SURFING

Good Vibes. Great Waves.

For over 20 years, we’ve been helping people ride the waves at Gwithian Towans beach, one of Cornwall’s most iconic surf beaches. Originally founded as Global Boarders Surf School, and later known as Gwithian Surf School, MAKAI now brings all this experience under one bold, exciting new brand—continuing to deliver award-winning surf lessons with the same attention to coaching detail and commitment to customer service.

Our lessons are designed for all abilities: beginners gain the confidence to stand up and ride their first waves, while improvers get the guidance they need to progress and refine their skills. As an accredited Centre of Excellence with Surfing England, we uphold the highest standards both in and out of the water.

All sessions are 2 hours unless stated otherwise, and all equipment is included, so you can focus on the thrill of the surf, the rhythm of the waves, and the unforgettable experience of learning or improving your surfing at Gwithian beach.

Why book at our Gwithian Surf School?

Accredited Centre of Excellence with Surfing England

Over 800 5* Reviews on Google and Tripadvisor

Unrivalled Customer Satisfaction

Over 20 years of local surf school experience

Surf lessons we offer at Gwithian beach

Beginner Lesson

Take your first ride on the waves at Gwithian Beach! Our beginner surf lessons give you the confidence to stand up, paddle, and catch your first waves, all under the guidance of our friendly, expert instructors. With all equipment included and a focus on safety and fun, this 2-hour session is the perfect way to start your surfing adventure in Cornwall.

Prices from £45 per person

Improver Lessons

Push your surfing further at Gwithian beach. Our improver lessons are all about riding bigger waves, sharpening your technique, and carving with confidence. With expert instructors guiding every turn and all equipment included, this 2-hour session is a heart-pumping, wave-catching adventure designed to take your surf skills to the next level.

Prices from £45 per person

Private Lesson

Dive into the thrill of surfing at Gwithian beach with a private surf lesson tailored just for you. Whether you’re stepping on a board for the first time or looking to level up your skills, our expert instructors deliver personalised coaching to help you make the most of every wave. With all equipment included and a strong focus on fun, safety, and confidence, this 2-hour lesson delivers fast progression and high-energy learning in a fully personalised surfing experience.

Prices start from £125 (from 1:1 to large groups)

Family Lesson

Make waves together at Gwithian beach with a private family surf lesson! Perfect for all ages and abilities, our expert instructors guide every member of the family, helping beginners catch their first waves and improvers refine their skills. With all equipment included and a focus on fun, safety, and confidence, this 2-hour session is a memorable, action-packed adventure for the whole family to enjoy together.

Prices start from £195 based on a minimum group size of 3 people

Kids Summer Camp

Join the fun this summer with our Kids Summer Camp at Gwithian Beach, running every Thursday and Friday throughout the school holidays. Packed with surfing, games, and ocean adventures, these camps focus on fun, confidence, safety, environmental awareness, and progression. Each child follows the Surfing England Grom Squad programme and takes home a certificate and t-shirt — the perfect finish to an unforgettable surf experience.

Price is £115 per person, and is open to all 8 - 14 year olds

Youngs Guns Lesson

Our Young Guns Surf Lessons are the perfect introduction to surfing for little wave riders aged 4–7. Designed as a 1-hour session, they’re ideal for young surfers where a full 2-hour lesson may be too much, keeping energy levels high and smiles even higher. These playful, confidence-boosting lessons focus on fun, enjoyment, and positive engagement with the ocean, giving children a safe and exciting taster into the world of surfing. With all equipment included, it’s a brilliant first step toward a lifelong love of the sea.

Price is £95 for a private 1 hour lesson (2 kids max)

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 262 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Rush 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kids didn’t stop talking about it they loved it. Riuri was very helpful and calm even when it is quite intimidating. Brilliant experience they can’t wait to try again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Debbie Badger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family of five (middle aged parents, two 21 year olds and a 16 year old) had a fantastic private coasteering session this Easter. Our guide Ruairi was very knowledgeable and took us on a fabulous route round to Hotpoint, with plenty of exciting jumps and fun tidal channels for everyone. We were lucky to have perfect conditions this year and the views of the coastline were absolutely stunning. We even saw seals! We have been coasteering a few times before but this was the best session we have done, and we would definitely return for another private session with Makai. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Edwards 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a few family lessons at Gwithian Surf School. Well worth it! They are all lovely people but a particular thank you to our coach Ian, who has a great taste in music as well as outstanding coaching skills.

We hope to be back before too long.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jess 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a surf lesson with Steph on Wednesday earlier this week and she was brilliant! The lesson was very informative and she really helped me improve my confidence and make quick progress from my one lesson I had previously at another surf school. I will definitely be returning and asking for Steph as she made me feel at ease and enjoy the session!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Glenn Oxborough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steph is a fantastic instructor. When teaching children she manages to focus on every single one with great motivation and instruction!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing surf school, my daughter has really enjoyed every session so far and as a nervous swimmer lacking little confidence Steph (one of the excellent surf coaches) took the extra time out to help build up her confidence. Thanks
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew Stopp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a lesson with Finn, and what an excellent coach. We were lucky as there was only 2 of us on the lesson so we got excellent one on one coaching, helping us progress massively. He took time explaining how to read waves and what will be good or bad. Extra credit due as the weather was torrential rain and he came back down the stairs to help with carrying the buggy back up the flooded steps for our spectating family. Top lad.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bekka Rist 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for the great surflession for US and our children, we had a fanatastic time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dom Ventimiglia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gwithian Surf School Rocks!!!!! Lovely people and extremely good coaches, we’ve used several surf schools in Cornwall but this is by far best, Steph and her team are super attentive and very well organised.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Greg Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic surfing lesson with Jamie. He was upbeat, knowledgeable, really friendly and took great care of our youngest son Lucas (9) who hasn’t stopped talking about surfing since! Gwithian (3 mile beach) is also heartbreakingly beautiful. 10/10 recommend ❤️
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the weather is bad?

In the event that the weather poses a danger to our customers and coaches, we will cancel the lesson and liaise with you about rearranging a suitable date and time for your lesson.

However, we do not cancel surf lessons due to rain and wind unless it meets the criteria above.

Can I wear my own wetsuit?

Of course. If you have your own wetsuit, as long as it is a full length, you are welcome to wear this during your lesson.

If you do not have a suitable wetsuit, you can use one of ours as part of your lesson.

Do I need footwear?

Between May and September, we advise you bring suitable footwear for the walk down to the beach, such as flip flops, sandals, crocs etc. If you have your own wetsuit boots or beach shoes, you are welcome to wear these in the water during this time of year.

Outside of these warmer months, we will also advise you to wear wetsuit boots supplied by us, unless you have your own.

What if I need to cancel our booking?

For our full cancellation policy, please refer to our terms and conditions. In most cases, we will do our best to rearrange any lessons you are unable to attend, as long as you give us notice.

Those that do not show up for their booked lesson, or cancel last minute, we cannot offer a refund.

What is the minimum age for a surf lesson?

You must be at least 8 years of age to take part in a beginner or improver group lesson.

For private lessons, the minimum age requirement is 5 years of age.

For Young Guns lessons, the minimum age is 4 years, whilst the maximum age is 7 years.

What if Gwithian is not suitable on the day of my lesson?

Our aim is to give you the best possible surf experience. If Gwithian is not suitable in achieving this aim, or the beach is closed due to variables outside of our control, then we can go mobile as a surf school and will therefore deliver your lesson at a more suitable and safer location within a 30 minute drive from Gwithian beach.

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