Private surf lessons at Gwithian
Two-hour private surf lessons on Gwithian beach in St Ives Bay, near Hayle, with Godrevy Lighthouse on the horizon. For beginners, families and improvers, with all equipment included.
Learn to surf at Gwithian beach, St Ives Bay
Gwithian sits at the eastern end of St Ives Bay in West Cornwall, part of a 3-mile stretch of golden sand that runs from the Hayle estuary to Godrevy. It's one of our two main bases, and one of the most consistent surf beaches on the north coast.
The beach faces out into the Atlantic and picks up swell from the south-west round to the north-west, so there's nearly always a wave to learn on. It's at its best in an easterly or south-easterly wind, which blows offshore here and keeps the waves smooth.
Every lesson is private: just you, your family or your friends with an ISA-qualified instructor, never mixed with strangers. We bring the boards and wetsuits and meet you at the car park overlooking the beach.
Who Gwithian surf lessons are best for
Gwithian is great for all abilities. What you'll find depends on the season, and we shape every lesson around you and the waves on the day.
Complete beginners
In summer Gwithian often has a nice, gentle wave and lots of space at mid to low tide, which is perfect for your first lesson. You'll learn ocean safety, paddling and your pop-up in the white water, then work towards standing up and riding waves to the shore.
Families and kids
A wide, sandy beach, lifeguards in season and toilets close by make Gwithian an easy family day out. Children can join from age 5 with a parent or guardian in the water, and everyone learns together in one private session.
Improvers
In the shoulder seasons and winter, Gwithian picks up swell really well, with peaks spread along the beach. It's ideal for moving from the white water to unbroken green waves, angling your take-off and riding along the face. Want a structured plan? See the Blueprint coaching programme.
Groups and celebrations
There's room for everyone, which makes Gwithian a great spot for stag and hen parties, birthdays and team days. See our group surf lessons in Cornwall.
Tides and conditions at Gwithian
- 1
Mid to low tide
Gwithian works best from mid to low tide. At high tide there's no access to the beach at Gwithian, only at the Godrevy end, so we book Gwithian lessons around the tide times.
- 2
Easterly and south-easterly winds
These blow offshore at Gwithian, from the land out to sea, which keeps the waves clean. Strong westerly winds make it choppy, so on those days we may move you somewhere more sheltered.
- 3
Gentle in summer, more swell in winter
Summer usually brings small, friendly waves for beginners. From autumn through spring the bay picks up more swell, which suits improvers looking for bigger, cleaner waves.
- 4
A back-up plan, always
We check the forecast every morning. If Gwithian isn't right for your level, we'll move your lesson to Porthkidney Sands across the bay or another nearby beach and tell you where to meet in advance. See all our surf lesson locations in Cornwall.
Know before you go
Gwithian long stay car park
We meet in the Gwithian long stay car park, which directly overlooks the beach, so you can see the waves before you've even got changed. Arrive 10 minutes early to park and get ready.
We'll confirm the time and meeting point before your lesson, and let you know in advance if the conditions mean we're moving to another beach.
Lifeguards
Lifeguards patrol Gwithian from the Easter half term to the October half term. Your instructor is ISA-qualified and RLSS lifeguard-trained, all year round.
Toilets, no showers
There are toilets close to the beach, open from April to October. There are no showers, so bring a bottle of water to rinse off.
Swimwear, towel, warm layers
We provide the surfboard and wetsuit. Wear swimwear underneath, and bring a towel, something warm to change into and a drink. A changing robe helps on cooler days.
Private surf lessons at Gwithian from £100
Two hours, all equipment included, £30 for each extra surfer up to 8. Winter lessons at 10am and 1pm; summer lessons at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and an optional 6pm sunset session, depending on the tide.
Gwithian surf lesson questions
Where do we meet for a surf lesson at Gwithian?
We meet in the Gwithian long stay car park, which directly overlooks the beach. We'll confirm the meeting point and time with you before your lesson.
What is the best tide for surfing at Gwithian?
Mid to low tide. At high tide there's no access to the beach at Gwithian, only at the Godrevy end, so we time Gwithian lessons around the tide.
Is Gwithian good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Gwithian is great for all abilities. In summer it often has small, gentle waves and plenty of space, which is perfect for beginners, while autumn and winter bring more swell for improvers.
Is Gwithian beach lifeguarded?
Yes. Lifeguards patrol Gwithian from the Easter half term to the October half term. Every lesson is also run by an ISA-qualified, RLSS lifeguard-trained instructor.
Are there toilets and showers at Gwithian?
There are toilets close to the beach, open from April to October. There are no showers, so bring a towel, warm layers and a bottle of water to rinse off.
What happens if the conditions aren't right at Gwithian?
Because we're a mobile surf school, we can move your lesson to another beach in St Ives Bay, such as Porthkidney Sands, or elsewhere nearby. We'll always tell you in advance where to meet.
How far is Gwithian from Hayle and St Ives?
Gwithian is around 10 minutes' drive from Hayle and about 25 minutes from St Ives, at the eastern end of St Ives Bay.
Book a private surf lesson at Gwithian
Choose Gwithian when you book and we'll plan your lesson around the tide. Prefer to leave it to us? We'll pick the best beach in St Ives Bay for your level on the day. You can also give someone a surf lesson gift voucher.