Learn to surf or improve your skills with this friendly group lesson at Praa Sands, one of Cornwall’s best beaches for beginner and improver surfers. Designed for ages 8 and up, this 2-hour lesson includes expert tuition, full equipment, and an extra hour of surf hire for free after your session.
Key Details
- Group size: 1–8 people
- Duration: 2-hour lesson + 1-hour surf hire
- Minimum age: 8+ (with adult support for weaker swimmers or under 8s)
- Location: Praa Sands Beach, Cornwall
Key Skills
- Surf awareness and beach safety
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Basic paddling and board control
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Standing up and riding whitewater waves
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Techniques for catching green waves
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Building confidence and independence in the surf
What to Expect
Your lesson starts with a short briefing on the beach, covering safety, surf awareness, paddling, board control, and how to catch and ride waves. Coaches will tailor the session to the group’s ability, whether that’s learning to stand up in the whitewater or building confidence paddling out to green waves. You'll be guided through techniques in the water, with feedback throughout to help you progress quickly.
Once your two-hour coached session ends, you’ll be able to keep your board and wetsuit for another hour—completely free. This gives you time to practise independently and make the most of your time at the beach. Our team is always nearby to assist or answer any questions while you're in the water.
Location
Praa Sands Beach is located on Cornwall’s south coast and is well known for its consistent, easy-to-ride waves. The beach has a wide sandy shoreline with space for both beginners and improvers, and nearby facilities include toilets, a beach café, and a car park just metres from the sand. You’ll meet your instructor at Praa Sands Beach Car Park (TR20 9TG) before walking together to the shoreline.
In the event of unsuitable surf at Praa Sands, an alternative nearby beach will be offered. You'll be contacted with updated details and directions if this is the case.
Prerequisites
This session is open to beginners and improvers alike. You should be able to swim at least 50 metres unaided and feel comfortable in the sea.
Children under 8 are welcome to join if accompanied in the water by a responsible adult throughout the lesson.
Why Choose Us
The centre is led by one of the UK’s most experienced coaching teams, including a former British Team Head Coach and a senior Surfing England trainer. All instructors hold up-to-date beach lifeguard qualifications, are fully insured, and follow rigorous in-house training. As a Surfing England ‘Centre of Excellence’, the team consistently meets the highest standards in coaching, safety, and equipment quality.
Group sizes are kept small to allow for plenty of individual guidance, and all equipment used is carefully chosen for performance, comfort, and sustainability. With hundreds of 5-star reviews and more than two decades of experience, the team is known for its fun, professional approach and deep knowledge of Cornwall’s surf conditions.