When you are planning a family surf trip, choosing the right location is important. You want a beach that is safe, scenic, beginner-friendly, and full of things to enjoy both in and out of the water. Summerleaze Beach in Bude is often described as the best place to surf in Cornwall for families. With gentle, welcoming waves, stunning surroundings, and a trusted surf school like Big Blue Surf School, it offers everything you need for a brilliant day by the sea.
In this blog, we explain why Summerleaze is ideal for family surf sessions and how Big Blue Surf School can help you and your children catch your first waves with confidence and excitement.
Safety is one of the biggest priorities for families when choosing a beach, and Summerleaze Beach does not disappoint. The soft golden sand, RNLI lifeguard cover during the main season, and gently sloping shallows make it a great choice for younger children and first-time surfers.
For beginners, especially kids, Summerleaze is a fantastic place to start. The waves are usually mellow and manageable, which makes learning the basics far easier and far more enjoyable. Unlike more exposed beaches with steep, powerful waves, Summerleaze offers a calm and predictable surf environment that supports learning at a comfortable pace.
All of this makes it a strong contender for the best place to surf in Cornwall, particularly if you want to introduce your children to surfing in a safe and supportive setting.
At Big Blue Surf School, we have spent more than twenty years helping families begin their surfing journey. Our qualified instructors know how to make lessons safe, enjoyable, and suited to every learner, no matter their age or experience.
We offer group lessons, family sessions, and private coaching, so you can choose what works best for your family. Many children grow in confidence within the first lesson, and parents often discover that they enjoy it just as much as the kids.
Our surf school is located right on Summerleaze Beach, which means there is no long walk with boards or equipment. Everything you need is ready for you when you arrive. All you have to bring is a smile and a bit of enthusiasm.
Another reason Summerleaze is often called the best place to surf in Cornwall is its unbeatable location and facilities. Unlike some hidden-away coves, Summerleaze is just a short walk from Bude town centre, making it easy to grab food, drinks, or extra beach supplies when needed.
Facilities include:
Parents especially love how hassle-free it is. Whether you’ve got toddlers in tow or teenagers ready to shred, you’ll find the set-up makes your beach day smooth and stress-free.
While surfing is undoubtedly the main event, the beauty of Summerleaze is that it offers so much more than just waves. If you want to mix things up during your stay, families can enjoy:
And when the surf session is over, head into Bude for a proper Cornish ice cream, a family-friendly pub meal, or even a spot of shopping. It’s the complete family surf holiday experience wrapped up in one location.
Thanks to modern wetsuits and Cornwall’s mild climate, surfing at Summerleaze Beach is not limited to the summer months. Many families now visit in spring and autumn to enjoy quieter beaches and dependable waves.
Big Blue Surf School runs lessons through most of the year, and we often see families return season after season to build on their skills. It is a real pleasure to be part of their surfing stories, from the very first pop-up to confidently turning on the wave.
When it comes to planning a surf-filled day the whole family will love, Summerleaze Beach stands out as the best place to surf in Cornwall. From its gentle waves and family-friendly layout to the expert guidance of Big Blue Surf School, it has everything you need for a safe, fun, and memorable introduction to the sport.
So, whether you're staying in Bude for a weekend or a week, don’t miss the chance to surf with us. Book a lesson, bring the kids, and get ready for laughter, learning, and maybe even your new favourite family tradition.
