Cornish Wave
Six Things To Know Before Your First Surf Lesson
FIND YOUR PERFECT SURF EXPERIENCE ...
As a leading surf school in Newquay since 2012, we offer everything from taster sessions to week-long camps. Below you'll find all our options - from taster sessions to week-long camps.
Not sure which surf experience is right for you? We offer five main options, each designed for different needs, abilities, and budgets. Use the comparison guide below to see pricing, group sizes, what's included, and who each experience is best suited for.
QUICK DECISION GUIDE:
First-timer or solo?
→ Group Lessons (£40pp)
→ Group Lessons (£40pp)
Week-long holiday?
→ Surf Camp (£489pp)
→ Surf Camp (£489pp)
Just the two of you?
→ Couples (£132)
→ Couples (£132)
Family or private group?
→ Family (£199)
→ Family (£199)
Want surf + wellness?
→ Yoga Retreat (£289pp)
→ Yoga Retreat (£289pp)
Still not sure? Compare all options in detail below or get in touch.
YOUR SURF ADVENTURE STARTS HERE — TRUSTED SINCE 2012
Cornish Wave delivers expert surf sessions in Newquay for all abilities — from first-timers to improvers — with experienced, ISA-qualified coaches. Choose from taster lessons, family sessions, and private coaching, plus our popular Surf & Yoga Retreats and 4-night surf camps. Sessions typically run at Towan or Fistral depending on conditions. Established in 2012.
LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
Ideal for solo travellers, couples & friends.
SMALL GROUPS
Each weekend has two guides for 12 people.
ADVENTURE READY
Perfect for thrill-seekers and explorers.
Surf Lesson
2 Hours
Ages 8+
Small group sizes
BEGINNER SURF LESSONS
Learn the basics, catch your first waves and build confidence in the water with our friendly Surfing England qualified instructors.
Learn the fundamentals of surfing in a fun and safe setting on Newquay's safest beaches. Over 90% of students stand up on their first lesson. Join us as a solo, a couple, or with friends or family.
▸ Beginner-friendly coaching
▸ Heated changing rooms & hot showers
▸ Premium C-Skins wetsuits & surfboards
▸ Beach safety briefing + 90 mins water time
Trusted By Over 10,000 Students:
▸ Fully insured & Surfing England accredited
▸ 1,500+ five-star reviews
▸ 100% Stoked Guarantee
▸ Teaching in Newquay since 2012
Why Choose Group Lessons?
Most affordable option while still getting expert coaching. Great for meeting like-minded people and sharing the stoke!
Surf Weekends
2 Nights
All Ages
Surf & Stay
SURF & ADVENTURE WEEKENDS
Two nights of camping, three surf sessions, and woodland adventures with our Surfing England qualified instructors.
Perfect for solo travellers, couples, and groups. Enjoy private woodland camping, daily surf lessons, and evening campfires in a fun, social atmosphere. Fully hosted—we take care of everything!
▸ 2 nights camping + 3 surf lessons + breakfast
▸ UK's only purpose-built surf camp
▸ Premium C-Skins wetsuits & surfboards
▸ Hot showers, toilets & private/shared tents
Fully Hosted Weekend Experience:
▸ Evening campfires & social activities
▸ Super social - meet like-minded adventurers
▸ Everything included - just turn up!
▸ Perfect for solo travellers & groups
Why Choose Surf Weekends?
Action-packed weekend combining surfing and adventure. Meet new friends in our social camp atmosphere!
Surfing Holidays
4 Nights
All Ages
Surf & Stay
4 NIGHT SURF CAMPS
Four nights of camping, five surf lessons, and the ultimate progression experience with our Surfing England qualified coaches.
Perfect for solo travellers, couples, and groups seeking serious surf progression. Stay at our private woodland campsite, enjoy daily coaching with video feedback, and make lifelong friends around evening campfires. Fully hosted—we take care of everything!
▸ 4 nights camping + 5 surf lessons + breakfast
▸ UK's only purpose-built surf camp
▸ Premium C-Skins wetsuits & surfboards
▸ Video feedback + coaching progression plan
Complete Surf Camp Experience:
▸ Hot showers, toilets & private/shared tents
▸ Evening campfires & social activities
▸ Super social - 70% come solo!
▸ Fully hosted - everything included
Why Choose the 4-Night Camp?
Real progression with 5 consecutive lessons. Build muscle memory, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime!
Surf Retreat
2 Days
Adults
Super Social
SURF & YOGA WEEKENDS
Register Now | £289pp Our Surf & Yoga Retreats blend Newquay surf lessons with rejuvenating yoga sessions in a peaceful woodland setting. Perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike, these retreats offer the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation in the stunning Cornish countryside.
✔️ Daily surf & yoga – Improve your skills in and out of the water. ✔️ Private woodland retreat – Relax in a tranquil, nature-filled setting. ✔️ Perfect balance – Energising surf sessions paired with calming yoga.
Couples Surfing
2 Hours
Private Lesson
Equipment Included
COUPLES SURF LESSONS
Check Availability | £132 based on 2 Looking for fun things to do in Newquay? Our Private Couples Surf Lesson is the perfect way to enjoy the waves together. This two-hour session includes expert coaching and all the necessary equipment.
✔️ Private coaching – Personalised instruction tailored for two. ✔️ All equipment included – Wetsuits and surfboards provided. ✔️ Fun & memorable – Share an unforgettable surfing experience.
Private Lessons
2 Hours
Ages 6+
Family of 4
FAMILY SURF LESSONS
Perfect for All Ages | £199 Bring your family and enjoy private surf lessons in Newquay, designed for all ages and abilities. Whether you're surfing as a group or need individual attention, our experienced instructors will tailor the session to your needs. Discounts available for large groups!
✔️ Family-friendly fun – Suitable for all ages and experience levels. ✔️ Private coaching – Personalised lessons for your family. ✔️ Group discounts – Special rates for larger family groups.
Surf Capital
Best location
Showers + Changing Rooms
Secure storage
SURF HIRE
Surf Hire in Newquay Our Newquay surf school is perfectly located between Fistral Beach and Towan Beach, making it easy to find the right waves for your skill level.
Whether you're after gentle conditions or bigger swells, we have the ideal surf hire options for you. ✔️ Prime location – Close to both Fistral Beach and Towan Beach. ✔️ Quality equipment – Wetsuits and surfboards for all conditions. ✔️ Flexible hire options – Rent by the hour, half-day, or full-day.
Trusted
Local Knowledge
Safety & Expertise
Accredited by Surfing England
SURFING ENGLAND ACCREDITED
Surf Safely with Accredited Instructors
Expert coaching from Surfing England qualified instructors who are also trained lifeguards.
At Cornish Wave, safety comes first. Every instructor is accredited by Surfing England and qualified as a beach lifeguard, ensuring your surf lessons meet the highest safety standards. Focus on catching waves with total peace of mind!
▸ Surfing England qualified instructors
▸ All instructors are trained lifeguards
▸ Beach safety briefing before every lesson
▸ Premium C-Skins wetsuits & surfboards
Your Safety is Our Priority:
▸ Fully insured & risk assessed
▸ Small group sizes for maximum safety
▸ Teaching on Newquay's safest beaches
▸ 13 years experience teaching surf safely
Why This Matters:
Learn with confidence knowing you're in expert hands. Our qualified team ensures safe, high-quality surf lessons every time!
About Us
MEET THE FOUNDER
The journey behind Cornish Wave Hi, I’m Jey, the founder of Cornish Wave. What started as a dream of living an adventurous life outdoors became a reality here in Newquay. Originally from South Africa, I travelled the world as a guide before falling in love with Cornwall and its incredible surf culture.
✔️ Passion for adventure – A lifelong love for the ocean and the outdoors. ✔️ Years of experience – Coaching and guiding surf sessions across different countries. ✔️ Cornwall connection – Bringing world-class surf lessons to Newquay.
New to surfing? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Surfing to learn the basics before your first lesson.
Trusted & Accredited
Qualified, insured, and trusted by thousands of students since 2012.
COMPARE ALL SURF OPTIONS AT A GLANCE
| Feature | Group Lessons | Couples | Family | Surf Weekend | 4-Night Camp | Yoga Retreat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £40pp | £132 (£66pp) | £199 (up to 4) | £289pp | £489pp | £289pp |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours | 2 nights | 4 nights | 2 nights |
| Surf Sessions | 1 lesson | 1 lesson | 1 lesson | 3 lessons | 5 lessons | 3 lessons |
| Group Size | Max 8 students | Just 2 people | Your family only | Small groups | Small groups | Max 12 people |
| Accommodation | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ 2 nights camping | ✓ 4 nights camping | ✓ 2 nights camping |
| Meals Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Breakfast | ✓ Breakfast | ✓ All meals |
| Best For | First-timers, solo travellers | Couples, friends | Families, kids 6+ | Weekend adventure | Serious progression | Surf + wellness |
| Skill Level | Beginners | All levels | All ages | Beginners welcome | Beginners welcome | Beginners welcome |
WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR SURF LESSON?
Never surfed before? Here's exactly what to expect when you arrive for your lesson with us.
Before You Hit the Water (20 mins)
Meet your Surfing England qualified instructor at our base, get kitted out in your premium C-Skins wetsuit, and grab your surfboard. We'll head down to either Towan or Fistral Beach—whichever has the best conditions that day. Your instructor will give you a beach safety briefing covering rips, tides, and surf etiquette, then demonstrate the fundamental techniques on the sand: paddling position, the pop-up, and your stance.
In The Water (90 mins)
Time to get wet! You'll start in waist-deep water catching white water waves—these are perfect for beginners. Your instructor stays close, helping you time your paddle, position your board, and nail that pop-up. Most students stand up within their first few attempts, and over 90% ride a wave to shore by the end of the lesson. As you gain confidence, your instructor will adapt the coaching to your pace, whether that's perfecting your technique or progressing to bigger waves.
After Your Session (10 mins)
Head back to base for hot showers and heated changing rooms—no freezing car park changes here! Your instructor will give you feedback on your progress and recommend next steps, whether that's another group lesson, private coaching, or joining one of our surf camps for serious progression.
Ready to experience it yourself? Book your lesson above and join the 10,000+ students we've taught to surf!
SURFING LESSON FAQ'S
Our Group Surf Lessons (£40pp) are perfect for first-timers. You'll learn in small groups (max 8 students) with a qualified instructor, and over 90% of students stand up on their first lesson. If you're nervous or want more individual attention, Private Lessons (£110pp) offer one-on-one coaching tailored to your pace.
Group lessons (£40pp) have up to 8 students per instructor and are great for meeting people and learning the basics affordably. Private lessons (£110pp) give you dedicated one-on-one coaching, personalized feedback, and help you progress 3x faster. Private lessons are ideal if you have specific goals or want intensive coaching.
A 2-hour lesson (from £40pp) is perfect for trying surfing or if you're only in Newquay for a day. Our Surf Camps are better for real progression: the 4-Night Camp (£489pp) includes 5 lessons over consecutive days, helping you build muscle memory and confidence. You'll also enjoy accommodation, breakfast, and a social atmosphere with like-minded surfers.
Our Family Surf Lessons (£199 for up to 4 people) are designed specifically for families. You get private coaching where the instructor adapts to each family member's ability level—from young kids (age 6+) to grandparents. It's great value at under £50 per person and ensures no one gets left behind. Group lessons work too if everyone is age 8+, but family lessons offer more flexibility.
Yes, we do ask that you can swim a minimum of 25 metres. You don't need to be a strong swimmer, and you won't be swimming during your session. You will be surfing from waist depth back to the shore.
For our Group Taster Surf lessons the minimum age is 8 years old. We offer private family lessons for families with younger children.
Typically, one or two introductory surf lessons are enough to give you the basics of surf safety and give you the basic techniques and understanding of how to catch a wave, pop up and ride back to the shore. Of course, there's plenty more to learn! Or join our 4-Night Surf Camp for 5 lessons and maximum progression!
Nooo, you're never too old to start surfing if anything surfing keeps you young! Come and join us.
Surfing is one of the most physical and technical sports to learn. It's also one of the most enjoyable. Learning simple techniques can help jump your learning ahead and surf in safety.
It depends on your goals. If you want to progress quickly, overcome specific challenges (like popping up), or have unique needs, private coaching (£110pp) is absolutely worth it. You get undivided instructor attention, video analysis options, and personalized feedback. If you're just trying surfing for the first time and on a budget, group lessons (£40pp) are excellent value and still offer great coaching.
A single lesson (from £40pp) includes 2 hours of coaching, wetsuit, surfboard, and equipment. Our Surf Camps (from £289pp) include multiple lessons PLUS accommodation, breakfast, evening activities, campfires, and a super social atmosphere. The 4-Night Camp includes 5 surf lessons over consecutive days for maximum progression, while Surf Weekends (£289pp) include 2 nights camping and 3 lessons.
Absolutely! Most people start with a group lesson (£40pp) to get a feel for surfing, then book private lessons (£110pp) if they want more intensive coaching. You can also mix and match—do a few group lessons, then add a private session to work on specific techniques. We're flexible to help you progress at your own pace.
Group lessons (£40pp) are great for solo travelers wanting to meet other surfers. But if you really want the full experience, our Surf Camps are unbeatable—70% of participants come alone! The 4-Night Camp (£489pp) or Surf Weekends (£289pp) offer a social atmosphere, shared accommodation options, evening activities, and you'll leave with new friends who share your passion for surfing.
Newquay is a great place for beginners and intermediate surfers. Big wide sandy beaches, options for gentle or not-so-gentle waves and of course the countless bays and coves make Newquays surfing beaches a great choice.
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own wetsuit. We provide great C-Skins wetsuits which are included in your lesson price. We use different wetsuit thicknesses depending on the time of year.
Yes sure - If it's a surfboard you're comfortable using please bring it along. Alternatively, we have a massive range of differing shapes and sizes, again included in the lesson price.
We'd suggest using daily contact lenses in the surf. Glasses tend to steam up and fall off eventually. If you really need to wear your glasses, you are welcome to.
Leave us a message
We would love to hear from you
Give us a call, send us an email or simply fill out the quick form below to enquire about our surfing lessons in Newquay. Reach out to us anytime. We’re ready to answer any questions you might have and will happily reply as soon as we can.
