1. Do the lessons include the equipment?
Yes, they do. Surfboards and wetsuits are all inclusive in the costs.
However, if you have your own gear you are welcome to use it if we feel it is suitable for your ability, time of year and type of lesson booked etc.

2. Can we keep the kit after the lesson has finished?
Yes! Now you are able to keep the equipment for the rest of the day for a very small charge (cheaper than hiring more gear!). so make full use of your lesson and practice in the afternoon!!! 

3. After taking a beginners/novice lesson, will I need anymore lessons?
There is a long way to go and progress after you learn the basics, so if you have the time and money then more lessons are always more beneficial.
The first lesson gives you the basics, gets you standing up on your board in the white-water surf zone, keeping you as safe as possible while you have lots of FUN!
Please check out the course page for more details.

4. How many lessons do you recommend?
Once again this is down to your time, budget, commitment, fitness levels and aspirations etc.
For a beginner we would generally recommend at least three to four lessons to start off, this would allow for reasonable progression. However, for a more fulfilling development with a view to keep surfing for the rest of your life, a 5 or 7 lesson course is advisable, at the end of this it is normally possible to get to a level where you could buy your own kit.

5. How many lessons a day do you recommend on a course of lessons
Once again this is very much dependent on your personal circumstances.
As a general rule our recommendation if you have the time spare, is to take 1 lesson per day, if you are on a longer course.
This allows for plenty of rest between sessions, we tend to see better levels of progression from our students with this structure and motivational levels remain higher.
Surfing is a demanding sport and people often over estimate their abilities / expectations. Taking it easy and giving 100% on the session is the way to go!

6. What age of students can take lessons?
We take children from 8 years and over. There is no upper age limit. Our oldest student was 72! All under 18’s must have their booking/ enrolment forms signed by a parent/ guardian before they can take part in a lesson.

7. Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes! We do stipulate that all participants must be able to Swim 50 metres (two lengths of a pool).
This is a basic requirement for obvious safety reasons.
All customers must complete a course enrolment / declaration, stating that they can swim this distance.( parents/ guardians to sign for under 18’s)
You will be declined if you cannot swim the required distance.

8. What if I have a medical issue, can I still take part?
All customers must complete the course booking/ enrolment form prior to the session. This gives us information on medical info etc, it is not disclosed to any 3rd party.
If there is a serious medical issue, we may have to decline your participation in a lesson. I.e. Heart problem or pregnant females for example.
Please call us in advance if you have any concerns about your health.

9. I have been surfing for a while, and I don’t want beginner type group lessons, what else can you offer?
Every surfer / sports person no matter what level will benefit from coaching.
Does Tiger Woods not have his own Golf Coach!
At the National Surfing Centre, we have a diverse range of courses for all ages and abilities. See the ‘course’ page.
We can cater for a first time novice to a competitive level surfer.
From basic novice group lessons, to private 1on 1 coaching, and video analysis.
We also from time to time run specialist coaching clinics for different disciplines of surfing etc. i.e Longboard days, Girls only classes etc
Our coaches are highly qualified with BSA coaching accreditations from levels
1 -4 as well as additional coaching awards and diplomas etc, they are all experienced surfers and sportspersons of a high calibre.
We will be able to give you top quality, professional coaching at all levels.

10. What happens if the surf is too big, dangerous or too small / flat?
We have a few options.
If the surf is too big at Fistral, we can re-locate our lessons to Newquay Bay (Tide dependant)
If we cannot run a lesson for whatever reason then you will be given 3 options.
1. Your lesson will be re-arranged for another convenient time /day.
2. You will be given a credit voucher for future lessons.
3. You will be refunded.
For further details please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

11. Do I need to book?
It is preferable to book in advance.
If you leave it until the last minute or just drop by there is no guarantee that we will be able to fit you in.
Many days particularly in the height of summer get booked out.
We also work to strict coaching ratios so this places limitations upon us with staffing levels.
The earlier you can book the better, this will ensure your place and will make our life a lot easier in organising resources such as coaches, equipment etc.

12. How do I book?
1. You send an enquiry email on our contact us/ enquiries page. We will check for availability and then at the first opportunity get back to you. If you wish to proceed with your booking, we will quote you the price and you will need to pay at least a 50% of the total as a deposit to book your place. This is easiest with a credit / debit card over the phone.
2. You can call us direct at the centre on 01637 850737.
A member of staff will take your booking over the phone and take a deposit payment as mentioned above.
After the transaction, the booking confirmation and receipt will be sent to you in the post.

13. Are the Instructors qualified?
Yes, all our coaches are well qualified. They will have a minimum British Surfing Association Level 1 Surf Coaching Accreditation. Most of the Instructors are much more qualified with level 2- 4 qualifications as well as BSA Trainer / Assessor awards.
All the coaches are qualified Beach Lifeguards and hold First Aid certifications.
This is an integral part to gaining full Surf coach status.
The team of coaches are hand picked and we are confident that we have some of the best and most up-to-date staff in the UK.
See Coaches / Staff for further info/ biographies.

14. Do you have a Child Protection Policy?
Yes. We have a formal written policy in place and the staff are all trained and aware of issues when teaching children.
All the coaches are CRB checked!
A copy of our Child Protection Policy is available upon request.

15. What are your teaching ratios?
We operate according to BSA surf coach and school guidelines:
-Novice / Beginner groups, up to low level Improvers.
10 : 1 max.   8 : 1 ideally.
-Progressor / Intermediates;  5 : 1 max.
-Advanced; 3 : 1 max ( usually 1 on 1 )
-Kids only class (July/ August) 8-12 year olds; 6 : 1 max, conditions dependant.
Our ratios will always take into account group ability, group experience, age, surf conditions, tide and coach experience, etc.