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- Learn to surf or improve your surfing
- Relaxed, friendly environment with like-minded women
- Includes photo + video analysis package to take home
- Discover North Devon – one of the UK’s best surf locations
Our women’s coaching weekend in Croyde will help you to raise your surfing game. If you’ve never tried surfing, or if you’ve surfed for a while we’ll help you hone your skills, no matter your ability.
QUICK FACTS
- Water temperature: 10°C – 18°C
- Local currency: pound sterling
- Language: English
- Local beer: Devon Rock
- Mixed climate
- Consistent swell
- Surf 2ft – 6ft
- Beach, reef and point breaks
- Perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders
- Friendly, expert surf coaching – split groups according to your ability
- Accommodation option next to the beach
- Beautiful coastal village with character and charm
Prepare to spend two days surfing some of the best waves in the south west.
Join our team of qualified female instructors for top-notch tuition in a friendly and relaxed environment. You’ll also meet and share the surf stoke with a bunch of like-minded women, surrounded by some truly epic Devon scenery.
Our Croyde weekend is jam-packed with expert tuition, including photo and video analysis, so you’ll quickly improve your surfing and build your confidence.
If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry. We split our groups according to ability so you won’t be pushed along too fast or held back by others. You’ll surf with women at a similar level whilst working towards your own individual goals.
It’s a no-pressure, relaxed environment. We’re all about developing your skills and getting excellent results – but we also want you to have fun. This certainly isn’t a boot camp!
Croyde has lots of accommodation options for all budgets, here are some recommendations for the event are (based on 1/2 people):
- Ruda Holiday Park – This is our base during the weekend. You can choose between camping, touring and caravan rentals + it’s only a short walk from the beach!
- The Thatch – In the heart of Croyde, this B&B pub has a variety of rooms, + is a great option!
- Combas Farm – A 17th century B&B farmhouse, only a short walk from Croyde village.
- Croyde Bay Hotel – This resort has views over Croyde beach and facilities including a swimming pool, plus options to stay in the hotel, self catering cottages or lodges.
Airbnb (some of our favourites but more available!)
- Croyde Bay Bliss – A self contained apartment with sea and countryside views. Three night minimum.
- Seashell Cottage – This surf cottage has a homely feel and is a 15 minute walk from Croyde beach and a great option for those with a smaller budget.
There are many more accommodation options and the opportunity to stay for one night or a long weekend! We’ll be in Croyde from Friday if you’d like to join us for our Friday night meal, as well as Saturday night too.
We meet at EX33 1NP on both days so bear this in mind when choosing!
VANS AND CAMPING
We welcome guests to stay in their van or to pitch a tent! Drop us a line and we will supply you details of how to book this directly with the camp site.
When booking, just let us know your preferred accommodation option and we’ll organise the rest. If you choose to stay in the caravans you just need to pay a 15% non-refundable deposit for the accommodation and then the balance in cash on arrival.
If you’d like to arrive early or stay on for extra days and enjoy the waves, then call us on +44 (0) 1637 226017. We can put together a bespoke package for you.
Whatever stage you’re at with your surfing, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or are looking to nail advanced manoeuvres, our tailored coaching will help take your surfing to the next level.
Our highly-qualified female instructors will be by your side during all surf sessions. They’re friendly, approachable and highly encouraging. Plus they’re all qualified lifeguards, so you’re in super safe hands.
Coaching is fun and informal, and includes beach, ocean and classroom sessions. We also offer individual video analysis. This is the best way to improve, giving you a move-by-move breakdown of your surfing. Plus you get to take the footage home with you to show off to your friends.
We work with Surfing Croyde Bay – a Surfing England Centre of Excellence and one of the top rated surf schools in North Devon. Based in the heart of Croyde, they provide high-quality kit and changing facilities.
WEEKEND PLAN
FRIDAY – arrival day
If you arrive on Friday, join us for an optional evening meal. It’s a great opportunity to meet the team and chill before a weekend on the waves.
SATURDAY
You’ll have two surf sessions, both two hours long. We’ll focus on aspects you’d like to cover and help you set goals for the weekend.
In between sessions, we’ll go through the video analysis to help practise what you’ve learnt ready for the afternoon session.
Saturday evening meal.
After all that surfing, we’ll head to our favourite local restaurant for a well-deserved meal.
SUNDAY
Today you’ll have one longer session, building on the skills you developed in Day 1. There’ll be a final video analysis session, including demonstrations and in-depth breakdowns, to help improve your technique.
During the weekend, we’ll also cover surf theory with opportunities for you to ask questions on any aspect of surfing you’d like to know more about.
PHOTO AND VIDEO ANALYSIS
Our professional surf photographers and videographers will capture you in action throughout the weekend. We’ll look at the footage and images during the photo and video analysis sessions. It’s a fantastic way to improve your surfing.
At the end of the weekend, we’ll give you a memory stick to take your video footage home and upload the photos to an online gallery and email you the link. It’s perfect for sharing your snaps on social media or creating prints of your best highlights. Our photography team works hard to ensure that everyone receives an excellent selection of imagery.
We include photo and video analysis, plus all your images and footage, in the cost of the weekend.
CROYDE SURF COACHING WEEKEND £249 per person
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Three surfing lessons (two hours each) covering all aspects of surfing you wish to focus on.
- Analysis of two in-water sessions – demonstrations and move-by-move breakdowns to help you progress.
- Professional photos and footage of your surfing. Seeing yourself surf is a fantastic way to improve, and you’ll get copies of everything at the end of the weekend so you can show your friends and family.
- Individual goal setting – breaking down progression barriers and taking your surfing to the next level.
- 3 x Surf specific stretch sessions incorporating Yoga techniques.
- Q+A and performance-enhancing surf discussions covering forecasting, fear, surfboards and more.
- Encouragement and feedback on every ride paddle out and wipeout!
- Good times with like-minded women.
- Evening meal reservations for good food and socialising.
- Opportunity to try on and buy Women + Waves merchandise.
SUITABLE FOR ALL SURFING LEVELS (SEE BELOW FOR SURFING ABILITY DESCRIPTIONS)
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR?
You should budget £12 for the Saturday evening meal. Then we have lunch on Sunday which will be around £10. These are both optional.
In addition to food costs we recommend bringing around £8 in change for parking
EQUIPMENT HIRE:
We’ve got an excellent range of equipment to hire for the weekend at an additional cost. Just let us know what you need and your sizes when you book.
Foam surfboard – £10 per day
Wetsuit – £8 per day
Foam surfboard + wetsuit – £15 per day
Wetsuit boots – £8 per day*
Gloves – £5 per day*
Hood – £5 per day*
*Recommended for our Autumn and Winter weekends.
We have limited hardboards/progressor boards available. Contact us if you have any questions.
HOW DO I BOOK?
- If you’d like to join our event please click our ‘Book Now’ button and complete our quick and easy online payment system or please give us a call +44 (0) 1637 226017
- Select the equipment you will need at the time of booking if you need any.
- Enter your credit or debit card details into our secure system to make payment. Or we can take your payment over the phone.
- Once paid you’ll be sent an email confirmation and an online enrolment form to complete.
- Three days before the weekend, we’ll send you your pre-trip information pack.
We have developed an event status to reflect travel advice with reference to Covid-19.
EVENT STATUS: GREEN
This trip is planned to go ahead, all systems go for you to book with us. At the time of booking we will advise you when to book your travel (and when relevant – accommodation) for the trip or weekend. Book your place by paying a deposit or the full amount.
Further information about Green status in our Covid Terms and Conditions
NEW SURFER
You’re ready to begin your surfing journey and want to learn the right way from the start. We’ll supply you with all the correct kit, knowledge and skills that you need to know. You’ll progress quickly in a fun, no-pressure environment with other like-minded girls.
We’ll get you up and surfing in no time!
PROGRESSOR SURFER
You’ve surfed before and are keen to take your skills and stoke up a level. You’ve successfully caught white water waves, stood up and cruised to the shore. Perhaps you’ve had a taste of surfing out the back?
You want to surf regularly ‘out back’ and learn to catch unbroken waves. We can take you there!
GREEN WAVE RIDER
Paddling out, catching unbroken waves and successfully enjoying the buzz of taking the drop in fun conditions has captured you in its addiction. Now you’re looking to refine your skills, improve your style and work on the huge array of moves that will see you love surfing even more.
MORE INFO
AREA
Ah, Devon. Home to wild and dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches and quaint villages.
And let’s not forget the surf or the cream teas.
Boasting two national parks – Exmoor and Dartmoor – Devon is often overlooked by holidaymakers making a beeline for Cornwall. But this county has much to offer in its own right, with an incredible variety of beaches and a comparable quality of surf.
North Devon’s coastline is similar to Cornwall’s, but on a grander scale – vast glacial cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, backed by forested valleys and verdant peaks beyond.
If you’ve never visited or surfed in Devon, come and join us. You’ll soon realise just what you’ve been missing out on.
WAVES
There are waves to suit everyone in this scenic corner of North Devon, which is just an hour off the M5.
No matter what stage you’re at, we’ll find the perfect peaks for you. In Saunton, mellow longboard waves roll in, while there’s a faster, more powerful left-hand point break at Lynmouth.
Close to Croyde, some beaches like Putsborough offer shelter from certain wind directions (we’ll explain more about this during our theory sessions).
We’re committed to getting you on the best waves and we’ll explore all options, depending on the surf.
CROYDE BEACH
With fun waves at all stages of the tide, it’s easy to see why this golden beach is the jewel in North Devon’s crown.
From hollow barrels at low tide, to a more mellow wave as higher tide, it provides long rides and is popular with the pros.
It’s one of the best surf beaches in the UK – and is also our base for the weekend.
SAUNTON SANDS
This three-mile-long sandy stretch of beach is a popular choice with longboarders.
Its slow-rolling, gently-peeling waves make it perfect for practising basics including popping up on unbroken waves, duck diving and turtle rolling.
Sheltered from northwesterly winds, it’s just around the corner from Croyde with a short walk to the beach from the car park.
PUTSBOROUGH
At the southern end of Woolacombe beach, Putsborough is a good option if the wind switches to a southwesterly direction.
It’s ideal for beginners and intermediates on a rising tide, who want a slightly more advanced wave than Saunton.
There’s a beachside cafe that has a great view of this beautiful beach – perfect for a post-surf snack.
WOOLACOMBE
This wide, exposed beach picks up a lot of swell and provides fun waves at all stages of the tide.
A classic beach in the area, Woolacombe is a great option for all surfers – whether you’re learning or want to practise trickier moves.
LYNMOUTH
With one of the UK’s longest left-hand waves, this is heaven for goofy footers.
It’s a point break, so best suited to advanced surfers, and generally works in bigger swells. A southerly wind will generate clean, glassy waves.
The break is also set against the dramatic backdrop of Exmoor National Park, with its rising green cliffs making this a truly magical surfing spot.
CLIMATE
Being located in the southwest, Devon has one of Britain’s higher average annual sea temperatures (thanks to the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean). It also boasts warm summers, mild winters and excellent swell exposure.
Early spring and autumn sees fewer crowds and summer temperatures – the best of both worlds!
If you have your own kit, great! You’re more than welcome to bring it with you. If you need to hire anything, we’ll make sure it’s ready for you when you arrive.
See our equipment hire costs under the ‘Prices’ tab for details.
SURFBOARD
If you’ve never surfed before, we suggest learning to surf on a foam board or “foamie”.
An essential board in every experienced surfer’s quiver, they’re great fun, super floaty and make it much easier to catch waves.
You’ll progress faster than if you were on a hardboard or riding a board that’s too small for you.
WETSUIT
Although the sea in Devon is the mildest in the country, we’d still recommend a decent wetsuit.
Between January and March you’ll need a 5/3mm wetsuit.
From April to May, we suggest a 4/3mm.
From June to October, a 3/2mm is ideal for those sunny summers and early autumn sessions. During hot summer days, you may want to wear a shortie wetsuit.
Between November and December, generally a 4/3mm will be fine. If it’s a little cooler than usual, it won’t be too early to wear a 5/4mm winter suit.
LEASH
These are essential for attaching your surfboard to your ankle. We would never recommend surfing without one – they’re literally lifesavers and prevent a long swim back to the beach if you wipeout.
When you hire a board, you’ll get a leash, too.
BOARD BAG (OPTIONAL)
A decent board bag will protect your kit and store bulky things like your wetsuit, boots and a towel. They range from £50 to more than £100 – the more you pay, the better the storage and protection you get.
BOARD SOCK (OPTIONAL)
A cheaper option than a board bag, it’ll protect your board from the sun and double up as a board towel. They don’t offer as much protection as a bag.
WETSUIT BOOTS
Keep your toes toasty between November and April with some well fitting neoprene boots.
GLOVES
Keep your digits warm when the water gets chilly from mid January to the end of March .
HOOD
Only required in the depths of winter, especially if you regularly duck dive or fancy some extra warmth.
SUN PROTECTION
This is essential in the summer and even on colder days – the sun’s rays still penetrate through the clouds and reflect off the water’s surface.
Make sure you wear waterproof sunscreen. Zinc based sticks are a good option and won’t run into your eyes.
CLOTHING
Bring warm clothing suitable for all weathers – it’s not uncommon to get four seasons in one day in the south west of England. Layers are the best option and a woolly hat is ideal for warming up after a surf.
WOMEN + WAVES SHOP
Support our female surf society and buy a unique piece of Women + Waves merchandise! During the weekend you can browse our shop items in person and try things on for size.
We hand pick and create our products with you in mind. We’ve got high quality items from our favourite local designers with the coolest surf prints. From T-shirts and hoodies to hats, bags and changing robes, treat yourself and represent us in style!
If you arrive in Croyde on Friday evening, join us for some relaxed drinks and dinner at Blue Groove, a laid-back restaurant with an eclectic menu. This is entirely optional, but it’s a good opportunity to meet the rest of the group and chat about what’s in store over the weekend.
How about eating breakfast while chatting with your fellow surfers and watching the waves roll in? That’s what’s on offer here, as we fuel up for the day at our campsite, which has a prime position overlooking the beach. If you’ve got a caffeine craving, pick up a coffee from the onsite cafe before hitting the surf.
We’ll break at lunch for a picnic on the beach. Chow down sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit while soaking up some sunshine and hearing the waves lap against the shore.
On Saturday, we head to Blue Groove for dinner. The menu features plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options – tuck in to everything from homemade curries to fresh mussels. If you want the night to continue, join us as we drop in to some local bars, like The Thatch and Billy Budds.
The weekend ends after lunch on Sunday. Feel free to hit the road straight away, or stay for a roast at our campsite or Blue Groove. It’s a great way to restore your energy after an action-packed surfing weekend.
BY CAR
Croyde is located about an hour from the M5 on the A361, just west of Barnstaple. This makes it more accessible than Cornwall for those coming from the North, Wales, the Midlands and east of the UK.
BY TRAIN
The nearest station is Barnstaple. From there you’ll need a taxi to Croyde – it’s about 25 minutes away.
We’ll meet at an agreed time on Saturday morning, which we’ll confirm in an email a few days before the weekend. It’s usually around 8-9am, depending on the swell forecast. On Sunday, we finish in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to get home.
BY AIR
The nearest airport is Exeter. It’s an hour and a half’s drive from Croyde.
HOW DO I BOOK AND PAY?
- If you’d like to join our event please click our ‘Book Now’ button and complete our quick and easy online payment system or please give us a call +44 (0) 1637 226017
- Select the equipment you will need at the time of booking if you need any.
- Enter your credit or debit card details into our secure system to make payment. Or we can take your payment over the phone.
- Once paid you’ll be sent an email confirmation and an online enrolment form to complete.
- Three days before the weekend, we’ll send you your pre-trip information pack.
Can I reserve a spot to think about it for a few days?
Due to this weekend being in high demand, we have very limited availability. However, we can hold your space for 24 hours without payment.
Can I attend on my own?
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.
Do I get a discount if I book more than one person on?
If you book in a group of 5, the fifth person will be free.
I’d like to join the weekend while my family enjoy Croyde for the weekend, is that possible?
Yes! This is a scenario that we are very familiar with.Why not make a family break of the weekend? You can join the surf weekend with us while the rest of your family enjoy Croyde. Please contact us if you need a hand organising accommodation. Book early to avoid disappointment and get the best prices.
What time do I need to arrive?
You will be sent your pre-arrival information on the Wednesday before the weekend. If you are staying in our accommodation please aim to arrive during the early evening on the Friday, check-in time is between 7pm – 7.45pm. We will meet you to let you into your caravan and then we head out for an optional meal at 8.15pm. If you aren’t staying in our accommodation you can either attend the meal on Friday or we will send you the details regarding the meal and the Saturday morning meeting time and location in your pre-weekend information pack.
What time do I check out of the accommodation?
We have organised a late check out for our guests on Sunday afternoon. After lunch on Sunday you can return to the caravan, grab a shower, pack up and head off home. It’s a popular option to stay on Sunday evening as well. This allows you to recharge after a long weekend in the ocean and then head off home on Monday morning. The check out time on Monday morning is 10am.
Can my male partner stay with me in the accommodation?
Please contact us if you are looking for accommodation for yourself and your male partner. We can suggest some options.
Can I park my van or pitch my tent on the campsite?
Yes! There are options for this. Please contact us for further details and we will put you directly in touch with the campsite to get booked in.
Does the evening meal on Saturday cater for all dietary requirements?
We choose our favourite coastal restaurant because of the range of great menu options that it has available. All dietary requirements are catered for.
I’d like to come on the trip but I can’t attend for the full duration?
If you can’t make the full weekend, you can join us for Saturday only for £120.
What time does the weekend finish?
We finish after lunch on Sunday afternoon. We often have lunch together. You can expect to leave by 3pm. If you need to leave earlier then please let us know at time of booking and we can make sure that your group sessions are timed so that you finish in time to get away.
Do I get a discount for bringing my own surfboard or/and wetsuit?
Equipment hire is not included. Kit hire is an additional cost. We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.
If I bring my own surfboard and I find that I don’t get on with it are there other options?
Yes, we have a full range of hire equipment that we can present to you and recommend the most suitable board for you to progress on.
My friends are different surf levels to me, will this be ok?
You’ll be asked to fill in an enrolment form as part of the booking process. You’ll signify which level of surfer you are. You may be in different groups suited to your ability. However, there will be plenty of time to see each other back at camp and during our social evening meals.
What happens if the surf conditions aren’t good enough?
We choose the time of year and location for our events based on local knowledge and historical swell data. In the event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we will offer alternative activities to help you get the most out of the ocean conditions. This may include stand up paddleboarding, coasteering, kayaking or other coastal activities.
We may adjust the format of the weekend. For example, choosing to run all of the sessions on Sunday if that’s when the waves are at their best.
Please view our T&Cs for more information.
What are the surf conditions likely to be during my stay?
With decades of experience and knowledge within our team, we pick the best dates that the surf conditions are most consistent and will be most suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-weekend pack on the Wednesday before the weekend. We choose Croyde during the spring and autumn due to the good available variety of beaches. The beautiful long sandy beaches offer peaks for all abilities, the skill is to know which is best on the tide and wind conditions that are on offer. That’s where our local guides are worth their weight in gold. We pride ourselves in having you in the right place for the best waves for your ability each weekend.
Can I switch my surfing level during the weekend?
Before booking please take a look at our surfing levels. If during the weekend you would benefit from changing ability groups, your instructor will organise for you to move groups, no problem! Please be aware, we pride ourselves on coaching everybody as an individual, so you will always receive individual feedback throughout each session.
ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?
If you are under 18 we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the weekend (they don’t have to participate). If you are 65 or over we’d love to chat to you about the weekend before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on +44 (0) 1637 226017
Will an all female team coach me?
We do our best to include as many female instructors and team members as possible and are always recruiting the best female coaches in the industry. However we do occasionally call upon our male experts such as 3 x British Champion Alan Stokes to explain how he over come his fears and built his surfing confidence. All our Women + Waves staff are not only suitably qualified by the relevant governing body but all undergo extensive in-house training.
Are the weekends predominantly young girls?
No, we have a great mix of all ages. Surfing shows no age boundaries. We welcome whippersnappers to silver surfers and everything in between.
How will we travel to the surf?
After meeting on Saturday morning, we’ll split each group according to ability levels. After getting changed, we’ll take a short walk to the beach.
Where do I park?
There is a large communal car park within the campsite. There is also space for two cars outside the caravans. Please be aware that if your car is liable to get stuck in wet grass you should avoid parking on the grassy area outside the caravans.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Several women bring their dogs on our Croyde coaching weekends. Some leave their dog in their van whilst they surf.
CAN I MAKE CONTACT FROM ABROAD?
If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the weekend details, you can contact us through WhatsApp, Facetime or Skype.
Just let us know by email and we can arrange this with you.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY BOOKING?
If you can’t join the weekend, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.
Cancellation charges are payable as follows:
- Over 12 weeks – deposit only (one third of the total weekend price)
- 36 days to 12 weeks – 50% of total cost
- 21-35 days – 75% of total cost
- Under 20 days – 100% of total cost
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.
Find out more under our terms and conditions.