If you’re ready to learn to surf, Cornwall is a great place to start. With some of the best beaches and surf in the UK, there are plenty of opportunities to get in the water and have a go.
At Big Blue Surf, our friendly and experienced instructors are here to make learning to surf fun, relaxed and enjoyable. Whether it’s your first time in the water or you’re looking to build your confidence, we’ll help you get to the point where you’re standing up and riding your first wave.
Here are our top 10 tips for learning to surf, from the team at Big Blue Surf.
Not all beaches are created equal, especially when you’re just starting out. Cornwall is packed with learner-friendly beaches such as Summerleaze Beach and Widemouth Bay where the waves tend to be more forgiving. Big Blue Surf offers lessons at Summerleaze Beach, and our sister company OA Surf Club offer them at Widemouth Bay, so you’ll always have the best conditions to learn to surf safely.
You could try to teach yourself, but learning with a qualified instructor can make a big difference. At Big Blue Surf, our coaches are experienced, qualified and passionate about helping you improve. With the right guidance and a structured lesson, you’ll learn the basics, build your confidence and progress much faster, while staying safe in the water.
Beginner surfboards are longer, wider and more stable, making them much easier to balance on when you’re starting out. Don’t be tempted to jump straight onto a flashy shortboard! A soft foam board is ideal for learning the basics and catching those first waves. We provide all the kit you need, so you can focus on learning to surf and having fun.
Understanding the tides, currents and waves is an important part of learning to surf. Before you head into the water, our instructors will show you how to read the sea and spot the safest places to surf. It’s a skill that will help you stay safe, choose the right conditions and get more out of every surf session. We make sure this knowledge is part of every Big Blue Surf lesson.
Before you head into the water, it’s important to practise your pop-up. This is the movement from lying on your board to standing up and riding the wave. We start on the sand with simple drills to help you get the movement right and build muscle memory. Once you’re in the water, you’ll feel much more confident and ready to give it a go.
Once you’re up, bend your knees and keep your weight low. Don’t stand bolt upright or lean too far forward. Think: relaxed knees, arms out, eyes ahead. Our instructors will guide you through body positioning so you feel stable and in control as you learn to surf.
Falling off is all part of learning to surf. Everyone falls, even the pros! At Big Blue Surf, we keep things relaxed and supportive, so you can have fun, learn from your mistakes and get straight back on your board. Don’t worry about the wipeouts. They’re all part of the process and usually mean you’re making progress!
Cornish waters are beautiful but can be chilly, even in summer. That’s why having a properly fitted wetsuit is essential. We provide high-quality suits that keep you warm and comfortable, so you can focus on learning rather than shivering. No wetsuit worries here.
Surfing isn’t something you’ll master in a day. Progress can take time, but that’s all part of the fun. Every wave you catch and every new skill you learn will help you improve. With small group sizes and plenty of support from our instructors, you’ll get the coaching you need to build your confidence and learn at your own pace.
The best way to improve is simple: keep getting in the water. Once your lesson is over, take what you’ve learned and practise, practise, practise. We offer progression sessions and equipment hire for returning learners, so you can continue your journey whenever you’re ready.
Whether you’re completely new to surfing or have had a few goes and want to build your confidence, Big Blue Surf is a great place to start. Our lessons focus on keeping you safe, helping you improve and, most importantly, having fun along the way.
Cornwall’s coastline is calling. Book your first lesson today and start your surfing adventure with the experts at Big Blue Surf.
