Learn to Surf in Strandhill: 2.5-Hour Wild Atlantic Wave Lesson
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic fitness — you should be comfortable in the water and able to tread or swim for short periods
Overview
Stand up on your first wave on the Wild Atlantic Way. This 2.5-hour group lesson in Strandhill mixes focused, personalised coaching with ocean-awareness, hot showers, and all equipment supplied—ideal for beginners and improving surfers.
Learn to Surf in Strandhill: 2.5-Hour Wild Atlantic Wave Lesson
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The first spray hits your face before you realize you've stopped thinking about the rest of the world. A row of foam rolls in from the Atlantic and Strandhill—its black sand compact beneath your feet—encourages you forward. Instructors from Rebelle gather the group for a brisk safety briefing in the courtyard of the National Surf Centre, the sea a living map of currents and swell beyond them. The lesson begins on the sand: stance, pop-up, wave selection. Then the ocean takes over, playful and demanding, pushing you into white water that's waist deep but wide with possibility.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early
Check in at Rebelle HQ to get suited up and receive a safety briefing—late arrivals disrupt group timing and tide windows.
Bring swimwear and a warm layer
Wear swimwear under your wetsuit and bring a thermal top or towel for the walk back—spring and autumn water feels cold even in a wetsuit.
Know the swim requirement
Participants must be able to swim; if you tire, signal your coach immediately for rescue board assistance.
Protect your phone and valuables
Use the provided heated changing rooms and bag storage; leave non-essential electronics in your locked vehicle or a waterproof stash.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common seals near rocky outcrops
- Gulls and occasional diving fulmars
History
Surfing in Strandhill grew as part of a broader coastal recreation movement in Sligo during the late 20th century; local surf culture is compact, community-driven, and tied to fishing and maritime traditions.
Conservation
Practices focus on beach cleanup and low-impact instruction; operators encourage leaving no litter, avoiding trampling dune vegetation, and educating students about local marine conditions.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sligo
Recommended Gear
Swimwear
Wear under the wetsuit to make changing quick and comfortable.
Wool or synthetic thermal top
Useful in spring when water remains cold despite wetsuit protection.
spring specific
Light waterproof jacket
Shields against Atlantic wind and chills after the session.
fall specific
Secure waterproof case for phone
Protects your device if you want photos from shore or a quick post-surf call.
summer specific