosystems and maintain clean water quality for sustainable surfing and recreation.
Surf SUP Academy
Private lesson • Age 6+ • 2 Hours • Taylored surf lessons to suit all abilities!
Surf SUP Academy is a Westward Ho!, England based adventure provider offering coasteering, group surf lessons, stand up paddle board tours and private surf lessons. Located on the north Devon coast and operating around Westward Ho! Beach and the Torridge River, Surf SUP Academy delivers on-water and on-rock experiences that use the local coastline and river scenery.
Coasteering sessions in North Devon run for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and are suitable for ages 8 and up, with each session led by expert instructors who prioritise safety and local knowledge. Group surf lessons focus on Westward Ho! Beach’s uncrowded, gentle waves and welcome participants from beginner to advanced levels, with tailored instruction and the option to use personal kit when preferred. Private surf lessons offer one-to-one coaching for focused progress, using the same Westward Ho! surf conditions and village amenities to support a comfortable visit.
Stand up paddle board tours explore the Torridge River and nearby waterways, including popular routes such as the Bideford to Appledore cruise, providing scenic paddling past forests, cliffs and riverside villages. All experiences are delivered in third-party supervised formats by expert instructors who provide clear safety briefings, route guidance and local insights.
Surf SUP Academy’s location in Westward Ho! makes it accessible to visitors staying in the seaside village, and the mix of river and coastal trips offers options for families, groups and individuals seeking outdoor adventure in North Devon.
Location
Westward Ho!, England
Based on the North Devon coast
Session Length
2.5–3 hrs
Typical coasteering session time
Age Range
Ages 8+
Coasteering suitable for 8 and up
Instruction
Expert-led
Activities run by expert instructors
Reserve coasteering, surf lessons or a stand up paddle tour with expert-led instruction and local route knowledge — spaces fill quickly during peak season.
Start with a beginner board
Choose a larger, stable surfboard for your first lessons to build confidence on the water.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Morning sessions often have smaller groups and smoother waves, ideal for beginners.
Wear a wetsuit year-round
The Atlantic waters are cold even in summer, so a wetsuit keeps you warm and comfortable.
Learn tide times
Understanding local tides helps you catch the best waves and stay safe during your surf adventure.
Surfboard (provided)
A stable, beginner-friendly board suited to the local wave conditions.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm during cool spring sea temperatures.
spring
Wetsuit
Even summer waters require a wetsuit for comfort and protection.
summer
Wetsuit
Essential for offshore chills and cooler water temperatures in autumn.
fall