Surf Schools

Surf schools are a great way of learning how to surf quickly.

Surf lessons are usually taught by instructed and certified surf teachers, in controlled and safe ocean environments.

You should be able to learn to surf in between a week and a month. A good surf school will teach you to ride your first wave, after a five-hour practice.

Take a look at our comprehensive surf school guide.

Learn to Surf in 24 Hours

Surf schools are the best option for those willing to learn how to surf quickly and enjoy the first rides of their lives.

Would it possible to learn how to surf in 24 hours?

Although it is always important to get tips and surf knowledge from a certified surf instructor, the answer is "yes."

Read "The Beginners' Guide to Surfing." Discover how to surf in 24 hours. Also, learn how to duck dive.

How to Choose a Surf School?

Surfing is easy, and if you've decided to pay for surf lessons, then you did well.

It's always better to have a fully trained surf teacher guiding you through the best ways to stand up on a surfboard. Nowadays, learning to surf is easier and faster because there are many surf schools and surf camps, in almost every coastal country.

Nevertheless, pay attention to a few rules, before applying to a local surfing school.

Each has country has its own legislation on safety sporting procedures. Surfing instructors have learned to offer you the best conditions possible.

First of all, ask your local surf school how you will be taught. Some national surfing governing bodies and federations have strict rules for surf schools.

One of the most important surf school rules is the coach/student ratio. Each class of one surf teacher should not have more than eight surfers. Surf schools that charge lessons that do not respect the 1/8 ratio rule are violating the official security procedures.

Beginners should learn the primary skills of surfing: paddling through the break and onto waves, taking off in a wave, trimming across the face of a wave and turning/cutting back forehand and backhand.

Surf coaches should be able to get an absolute beginner - who has never seen a board before - to a surfing level in which the rider has the ability to produce carving turns and cope with re-entries.

Surf lessons: learning to surf is easy | Photo: Shutterstock

Surf School Requirements

The International Surfing Association (ISA) is the world governing body for the sport of surfing, and has published an important document about surf schools.

The "Obligations of a Registered Surf School" document is great to understand the main guidelines.

Surf schools must offer the following conditions:

1. Soft cored surfboards for beginners;
2. Wetsuits;
3. Safety helmets (on request);
4. Water resistant sunscreen;
5. Comprehensive first aid kit;
6. Uniformly colored rash vests for participants;
7. Areas flags or markers (unless prohibited by local authorities);
8. Whistle;
9. Rescue board;
10. Mobile phone;

Official ISA-certified surf schools must renew their registrations, every year.

Get a Beginner Surfboard

Soft surfboard models are longer, wider and heavier, so that beginners can easily take off in the initial waves.

Beginner surfboards have higher buoyancy levels to allow surfing apprentices accessible stand-up training.

The Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam adds durability. Beginner surfboards are quite affordable and can be purchased at around $250.

Discover the best surfboards for beginners.

Beginner Surfboards: you'll be riding waves in less than 24 hours

Open your Surf School

Do you want to start a surf school? Today, anyone can run a surf school, surf clinic or a surf camp.

The first thing that should be taught are the rules of surf etiquette.

Learn how to run your own surf academy.

The Complete List of Official Surf Schools

Official Surf Schools in USA

Official Surf Schools in Australia

New South Wales

Western Australia

Victoria

South Australia

Queensland

Tasmania

42 South Surf School | Northern Tasmania
Coastrider Surf Academy | Clifton Beach
South Coast Surf School | Hobart

Official Surf Schools in the UK

Aberadventures
Bantham Surfing Academy
Big Blue Surf School
Big Green Surf School
Bournemouth Surf School
Coast to Coast
Era Adventure
Errant Surf School
Escape Surf School
Inieka Funcenter Fuerteventura
KingSurf
Lyndon Wake Surf School
Newquay Activity Centre
Outdoor Adventure
Perranporth Surf School
Progress Surf School
Saltburn Surf School
Shore Surf
Smart Surf School
St Georges House
St Ives Surf School
Surf GSD Gower Surfing Development
Surf School Lanzarote
Surf South West
Surf's Up Surf School
Ticket To Ride Surf School
Watergate Bay Surf School
Welsh Surfing Federation School
Woolacombe Surf School

Official Surf Schools in Portugal

Official Surf Schools in France

Official Surf Schools in Spain

Andalucia

Asturias

Baleares

Aloha SUP School | Ibiza and Formentera
El Niño - Stand Up Surf School | Can Pastilla

Canarias

Cantabria

Escola Catalana de Surf | Barcelona

Comunidad Valenciana

SUP Costa Blanca | Alicante

Euskadi

Hondarribia Paraty SUP Eskola | Hondarribia
La Escuela del Surf Zarautz | Zarautz

Galicia

Link to your surf school. Contact us through advertising (at) surfertoday.com

Surf Schools | A Guide to Learn How to Surf