Cornish Wave
Six Things To Know Before Your First Surf Lesson
YOUR SURF SHOP IN THE HEART OF NEWQUAY
Cornish Wave has been running surf lessons on Newquay's beaches since 2012. The shop on Fore Street grew out of that same world — a place to pick up adventure and travel clothing, Cornish Wave gear and a few practical bits for the beach, chosen by people who spend most of their time outdoors in Cornwall.
PART OF NEWQUAY'S SURF COMMUNITY SINCE 2012
Cornish Wave has taught surfing on Newquay's beaches for over 13 years — and our shop grew out of that same world. We stock Roark as our anchor clothing brand, alongside Cornish Wave merchandise and a small range of practical essentials for the beach, the coast path and the road.
Everything in store is chosen by people who surf, travel and spend most of the year outdoors in Cornwall. If we wouldn't wear it ourselves, we don't stock it.
Tees & T-Shirts
Men's & Women's
From £30
Roark
SHOP TEES & T-SHIRTS
Washed, garment-dyed tees built to get better with wear, not worse.
From the Made To Fade range to bold back-print graphics, our tee selection covers everyday wear and post-surf comfort alike. Soft, breathable, and built for repeat washes in salt and sun.
- Made To Fade Short Sleeve Tee — Washed Orion & Washed Slate Green
- Division, Earth & Sea, and Enjoy Premium Tees
- Seaweed Queen Oversized Tee (Women's)
Shirts & Overshirts
Men's & Women's
From £75
Roark
SHOP SHIRTS & OVERSHIRTS
The layer that handles whatever the day throws at you.
Breathable stretch shirts and lightweight button-ups, designed for travel and built to move between conditions without fuss — equally at home on a surf trip or a Cornish evening.
- Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt — three colourways
- Made To Fade LS Button Up Shirt
- Costa Button Up Shirt (Women's)
Hats & Accessories
Unisex
From £35
Roark
SHOP HATS & ACCESSORIES
Small details that finish the look.
Strapbacks, snapbacks and boonie hats in durable cotton twill and stretch ripstop — easy to throw on, built to last a season of sun, sand and salt.
- Venture Boonie Hat
- Mathis 5 Panel Strapback
- Made To Fade 6 Panel Strapback
- Venture Safecamp Snapback
Women's
XS–XL
From £30
Roark
SHOP WOMEN'S
Relaxed fits, built for movement and travel.
Lightweight shirts, easy trousers and an oversized tee designed for life outdoors — comfortable enough for a surf session, considered enough for the evening after.
- Costa Button Up Shirt
- Costa Pants — Neptune & Sand
- Costa Jumpsuit
- Seaweed Queen Oversized Tee
Men's
XS–XXL
From £30
Roark
SHOP MEN'S
Built for the surf, the road and everywhere in between.
Tees, shirts, thermals and hats chosen for people who wear their kit hard. The full men's Roark range — designed for travel, tested in real conditions.
- Made To Fade Tees
- Division, Earth & Sea and Enjoy Premium Tees
- Well Worn Long Sleeve Thermal
- Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt
- Made To Fade LS Button Up
- Hats & Headwear
Surf Experiences
Lessons from £40pp
Camps & Retreats
All Abilities
SURF LESSONS, CAMPS & RETREATS
The kit is one thing — getting in the water is another.
Cornish Wave has been running surf lessons, camps and retreats on Newquay's beaches since 2012. If you're picking up kit for a session, why not book the lesson to go with it? Our ISA-qualified instructors run sessions at Towan and Fistral Beach year-round, for all ages and abilities.
Gifts & Vouchers
Physical & Digital
Any Budget
Surf Experiences & Kit
GIFTS & GIFT VOUCHERS
The gift they'll actually use.
Whether it's a surf lesson experience, a piece of kit from the shop, or a Cornish Wave gift voucher they can spend however they like — we've got something for every surfer, traveller and Cornwall lover on your list.
- Cornish Wave experience gift vouchers — surf lessons, camps and retreats
- Roark clothing and accessories — available in store and online
- Gift wrapping available in store
Visit Us
40 Fore Street, Newquay
Near Towan & Fistral
In Store & Online
FIND US IN NEWQUAY
We're in the heart of Newquay — easy to find, worth the stop.
Cornish Wave is based at 40 Fore Street, Newquay, TR7 1LP — a short walk from both Towan Beach and Fistral Beach. Whether you're popping in before your lesson, after your session, or just browsing on a rest day, you're welcome.
- 📍 40 Fore Street, Newquay, TR7 1LP
- 🏄 Short walk from Towan & Fistral Beach
- 🕐 Open daily — see current hours below
- 🌐 Full range also available online
New In
Winter 2026
Open Saturdays
Range Growing
WHAT'S COMING TO CORNISH WAVE
The range is growing — here's what's on the way.
We're building the shop out across 2026 and into 2027 — more travel clothing, winter layers, trip essentials and Cornish Wave own-brand gear. From this winter we'll be open on Saturdays year-round, so whether you're passing through Newquay on a surf trip or picking up a gift, we'll be here.
- Travel clothing and winter layers — coming Winter 2026
- Cornish Wave own-brand merchandise
- Saturday openings from Winter 2026
- Sign up to hear about new arrivals first
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT
Whether you're popping in before a session or picking up a gift, here's what a visit to Cornish Wave on Fore Street looks like.
Browse the Range
We stock a focused range of adventure and travel clothing from Roark, alongside Cornish Wave merchandise and a small selection of practical beach essentials. Everything is chosen by people who actually surf and travel in Cornwall — if it doesn't earn its place, it doesn't make it onto the shelf.
Get Advice
Not sure what you need? Our team are surfers and guides who wear this kit day to day. Ask us what works for a day at Fistral, what to pack for a surf trip, or which size to go for — we'd rather help you buy the right thing than the wrong one.
Book a Session While You're Here
If you haven't booked a surf lesson or experience yet, you can do that in store too. We run lessons, camps and retreats year-round at Towan and Fistral Beach — ask at the counter or browse all experiences online.
Find us at 40 Fore Street, Newquay, TR7 1LP — a short walk from both Towan Beach and Fistral Beach. Get directions →
Trusted & Established
Part of Newquay's surf community since 2012 — qualified, insured and trusted by thousands of guests.
Worn in Cornwall
SEE IT IN THE WILD
Tag us in your shots — @cornishwave on Instagram
Follow us on Instagram to see the kit in action on Newquay's beaches.
Follow @cornishwaveSURFING 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.
