Frequently Asked Questions

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 , size , type of lesson booked etc. ( i.e. personal wetsuit)

2. Can we keep the kit after the lesson has finished?
No, unfortunately you can’t keep the equipment once your lesson is over it must be returned to us. However , there is a Hire Centre right next door to us and you can hire all your surf gear from them if you wish to go off on your own.

3. After taking a beginners/novice lesson, will I need anymore lessons ?
There is a long way to go and progress from here , so if you have the time and money then a course of lessons is always far more beneficial.
The 1st lesson is aimed to give you the basics and hopefully get you standing up on your board in the white water surf. Keeping you as safe as possible and ensuring 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 3 lessons to start off, this would allow for reasonable progress and gains in skill development. However for a more all round development a 5 or 7 lesson course is advisable.

5.How many lessons do you recommend over a time period?
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 then tend to see better levels of progression from our students.
Both Physical and Mental fatigue are not such big factors , and Motivational levels remain higher.
Surfing is a demanding sport and people often over estimate their abilities / expectations. Take it easy and give it 100% , this is the way to go!

6.How old do you take people?
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.
This is a basic requirement for obvious safety reasons.
All customers must complete a course enrolment / declaration, and state 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. (Ie. Heart problem, pregnant females)
Please call us in advance if you have any concerns about your Health.

9. I have been surfing for a while, & 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 for example!
At the National Surfing Centre, we have a diverse range of courses for all ages and abilities. See courses page.
We can cater for a 1st time novice to a competitive level surfer.
From basic novice group lessons , to private 1on 1 coaching , and video/ film 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 very experienced surfers , and we have amongst our staff , The BSA Coaching Director and past British team coach.
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, or our smaller operation at Lusty Glaze beach.( 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 you give any Discounts?
Yes . We have a discount scheme with a range of structured savings for courses , groups etc.
Please refer to our Discounts page.

12. Do I need to Book?
It is much more preferable to book in advance.
If you leave it to 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 this will make our life a lot easier in organising resources such as coaches, equipment etc.

13. How do I book?
There are 2 easy ways to book up.
1.You can send an enquiry email on our contact us/ enquiries page , we will check for availability etc and then at the first opportunity we will get back to you .If you wish to then proceed with your booking we will quote you the price and you will be asked to pay at least a 50% deposit on the lesson costs. This can be done very easily with a credit / debit card over the phone.
Alternatively cheques can be posted to us. Made Payable to ; British Surfing Association.
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 in 1.

After the transaction has taken place , your booking confirmation and receipt will be sent to you in the post.

14. 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 in First Aid ,( this is an integral part to gaining full surf coach status)
Baz Hall is the Centre Manager and Head Coach, he is the National Coaching Director for the BSA, has coached the British team on numerous occasions and continues to coach the British Junior Squad on an ongoing basis.
Baz is also a National Trainer / Assessor for the BSA and has trained and qualified 100’s of surf coaches over the years.
The team of coaches are hand picked and we are confident that we have some of the best Surf Instructors in the UK on the team!
See Coaches / Staff for further info- Bio.

15. Do you have a Child Protection Policy?
Yes . We have a formal written policy in place and 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.

16. What are your teaching ratios?

We operate according to BSA surf coaching guidelines ;
These are :
Novice / Beginner groups – up to low level Improvers.
10 : 1 max. 8 : 1 usually

Progressors / Intermediates - 5:1 max

Advanced - 3-1 max ( usually 1 on 1 )

Kids only class ( July/ Aug ) 8-12 year olds - 6:1 max

Our ratios will always take into account , group ability, group experience, age , surf conditions, tide, coaches experience, etc.