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Kick back, relax – and take your surfing to the next level on this weeklong Newquay Retreat. Enjoy daily surfing, plus yoga, paddleboarding, surf retail and VIP beach bar sunset dining.
We launched this brand new Newquay Retreat after so many of you asked for our popular Newquay Surf Coaching Weekends to be extended. The result? A whole week that is jam-packed with twice-a-day surfs at the best spots, top tuition from our expert instructors, and a whole heap of other activities.
You’ll be based in the heart of the action, but we’ll remain agile – travelling to the best spots for the conditions each day. While Newquay has seven top-quality breaks, it’s just the tip of the iceberg – with two entire swell-soaked coastlines chock-full of nooks, crannies and all working on different winds and swell. Rest assured, we’ll work hard to find the best waves for your skill set each day.
When we’re not in the sea, we’ll be stretching out those paddling muscles in a surf-specific yoga class, or exploring Newquay’s surf shops and local cafes. We’ll also enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding session at sunset, stopping to sip Prosecco and drink in those big ocean views.
You’ll also get the chance to put your surf-related questions to a guest speaker, and pick up some handy stretches that will improve your performance during this trip – and beyond.
So if you want to take your surfing to the next level, get to know the UK surf capital better, and enjoy some downtime with a bunch of like-minded women, we have you covered on our Newquay Retreat.
Whatever your budget and travel style, there’s an accommodation option for you in Newquay.
OUR LUXURY SELF-CATERING APARTMENT
If you like the idea of waking up to sea views each day, we have our own surfer-friendly, luxury apartment overlooking Pentire headland for you to book. The spacious, two-bedroom modern apartment sleeps six people and is conveniently located on one of the highest points of the town so you benefit from panoramic views of the coast and the town.
Located on the third floor (with elevator or stairs access), the apartment has a large lounge with a private, south-facing balcony. It’s perfect for catching some sun, checking the surf and watching those awesome pink sunsets.
Fistral Beach is an eight-minute walk away. You can also stroll to the Gannel Estuary or Crantock Beach in five minutes, taking either the coastal path or main road. Please see our ‘Prices’ page for costs of the package that includes apartment accommodation.
HOTELS AND HOSTELS
We’ve got a great relationship with the Carnmarth Hotel. It’s a short walk from Fistral and Towan beaches plus you receive an exclusive Women + Waves discount if you stay. Just quote “WWavesS10” when you book.
Smarties Surf Lodge is a cheaper option with a homely feel. Jackie will look after you – from cold beers on arrival to her home-cooked treats. Accommodation is clean, well-maintained and perfect for surfers – with surfboard storage outside. To book, get in touch with Jackie on 01637 872391 .
Of course, you’re also welcome to book your own accommodation. There are many options to suit all budgets on Airbnb and Booking.com
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 photo and 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.
WEEK PLAN
SATURDAY – ARRIVAL DAY
After arriving in Newquay, join us for an optional evening meal. It’s a great opportunity to meet the team and chill before a week of waves.
SUNDAY – FRIDAY
Over the next six days, we’ll have two surf sessions and one video analysis session every day.*
The morning sessions will be structured surf lessons, where you can learn tips and tricks from our all-female team of instructors and master new skills.
In the afternoons, we’ll have guided free surfs. This is your chance to practice everything you learnt in the morning. Our instructors will be filming the sessions, and we’ll go through the video footage in analysis sessions every afternoon.
During the week there will also be a surf-specific yoga session and sunset paddleboarding with Prosecco. We have built a great relationship with some of the best surf shops in Newquay over the years. Join us on a tour of them – and some local cafes – with exclusive Women + Waves discounts in some shops. We also eat out at our fave beach bar one night to really soak up the local surfing scene. We also enjoy a Q+A and performance-enhancing surf discussion with a guest speaker covering forecasting, fear, surfboards and more. It’s a great time to answer all of those surf related questions and up your game through info from somebody that has the experience to help you improve.
SATURDAY
Time to go! After a week of scoring some truly epic waves, it’s time to return home. The trip will end after lunch on Saturday.
PHOTO AND VIDEO ANALYSIS
Our professional surf photographers and videographers will capture you in action throughout the week. 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 trip, 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 camp.
* Please see our Autumn/Winter tab to see our colder water plan
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
One surfing session a day during the autumn and winter months, with extended video analysis sessions and skills work (in the warm!).
Package | Price |
Accommodation in our apartment: Twin room (shared) | £899pp |
Accommodation in our apartment: Private double room for couple | £899pp |
Accommodation in our apartment: Private double room for single occupancy | £1798pp |
Accommodation in our apartment: Double pull out sofa bed in lounge | £849pp |
No accommodation (surfing & retreat package only)* | £699pp |
*This is for surfers who live locally or will be staying in their van or one of our recommended accommodation providers/alternative accommodation.
Please see our FAQs for alternative accommodation options including hotels, surf lodges, vans & camping.
SUITABLE FOR ALL SURFING LEVELS (See New Surfer, Progressor Surfer and Green Wave Rider descriptions in the boxes below)
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR?
You should budget £25 per day for food, coffee’s and snacks
EQUIPMENT HIRE:
We’ve got an excellent range of equipment to hire for the week at an additional cost. Just let us know what you need and your sizes when you book.
*Recommended for our Autumn and Winter camps.
We have limited hardboards/progressor boards available. Contact us if you have any questions.
HOW DO I BOOK?
All the fun and games of our Summer Retreat but as the weather and the water gets slightly colder we like to make the most out of our coaching sessions by offering one extra-long surf per day.
This means no more changing in and out of a wet wetsuit! After our surf we’ll then warm up and do our video analysis session followed by a surf theory session in our warm and cosy venue!
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
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!
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!
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.
AREA
Known as “Kernow” to locals, Cornwall is beautiful, wild and rugged.
A string of golden beaches stretch up and down the coastline, with a variety of surf from mellow rollers to steep, powerful waves.
THINGS TO DO
Head inland and discover the raw beauty of Cornwall’s wilderness moorland, granite-topped hills and ancient stone structures. Explore abandoned pumping houses – relics of the county’s famous mining history – uncover local traditions and breathe in the fresh sea air as you watch sunsets that set your soul on fire.
Our cool little surf town has a laid-back vibe and friendly community. It’s full of independent shops and cute cafes, with three beaches right in the town centre.
Grab an artisan coffee and watch surfer’s wander down the streets to the waves, or stock up on your surf essentials. Visit the RipCurl store near Newquay Activity Centre – and receive a 15% discount when you join the Newquay Surf Retreat.
WAVES
Newquay is known as the UK’s surf capital – and for good reason.
Golden beaches surround the town, with beautiful waves and epic sunsets. Feel the laid-back vibe as soon as you arrive in this chilled out surf town. Look out for road signs covered in surf stickers, cute cafes and surfers heading to the waves.
Most of the beaches work on different tides, wind and swell directions, so you’ll always find a wave somewhere if you know where to look. This is where we’re from, so we use our local knowledge to find the best conditions for the day and those secret spots.
As well as surfing the best-known breaks, we’ll also head off the beaten track and take you to places only a few know about.
TOWAN BEACH
This sheltered, sandy bay is the perfect spot when the west-facing beaches are big and blown out. It’s the most friendly break for beginners, and you’ll almost always find a fun, clean wave here.
It’s also the Women + Waves HQ – our centre is right on the beach.
FISTRAL
Backed by rugged cliffs and sand dunes, Fistral Beach is the jewel in the crown of Cornwall’s surf scene.
It delivers waves on every stage of the tide and serves up dreamy conditions on an offshore south-easterly wind. You can almost always find a suitable peak for your ability.
We’ve got another centre at Fistral, making it easily accessible for changing and parking.
GREAT WESTERN BEACH
Wedged between Towan and Tolcarne, this is one of Newquay’s central beaches.
It offers consistent, clean conditions in a southwesterly wind. There are plenty of lefts and rights for everyone.
Other great spots nearby include Crantock, Perranporth and Watergate Bay. There are plenty more that offer uncrowded perfection on their day – you just need to know where to look. That’s where we come in.
CLIMATE
Lucky for us, Cornwall benefits from the warmest air and sea temperatures in the UK.
Thanks to both the jet stream in the atmosphere and the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean, Newquay has a relatively mild climate all year round.
With our varied coastline we have our own little micro-climates from one beach to the next, so make sure you always pack sun cream.
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 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 our Cornish waters are 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 wipe out. 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 cold surf.
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Please bring a reusable water bottle. As surfers, we’re all for limiting our use of plastics.
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!
Newquay has some great cafes and restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced food. From just-caught fish and hearty burgers, to wood-fired pizzas and vegan curries, there’s something to satisfy every appetite. All dietary requirements are catered for.
During the week, we will have some evening meals together. These are entirely optional, but are a great chance to get to know each other better. We’ll pick our fave coastal restaurants. One evening we will also enjoy a VIP experience in our favourite beach bar with dinner and drinks.
You can make your own breakfast at your accommodation. Depending on the tides and schedule, we often meet for coffee at a coastal café that offers stunning views. There is no better way to check the waves than with a coffee in hand chatting with your fellow surf girls.
For lunch, please bring a pack up with you or some money to buy something when we are chilling after our morning surf. We will keep lunch times flexible around the tides. It’s best to have some fruit or snacks in your bag to feast on when you get out of the water.
Remember to bring a reusable water bottle each day and we will have regular opportunities to refill when you need to.
BY CAR
Newquay is a 15-minute drive from the A30, which links to the M5.
We’re based at Towan Beach. We’ll send you detailed information before your arrival, including parking instructions and maps.
BY TRAIN
The railway station is in the town centre. If you’re travelling by train, we may be able to pick you up from the station (time dependent). Get in touch for more details.
BY AIR
We’re a 20-minute drive from the airport. You can fly into Newquay from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Flights are available from key European cities.
Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for 24 hours without payment.
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.
If you can’t make the full trip, please get in touch for a tailored quote.
Yes, we can arrange for you to extend your stay. You may want to consider our Private 1 to 1 lessons before or after the retreat as well. Give us a call on +44 (0) 1637 226017 and we can discuss in further detail.
If you wish to bring a non-surfing partner with you that is fine. Partners are welcome to join our evening meals, excursions etc. We recommend that you organise your own accommodation. Give us a call if you’d like a hand with that.
Please see our accommodation costs table under ‘Prices’ and see the single occupancy room pricing and booking information.
Please see the information on our ‘Prices’ tab above for guidelines about costs during the trip.
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 times.
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 week. For example, choosing to run more sessions when the waves are at their best. With Cornwall having two coasts and there being 7 beaches in Newquay alone is very, very unlikely that we won’t be able to find a ride able wave each day of the retreat.
Please view our T&Cs for more information.
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-trip pack on the run up to the trip. We choose Newquay due to the huge 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.
Before booking please take a look at our surfing level in the boxes above. If during the trip you would benefit from changing groups your instructor will organise for you to move, no problem! Please be aware, we pride ourselves on coaching everybody as an individual, so you will always receive individual feedback throughout each session.
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 overcame 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.
We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.
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
Please inform our coaching staff of any medical complaints or conditions prior to your trip.
We’ll ask for travel insurance details when you book, so please organise this as soon as possible. Travel insurance needs to cover you for medical issues, cancellations and baggage. We’ll also ask you to fill out an enrolment form with these details before the holiday. Please read our helpful blog post about travel insurance.
We are a UK based company that delivers trips all over the world welcoming travellers of all nationalities.
If you book in a group of 5, the fifth person will be free.
Yes! This is a scenario that we are very familiar with. Why not make a family break of this surf retreat? You can join the retreat each day while the rest of your family enjoy Newquay. Please contact us if you need a hand organising accommodation. Book early to avoid disappointment and get the best prices.
You will be sent your pre-arrival information on the run up to the trip. We will send you the meeting time and location in your pre-weekend information pack.
Please refer to our ‘Food’ tab for all information regarding breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Yes, partners are welcome to join the evening meals, just let us know prior to the trip and we will add them to our booking.
We choose our fave coastal restaurants because of the range of great menu options that they have available. All dietary requirements are catered for.
We finish on Saturday morning. You can check out of your accommodation by 11am and head home from there.
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. Hire costs can be seen under ‘Prices’.
No, we have a great mix of all ages. Surfing shows no age boundaries. We welcome whippersnappers to silver surfers and everything in between.
After meeting on the first Saturday of the trip, we’ll explain how this works.
If you are staying in our apartment accommodation we have an allocation of two car parking spaces. There is also limited residential parking and a pay and display car park within a short walk of the accommodation.
Yes! Several women bring their dogs on our Newquay coaching retreats. There are a number of dog friendly accommodation options in the area. Some leave their dog in their van whilst they surf.
Alternatively, we can organise for a dog sitter to look after your four-legged friend. Contact us for details and costs.
If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the trip details, you can contact us through WhatsApp, Facetime, Zoom or Skype.
Just let us know by email and we can arrange this with you.
If you can’t join the trip, 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:
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.