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Learn to Surf in Pembrokeshire

There’s nowhere better than the beaches of Pembrokeshire

Maintained By

David Goncalves

Visit Pembrokeshire

Updated

29 October 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to hone your wave-riding skills or need to learn the basics of surfing, there’s nowhere better than the beaches of Pembrokeshire to discover everything you need to know about beach safety, board handling, steering, body positioning, paddling and catching waves.

Surf Schools in Pembrokeshire

OUTER REEF SURF SCHOOL

Established in 1999, Outer Reef Surf School is one of Pembrokeshire's premier surf, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking centres for all ages and abilities. They have water sports centres in Saundersfoot Harbour Marine Centre of Excellence, Tenby North Beach Harbour, Stackpole Quay and Gupton Farm at Freshwater West, all offering water sports courses and adventure activities, as well as surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and coasteering lessons, and wetsuit and equipment hire.

They are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Association(AALA), are an accredited surf school, and all their coaches are fully qualified surf school instructors.

MA SIMES SURF SCHOOL

Based at Whitesands Beach in St David’s, every coach at Ma Simes Surf School is an accredited instructor as well as a qualified beach lifeguard trained in first aid. All instructors surf locally and have a special knowledge of dealing with changing conditions, so you can be sure that you will always be in safe hands.

They run beginners, improvers and private lessons daily in the summer for those aged eight and above. On the day of the lesson, you will be met by the beach by your instructor and fitted up for a wetsuit. After a few safety talks, they will go over all the different techniques you need to learn to become a great surfer, and they will adapt the lesson according to everyone’s requirements.

Also, the Ma Simes Surf Hut, located on St Davids High Street, is one of the oldest surf shops in Wales.

PRESELI VENTURE

Preseli Venture is a sustainable adventure company that will help you enjoy outdoor activities, trips, tours, and experiences with the entire family. Pembrokeshire is an ideal location to learn to surf, with quiet beach breaks to suit all levels and small summer swells to play about in. They usually meet at the south end of Newgale Beach.

With friendly and encouraging guidance, you’ll learn how to pick a wave, paddle into it, and ride it to shore, so this surfing adventure is perfect for thosewho’ve never been before or those who’ve tried it a few times and want to develop their skills. You’ll spend time practising your pop, finding your balance and building confidence on the board, but most importantly, surfing is about having fun and celebrating each other’s waves.

TYF ADVENTURE 

Whether you want to experience the thrill of coasteering, master the art of surfing or journey along the stunning coastline by kayak, TYF Adventure will have the perfect package for you. They are committed to using the power of play and learning through authentic adventure to reconnect people to each other andthe environment whilsthighlightingthe importance of personal well-being.

With an introduction to the UK’s most popular beach sport, a TYF Adventure classic surf session is usually held at Whitesands and will teach you how to paddle, negotiate waves on your way out back, control your board, and master the art of standing up and catching your first wave.

NEWSURF

Newsurf is situated on Newgale Beach and at the westernmost tip of the Pembrokeshire National Park. They offer group and private surf lessons at whatever level you are, and all their staff are water sports enthusiasts, with top-flight instructors always on hand to add expertise. In addition to offering instruction for all levels, there is new and used equipment for sale, board hire, board repairs, and a surf shop on site.

With its own car park, warm showers and changing facilities, Newsurf aims to deliver fun, professional and informative surf lessons that get you up and riding with good technique, confidence and style.

BOARD GAMES SURFING

Board Games Surfing is run by a passionate female director who is deeply rooted in the love of outdoor adventures and an unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional experience for her clients to ensure each adventure is filled with fun, laughter, and a connection to the natural world.

With years of experience and plenty of enthusiasm, the coaches will have you riding the waves in no time. They supply all the kit, including a winter steamer wetsuit, wetsuit boots, gloves, hood, and a surfboard or bodyboard, aiming to give you an experience of surfing in Pembrokeshire that will leave you confident with your newly learnt skills.