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- Learn to surf with expert women/all-female instructors
- Build the foundations of your surfing journey
- Take home photos and videos of you surfing
- Discover North Devon – one of the UK’s best surf locations
- Sponsored by Rip Curl
Have you always dreamed of riding waves but never taken the plunge? Or maybe you’ve had a couple of lessons but are still struggling to get to your feet? You might be frustrated that you’re not improving fast enough. Whether you’re completely new to surfing or you’re still winging it in the whitewash, this immersive two-day surf programme is for you! With a fun curriculum that’s been engineered to fast-track your progress, it uses expert instruction and confidence-building methods to equip you with the key knowledge and fundamental skills to build the foundations of your surfing journey.
INCLUSIONS
- Three surf sessions covering all the basics to get you started with in-water feedback and a mid-surf snack break
- In-depth video analysis of part of your surf sessions with demonstrations and move-by-move breakdowns to help you progress onto the next stage of your surfing journey
- Surf theory discussions to enhance your ocean awareness and confidence in the water and ask any further questions
- Pre-surf routines to get you into the right mindset, working on confidence-building, decision-making, staying focused and not holding back
- Bespoke fitness and stretch routine video for pre course preparation.
- Post course, stretch out routine supplied on video to help your muscles to repair after 6 hours of surfing.
- Pre surf session, dynamic warm up routine video to prepare your mind and body for each epic session
- Board and wetsuit hire for the duration of the programme
- Professional photos and footage of your surfing to see where you can improve (and to show friends and family your new surfing skills!)
- Surf Progression Booklet to continue your surfing education and log your journey
- Individual goal setting with expert instructors who will break down your progression barriers and take your surfing to the next level
- Pro rider video tutorial from one of the worlds BEST female surfers, with bespoke tips to your ability level!
- Discount card for apres-surf food and drink plus 15% discount at the Rip Curl shop
- Optional breakfast and evening meal reservations to enjoy good food with new friends!
- Good times and chill vibes with like-minded women!
CALENDAR
- 09 Sep-10 Sep 12:00 am to 12:00 am Wales Beginner Surfer – Supported by Rip Curl – Fully Booked
- 07 Oct-08 Oct 12:00 am to 12:00 am Croyde Beginner Surfer
- 14 Oct-15 Oct 12:00 am to 12:00 am Newquay Beginner Surfer – Supported by Rip Curl
- 11 Nov-12 Nov 12:00 am to 12:00 am Newquay Beginner Surfer
- 13 Jan-14 Jan 12:00 am to 12:00 am Newquay Beginner Surfer
- 24 Feb-25 Feb 12:00 am to 12:00 am Newquay Beginner Surfer
This two-day surf programme gives you the perfect introduction to surfing in a safe and supportive environment. With practical instruction in the water and in-depth surf theory sessions back at our base, your surfing skills will skyrocket by the end of the programme! Here’s what you can expect to learn:
Practical / In the water
- Basic ocean safety and identifying rip currents
- Getting to know the parts of a surfboard
- Bodysurfing to build confidence
- Handling and controlling the board
- Riding whitewater waves lying on the board
- Catching broken waves
- Getting to your feet (and staying up!)
- Working on your pop up and take off
- Body positioning on the board
- Stalling and accelerating
Theory
- How waves are formed
- Choosing which beaches are safe to surf and avoiding Rips
- Different types of surfing (longboarding vs shortboard)
- Buying your first board and wetsuit
- Surf fitness tips to help with your pop up
Plus video analysis of your surfing with move-by-move breakdowns and personalised feedback.
Over the course of the two days, you’re guaranteed to see instant improvements in your surfing. Not only will you be successfully catching and riding broken waves, turning left and right as well as stalling and accelerating, you’ll also be feeling more confident in the water with an improved ocean awareness and surfing mindset. You’ll walk away with actionable tips to work on in your next surf session, heaps more knowledge about surf theory, equipment, safety and technique – as well as a whole new gang of surfing pals!
Find out which course is best suited for you here!
Ready to join our two-day Beginner Surfer Programme? Here’s what a typical day looks like when you come to surf with us in Croyde. We want to make sure you’re getting the best waves for your ability, so times might change depending on the surf forecast and the tides.
- When it comes to surfing, we’re all for early starts! You’ll arrive in the morning around 7:30/8:30am at our meeting place which will be sent to you the week before arrival, to meet the team, get to know your new surfing buddies and assess the surf conditions of the day.
- Time to jump in the water! Once you’ve met your instructors, we’ll walk down to the beach together with our surfboards and wetsuits. After a fun warm up, you’ll have two surf sessions with a snack break on the beach to rest and refuel between sessions.
- When the surf sessions are finished, you’ll get changed and meet us [meeting place] for a video analysis and surf theory session. This is where you’ll be able to see what you actually look like when you’re surfing! Your instructor will give you personalised feedback and breakdowns for each of your waves caught on camera to give you something to work on next time you’re in the water. It’s also a great time to ask your instructor any questions you have. Lunch is available to pre-order to eat during the session.
- You will then have a few hours of free time to explore Croyde and relax before an optional dinner with everyone at 6pm at our favourite local restaurant.
- On your last day you will be finished around lunchtime.
Croyde has lots of accommodation options for all budgets, click here for our accommodation recommendations!
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! We recommend Ruda Holiday Park for a central location. They also have caravans and self-contained apartments to rent.
JURASSIC VANS
If you don’t have a van of your own, check out Jurassic Vans for the ultimate adventure getaway!
This isn’t just any old camping, it’s rugged and practical with ultimate luxury, including
-A king size/Super king bed
-A hot shower for the post surf wash down
-A fully kitted kitchen to whip up delicious feasts
-Cinema to relax and catch your favourite surf film
-Unique interiors designed to help you relax in complete comfort
-Roof racks to carry boards/SUPs/kayaks
-Chunky all terrain tyres
-Solar powered
Great for solo or group adventures
Please contact Jurassic Vans directly for more information and to book. Collection from Bournemouth.
BOARD BAG (OPTIONAL)
A decent board bag will protect your kit and store bulky things like your wetsuit, boots and a towel.
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. You can hire if you don’t have your own.
GLOVES
Keep your digits warm when the water gets chilly from mid January to the end of March. You can hire if you don’t have your own.
HOOD
Only required in the depths of winter, especially if you regularly duck dive or fancy some extra warmth. You can hire if you don’t have your own.
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.
We’ll send you an email a week before the programme starts to let you know where and when to meet us in Croyde. Here’s everything you need to know about the local area and the many waves!
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!
BEGINNER
Always dreamed of riding waves but never taken the plunge? Or maybe you’ve had a couple of lessons but still struggling to get to your feet? Whether you’re completely new to surfing or you’re still winging it in the whitewash, this immersive two-day surf programme will equip you with the tools, techniques and confidence to kickstart your surfing journey.
PROGRESSOR
The Progressor Surfer Programme will teach you how to confidently paddle out back and catch green waves (and how to select the best ones). How to deal with steep take-offs and the skills required to make a drop. Where to sit in the lineup and why. Which wave to pick from a set and how to handle crowded days. How to read forecasts, learn about winds, tides, swell direction and how it will affect your session. Dealing with changing ocean conditions and successfully managing rips. How to gain speed and read sections of a wave to lengthen your rides. Plus, you’ll fine-tune your paddle techniques and perfect your pop-up.
INTERMEDIATE
On the two-day Intermediate Surfer Programme, you’ll be taking a deep dive into the technical side of surfing. Think bottom and top turns, trimming and pumping, carves and cutbacks, angled and steeper take-offs, generating speed from your bottom turn and catching bigger waves… There’s a lot to cover on this one, so come prepared to seriously level up your surfing!
MORE INFO
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR ME?
This course is for new and beginner surfers who have either never surfed before or have had a couple of lessons and need guidance on how to progress. It’s all about going back to basics to build a strong foundation for you to progress your surfing. You don’t need any experience or knowledge of surfing to come on this programme, you just need to know how to swim and be comfortable going in the water.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR?
You should budget £12-£15 for the Saturday evening meal.
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 event 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 Newquay. 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. We will send you the Saturday morning meeting time and location in your pre-weekend information pack.
On Sunday if I need to check out of my accommodation is there somewhere that I can store my bag?
Yes, we can store your bag and other belongings at our centre.
Do you have showers at the centre?
There are indoor showers at our venue.
What do we do about food?
Please refer to our ‘Food’ tab for all updates regarding breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Can my male partner come to the evening meal?
Yes, partners are welcome to join the evening meal, just let us know at the welcome meeting and we will add them to our booking.
Does the evening meal on Saturday cater for all dietary requirements?
We choose our fave coastal restaurant because of the range of great menu options that it has available. All dietary requirements are catered for.
What time does the weekend finish?
We finish around lunchtime on Sunday afternoon. If you need to leave earlier then please let us know at the 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 included in the package. 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.
I’ll be arriving on Friday, is it possible to book another surfing lesson prior to the weekend?
Yes absolutely. We can deliver extra surfing lessons at any time just give us a call on +44 (0) 1637 226017 to arrange the best time for your lesson.
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 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.
Can I switch my surfing level during the weekend?
Before booking please take a look at our surfing levels. You will not be able to switch levels as this course is suited to your ability. If you have any questions or are worried about which ability you will be, drop us an email at info@womenandwavessociety.com Or call us on 01637 226017
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 pay and display car park a short walk from our meeting point. We will supply further details and costs in the pre weekend information pack.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Several women bring their dogs on our Newquay coaching weekends. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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