moderate
2–3 hours
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness to paddle and swim confidently in ocean conditions.
Catch your first wave or sharpen your skills off the North Devon coast with Surfing Croyde Bay’s expert-led lessons in Braunton. With a rare 6:1 teaching ratio and top-tier gear, this surf school turns the powerful Atlantic swells into your personal playground.
Located on England’s rugged North Devon coast, Braunton offers access to some of the UK’s premier surf conditions, with Surfing Croyde Bay standing out as a prime destination for riders of all skill levels. Just a few minutes from Croyde village, this surf school capitalizes on the dynamic beach break and consistent swell that make Croyde Bay a powerhouse among British surfing spots. Here, waves carve over sandy bottoms framed by grassy dunes, creating ideal learning conditions year-round.
Surfing Croyde Bay offers beginner and intermediate lessons that emphasize technique, ocean awareness, and confidence-building with the UK’s best student-to-instructor ratio at 6:1. This ratio ensures each participant gets personalized guidance on the water, whether catching the first whitewater waves or refining paddling and turning skills. The school’s reputation is bolstered by top-tier surfboards and wetsuits provided to clients, plus an indoor training facility for land drills and theory sessions, a rarity for surf instruction in this part of Devon.
Beyond the structured lessons, the school's location anchors it in a vibrant surfing community known for its blend of laid-back culture and serious swell. Unlike many lessons where progress relies heavily on chance wave quality, Surfing Croyde Bay’s location offers relative consistency due to the Atlantic fetch and tidal patterns, allowing more reliable session plans throughout the year. This makes it a standout choice for UK surfers aiming to sharpen skills without trekking far.
Braunton itself complements the surf experience with its quaint village charm and access to the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its heathland, rare bird species, and fossil-rich cliffs. After sessions, visitors can unwind at local pubs or take coastal walks at nearby Baggy Point, absorbing landscapes shaped by millennia of geology and sea.
Whether you’re stepping onto a board for the first time or moving beyond the basics, Surfing Croyde Bay blends expert instruction, exceptional conditions, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back season after season.
Get to the beach at least 30 minutes before your lesson to check in and prepare comfortably.
Water temperatures can be chilly year-round; wearing a full wetsuit is essential to stay warm and safe.
Check the tide schedule before your lesson, as Croyde Bay’s wave quality varies significantly with tides.
Even on overcast days, UV exposure is high near water—apply waterproof sunscreen before heading out.
Braunton lies near ancient trading routes and has a long tradition of maritime activity, linking local culture to the sea.
Local efforts focus on protecting the dune ecosystems at Braunton Burrows and maintaining water quality critical to surf conditions.
Keeps you warm and protected during cooler water temperatures common in Devon.
fall|winter|spring specific
Protects your skin from UV exposure while out on the water.
summer|null specific
Optional for extra warmth and foot protection on colder days.
winter|null specific
Important to have for comfort post-session, especially when temperatures drop.