





Join us for a friendly splash at our surf school, where you can dive into the thrilling world of hand planing. It’s a beautiful and minimalistic way of connecting with the ocean's energy, and we're here to guide you every step of the way!
Hand planing is a form of body surfing that involves the use of a small, flat board called a hand plane or handboard. This board is typically about 30cm long and is held in one hand while surfing a wave.
The technique is simple but offers a unique experience. The hand plane is used to create more surface area for the body as it glides across the wave, allowing the surfer to ride the wave with more speed, control, and grace. By positioning the hand plane just beneath the water's surface, the surfer can better steer and control their movement, maneuvering across the face of the wave with ease.
Hand planing harkens back to the ancient, minimalist form of wave riding, where it's just the surfer, the wave, and a small tool to enhance the connection with the water. It's often regarded as a pure and authentic way to experience the ocean's energy, offering an immediate connection and an opportunity for both beginners and experienced wave riders to enjoy the waves in a new way.
Popular in the 60s and 70s and considered a "lost art" in the early 90s, hand planing has seen a resurgence thanks to a renewed interest in alternative and minimalistic surfing methods. It's a way to surf for the sheer love of it, without the commercialism associated with traditional surfing, and it's a sport that can offer immediate enjoyment, even for those new to ocean activities.
Whether you're a beginner seeking some water adventure or an experienced wave rider looking to try something new, hand planing in Cornwall offers something for everyone.
Our friendly instructors will warmly welcome you and guide you through a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure a secure and fun experience. You'll be using top-of-the-range equipment, we'll help you build your technique starting from the very basics. You'll learn to use swim fins efficiently and catch small waves, progressing to unbroken waves as you gain confidence.
With us, you'll not only enjoy the waves but also the beautiful surroundings of Newquay’s stunning Great Western or Fistral Beach.
Our Bodyboarding School is the longest-running provider of its kind in Newquay, having guided thousands of happy wave riders since 1997. Awarded for our excellence, we are committed to ensuring a high level of safety and fun.
Our purpose-designed centre near Towan beach is more than just a surf school. We believe in providing personal care, attention, knowledge, and feedback that you deserve. With hot showers, heated changing rooms, lockers, toilets, clothing storage, and a hire centre for all post-lesson needs, we aim to make you feel at home.
Ready to ride the waves with us? Book noe! If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Adventuro team via online chat. Our friendly team awaits you.
Come on in – the water's lovely!
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, our hand planing lessons in Cornwall are designed to suit all levels. Children under the age of 8 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Our hand plane sessions are 2 hours long. You'll start with a sea swim with fins to catch powerful ocean swells and build your technique from small waves up. You'll also learn body surfing skills and get comprehensive tuition and feedback from our experienced instructors.
Safety is our priority. Hand planing in Cornwall is considered safe, and our experienced instructors will provide a full beach and ocean safety briefing, including assessment of ocean conditions and identification of hazards. Unlike traditional surfing, there's no surfboard tied to your leg, making it a safer option for beginners.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.


Everyone was so friendly. My crew leader Alex was really supportive and encouraging as I am not an avid swimmer and so easing my way into kayaking and coasteering was a breeze. The team back at their headquarters were amazing ... keeping my baggage safe as I toured and even…
Amazing time coasteering in Cornwall with our instructor James. Great fun and James was very knowledgeable and easy to chat to. Thanks for an amazing time
Operated by Newquay Activity Centre, a partner of adventuro.