November to March
Winter surf lessons
Private 2-hour surf lessons in Cornwall through the winter, with quieter beaches, more consistent swell and all the cold-water kit included.
- Sea
- 10–13°C
- Lessons
- 10am and 1pm
- Kit
- All included
- Price
- From £100
Why surf in Cornwall in winter?
Winter is when Cornwall's surf is at its most consistent. Atlantic weather systems send swell to the coast week after week, and with the summer crowds gone you'll often have a stretch of beach almost to yourselves.
It's a good time to learn, too. Fewer people in the water means more room and more waves each, and in a private lesson your instructor is only watching you. With a proper winter wetsuit, boots and gloves, most people are surprised by how warm they stay.
Cornwall sea temperature, month by month
The sea cools slowly, so it's rarely as cold as people expect. On a winter morning it's often warmer than the air.
- November13°C
- December12°C
- January11°C
- February10°C
- March10°C
Typical sea temperatures off Cornwall's north coast. They vary a little from year to year.
Everything you need is included
- Winter wetsuit5/4mm, matched to the water temperature
- Wetsuit bootsIncluded
- GlovesIncluded
- HoodOptional, if you'd like one
- SurfboardMatched to your level
Where we surf in winter
Winter swell is bigger and the wind changes more often, so picking the right beach matters more than in summer. Because we're mobile, we go wherever the conditions suit your level that day.
When the swell is big
St Ives Bay: Gwithian and Porthkidney
The headland shelters St Ives Bay from a lot of wind directions, so there's often a smaller, cleaner wave in one corner of the bay even in a big storm. See surf lessons at Gwithian.
When the wind is south-westerly
South Fistral, Newquay
The cliffs at the southern end of Fistral shelter the water from southerly and south-westerly winds, which come with a lot of Cornish winter weather.
When the north coast is too big
Marazion, Perranuthnoe and Praa Sands
When a large north-westerly swell closes out the north coast, the south coast is often smaller and cleaner, and only a short drive away.
Storms and changes of plan. Winter often brings storms, so we may have to change location if the conditions aren't right for your lesson. We'll always give you as much notice as possible.
Planning your winter lesson
Times
From November to March, lessons start at 10am and 1pm. If you need a different time, email us or call 07572 526698 and we'll do our best to fit you in.
Lesson length
Winter lessons are 2 hours, the same as the rest of the year. If you'd like a shorter session, just let us know when you book. It can suit younger children on the coldest days.
What to bring
- Swimwear, worn under your clothes
- A big towel
- A changing robe or warm layers
- A warm hat for afterwards
- A hot drink for after the lesson
Want to keep improving through the winter? The Blueprint is our structured coaching programme: 3 or 6 sessions with video analysis and a personal progression plan.
See the BlueprintWinter surf lesson questions
Is it too cold to surf in Cornwall in winter?
No. The sea around Cornwall usually stays between about 10°C and 13°C from November to March. With a 5/4mm winter wetsuit, boots and gloves, most people stay comfortable for the whole lesson, and moving around keeps you warm.
Can complete beginners have a surf lesson in winter?
Yes. We choose a beach with smaller waves that suit your level, and with fewer people in the water there's more room to learn.
What do you provide in winter?
Everything: a 5/4mm winter wetsuit, wetsuit boots, gloves and a surfboard matched to your level, all included in the price. A hood is optional if you'd like one.
What times are winter surf lessons?
From November to March, lessons start at 10am and 1pm. If you need a different time, email or call us and we'll do our best to fit you in.
How long is a winter surf lesson?
Two hours, the same as the rest of the year. If you'd prefer a shorter session, let us know when you book.
What happens if there's a storm?
Winter often brings storms, so we may have to change location if the conditions aren't right for your lesson. We'll always give you as much notice as possible.
Can children have surf lessons in winter?
Yes, from age 5, as long as a parent or guardian is in the water with them. Lessons are normally 2 hours, but we can make them shorter if you ask, which can suit younger children in winter.
Can I buy a winter surf lesson as a gift?
Yes. Our gift vouchers arrive as a PDF by email straight away and are valid for 12 months, so they can choose a winter or a summer lesson.
Same price all year
£100
for one surfer, plus £30 for each extra person, up to 8. All winter kit included. See all group prices.
Book a winter lessonBuying for someone else?
A surf lesson gift voucher arrives by email instantly. They pick the date, winter or summer, any time in the next 12 months.
Buy a gift voucher