Surfing Lessons in Polzeath

Whether it’s your very first surf lesson or a longer course to build your skills, we welcome all ages and abilities onto our group and private lessons.

4.8
Based on 66 reviews
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Learn to surf with Polzeaths most experienced surf school.

Founded in 1995, Surf’s Up! has been leading the way in UK surf coaching for 30 years, teaching more people to surf than any other school.

With a passion for surfing, a focus on safety, and experienced lifeguard-certified coaches, we make sure you feel confident in the water, whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, so you can relax, have fun, and catch waves from the very first session.

Lee W. profile pictureLee W.
19:42 02 Sep 25
Amazing. Went out with Bill...loads of energy and fantastic coaching... We were standing up in no time. Thanks Wailin, Bill and the crew. If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It's not tragic to die doing what you love.
Jonathan W. profile pictureJonathan W.
14:51 30 Aug 25
fantastic team here... our second year running and the instructors are as terrific as my family remember.

When there are no waves, they also quickly provided options for the kids, and rolled my money over to a new booking.

Would highly recommend.
Mary H. profile pictureMary H.
12:17 02 Aug 25
The instructors were amazing - really patient and kind with our kids. Thank you - above and beyond!
Alex B. profile pictureAlex B.
08:13 30 Jul 25
Went for a beginner lesson and couldn’t have had a better time. All the instructors were great, shout out to Billy whose group we were in and gave great instruction and the rest of the team who were great. Will definitely be back.
Alexandra K. profile pictureAlexandra K.
21:33 18 Jul 25
My 7 year old did a taster surf lesson and was so hooked she went on to persuade her mum, dad, and 5 year old sister to try too. It was so brilliant. Both kids are hooked and want to come back next year to do a full week of surfing. Excellent business with excellent staff. Can’t fault it. Thank you!
Lauren G. profile pictureLauren G.
10:08 20 May 25
I cannot recommend Surfs Up enough! We booked a private group session as a family which was lead by Wailin. From booking with Lucy, the wonderfully friendly and accommodating office manager to the actual lesson, the whole experience was fantastic. Wailin brought so much energy and fun and is just the most fantastic teacher. We were all surprised at how quickly we took to surfing and that was down to the easy to follow teaching style with individual focus on where we each needed tweaking. I let Wailin know that one of our group is deaf and he dealt with this fantastically and professionally. We loved every minute and believe this has triggered a lifelong hobby for us as we all rented boards the next day from them and already have our next trip planned. Thanks to the Surfs Up team for a life-changing experience. We will be back! 🤙🏼
Tommy C. profile pictureTommy C.
10:20 09 May 25
So happy I picked Surfs Up!
Had the best time on my first lesson, Waylon is a great teacher, so helpful, supportive, and patient. His enthusiasm is really infectious and he makes it super fun!
After 2 hours I was making progress and my confidence started to grow, honestly I didn’t want to get out of the water I loved it.
Can’t wait to get back out there.
Thank you Waylon and Lucy, you guys are awesome 🙌
Brigita V profile pictureBrigita V
19:18 12 Apr 25
What a great experience for our girls surfing lesson. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Our surfing instructor was very patient and attentive to our girls.
Would be happy to return and would highly recommend.
Thank you.
Andrew T. profile pictureAndrew T.
19:07 10 Mar 25
What an absolutely fantastic 2hrs wailin was very kind to me as a 57 year old having a nostalgic lesson as not surfed in 30 years , I had a great time and loved every minute,his patience was exceptional and had a great laugh thank you so much
Kate D. profile pictureKate D.
22:34 27 Feb 25
Thank Waynlen (sorry spelling) thank you for being the icing on our trip by helping me get the girls in sea 🌊 in Feb x

Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to sharpen your technique, our certified surf coaches make it fun, safe, and fast to learn.

Our Story

In 1995, when we first rolled onto Polzeath beach with nothing but a trailer, a start-up grant from the Prince’s Youth Business Trust, and a passion for sharing surfing.

Those first few days were quiet, until Colin from Woking became our very first client. From there, families began to join in, friendships were formed, and Surf’s Up! quickly became part of the Polzeath community. 

Over the last 30 years we’ve taught more than 100,000 people how to catch their first wave, and we’ve also coached some of the best surfers from across the British Isles, many of whom went on to secure sponsorships with major surf brands. 

Excellence in Surf Coaching for All Abilities

Surf’s Up puts your safety first. Every lesson is led by highly qualified Surfing England/ISA instructors who are also trained beach lifeguards, each with decades of local experience right here since 1995.

We keep groups small so you get personalised coaching, whether it’s your first time standing up or you’re refining advanced techniques. All sessions take place on a fully lifeguarded beach, with constant supervision and activities matched to your ability,  so you can focus on improving your skills and enjoying the waves with confidence.

Stay with us

The Beach House

Looking for the perfect place to stay right by the waves? Our Beach House at Polzeath offers the ultimate surfside escape,  whether you’re here for a short break or a full-on Cornish adventure. 

Just steps from the sand, it’s the ideal base to relax, recharge and make the most of everything Polzeath has to offer.

"The most perfect place in Cornwall to learn to surf"

Surf’s Up! Surf School is recognised as one of the very best places to learn to surf in Cornwall. Based on the stunning sands of Polzeath Beach, we’re lucky to call one of the UK’s most consistent and learner-friendly surf spots our home.

With long rolling waves, a wide sandy bay, and plenty of space in the water, Polzeath is the perfect place for our dedicated team of surf specialists to teach for over 30 years, helping more than 100,000 people experience the art of surfing. 

At Surf’s Up!, every lesson is designed to be safe, fun and inspiring, giving you the confidence to enjoy the ocean while making memories that last a lifetime.

Polzeath Beach