Discover the thrill of riding ocean waves with Surf South West’s beginner-friendly lessons. Perfect for newcomers and intermediates, these sessions promise fun, skill-building, and unforgettable coastal views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No prior fitness required; suitable for all skill levels
Wildlife
History
Surfing became popular in this region in the 1960s, transforming the local coastline into a surfing haven.
Conservation
Efforts focus on preserving the coastal ecosystem by limiting motorized boat access and promoting eco-friendly beach practices.
Surf South West
Discover the thrill of riding ocean waves with Surf South West’s beginner-friendly lessons. Perfect for newcomers and intermediates, these sessions promise fun, skill-building, and unforgettable coastal views.
Surf South West is a surf and coastal activity provider based in Croyde, England, offering lessons and guided adventures along North Devon’s coastline. The company runs daily two-hour surf lessons for beginners and intermediates, private two-hour coaching sessions tailored to groups or families, coasteering adventures of approximately 2.5 hours around Baggy Point, and women-focused Girls on Waves weekend experiences led by qualified female instructors.
All activities are guided by qualified instructors who provide equipment, coaching, and safety supervision. Surf Lesson attendees receive wetsuits, boards, and beachside instruction in a supportive environment. Private Surf Lessons focus on personalized technique refinement, wave selection, and habit correction for small groups. Coasteering sessions combine climbing, jumping, and sea swimming with a flexible pace to suit varying skill levels, while Girls on Waves Weekends pair surf instruction with creative activities such as crafting surf-inspired jewellery in a women-centered setting.
Surf South West operates from Croyde beach and adapts sessions to tidal and weather conditions to maximise safety and fun. Booking options accommodate daily drop-in lessons, private bookings for families and groups, and scheduled weekend courses. The business emphasises qualified instruction, inclusive group experiences, and local knowledge of North Devon surf and coastal terrain.
Visitors can expect instructor-led sessions, included equipment on most trips, and activity lengths ranging from two to two-and-a-half hours for standard offerings. Surf South West’s programme is designed for accessibility across beginners through intermediate participants. Pre-booking details, availability, equipment lists, and explicit safety briefings are provided before every session for extra reassurance.
Location
Croyde, England
On North Devon’s famous beach
Instructors
Qualified
Safety-focused coaching
Session Lengths
2–2.5 hrs
Short, focused activity times
Experiences
4 offerings
Surfing, coasteering, weekends, private
Book daily surf lessons, private coaching, coasteering, or Girls on Waves weekends with qualified instructors and included equipment.
Check the local surf forecast
Review surf conditions ahead of time to pick the best session and stay safe.
Wear wetsuits even in warm weather
Wetsuits help maintain warmth and buoyancy, ensuring a comfortable surf experience.
Arrive early to secure equipment
Getting there early guarantees access to the best gear and prime spots.
Respect the marine environment
Avoid disturbing wildlife and follow eco-friendly practices during your visit.
Wetsuit
Provides thermal protection and improves buoyancy in the water.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Surfboard
Equipment provided, but bring your own if preferred for comfort.
Waterproof sunscreen
Protects your skin during extended time in the sun.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Towel
Helpful for drying off and warming up after your session.