Learn how to surf and have surfing lessons at Gwithian Academy of Surfing, an ASI accredited surf school, located at Gwithian, close to St Ives and Hayle, Cornwall.   It’s  a National Trust beach and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Gwithian Academy of Surfing has been operating since 1999 and is one of the UK’s most established surf schools.

The surf school aims to share the passion for surfing and the unmistakeable ‘stoked’ feeling that it brings – no matter what your age or background is.

They offer all levels of surf coaching, from beginner level to advanced level and competition surfing, have a community club, provide educational programs and video analysis coaching.  

There is a highly experienced management team, who are elite surfers, with years of coaching experience to all age groups and backgrounds. 

The school is owned and operated by Tyson Greenaway, an ASI Level 4 Master Surfing Coach. He’s been surfing for over 26 years, is a competitive surfer and was ranked 3rd in the British Seniors (over 28's) and Masters (over 35's) categories.  He still regularly competes. Tyson has over 16 years coaching experience ranging from beginners to elite competition level.

Ian Gabbitas is the surf school manager holding ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach qualifications with elite-advanced level surfing ability gained from surfing in Bali and other worldwide locations and has over 10 years coaching experience.

They are assisted by a crew of  ASI qualified surfing instructors, all holding surf rescue and first aid qualifications.

Gwithian Academy of Surfing offers group and private surfing lessons for all levels - beginners, intermediate and advanced level - for all ages, families, backpackers, travellers, hens and stags parties, girls only, kids parties, universities, school sports, corporate groups and community groups.

For beginners, the surf school prides itself on a 90% success rate to get you up and riding in the first lesson.

Intermediate and advanced level coaching using video analysis to take your surfing to the next level.

Learn to surf sessions are also available for different clients – offering sessions for the more mature silver surfers, girls/women’s only, kids school holiday programs and family groups sessions.   

They specialise in school sports or community and corporate groups with a large selection of boards and wetsuits.

The instructors will also spend time with you to find the right equipment to suit your build and style – which is very important in learning to surf and improving your skills

There is a surf shop on site where you can buy a range of surf equipment and surf clothing.

Surf and stay packages are on offer from camping, glamping, hotel and self contained apartments  - all within 5 mins drive to the surf school.

Gwithian Surfing Academy is also an ASI Instructor Training Centre (ITC) and are authorised to train others to be ASI accredited surfing instructors.

“Surfing is totally addictive once you're in the water. It's surprisingly easy to get going, given the right conditions and a bit of sensible instruction.  The twins wanted more the next day and so did I !!“  Sunday Telegraph Travel Supplement

It’s a star place for novices. It's an immense sweep of sand with a lighthouse on the point and a resident seal colony.    Robyn Davies - A five time British surfing champion and surf project coordinator for the National Trust

“Tyson, just a note to thank you for all your help during our recent visit to Cornwall. We had a great time and the boys all got on really well with their surfing. Best wishes, Justin Phipps.

The surf school has changing rooms, toilets and parking on site.

The Rockpool Seafood Bar & Grill is right next to the surf school – so you can enjoy a meal or snack after surfing !

Surfing sessions takes place at the beautiful National Trust beach of Gwithian and Godrevy, the start of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that stretches up the coast along the North Cliffs.

There is a long sandy beach and has surf most of the year round.

The water is also relatively warm compared to other locations in the UK.  

Gwithian is an ideal place to learn to surf or improve your surfing skills, with beginner surf waves and waves for the more experienced – all in close range.

Some accommodation options in the beautiful village of Gwithian in St Ives Bay, only 5 minutes drive to the surf school.

You can contact the surf school for bookings:

Gwithian Academy of Surfing offer superb self catering accommodation.

Prosper House Camping  - is a friendly, family run and authentic campsite

Red River Inn  website https://red-river-inn.co.uk/