GWITHIAN

Gwithian Beach. Made for Surfing.

Gwithian Beach is one of Cornwall’s most iconic surf spots — wide, open, and perfectly exposed to Atlantic swell, delivering consistent waves all year round. Its long sandy bay and gently shelving shoreline make it a versatile break, ideal for everyone from first-timers to seasoned surfers.

Since 2005, MAKAI — formerly Global Boarders Surf School and Gwithian Surf School — has delivered high-quality surf experiences right here, working with generations of locals, visitors, schools, and community groups. Our focus has always been simple: safe, professional, and genuinely welcoming sessions that build confidence and progression.

Gwithian’s space and reliable conditions allow us to run relaxed, well-managed lessons without feeling crowded, even in peak season. We operate year-round, offering beginner lessons, improver sessions, surf clubs, and seasonal programmes — with Gwithian firmly at the heart of our teaching.

Based beneath Sunset Surf Café, our surf school provides the perfect setting for a full beach day — surf, refuel, and take in the views across St Ives Bay. It’s a special stretch of coastline, and one we’re proud to call home.

What makes Gwithian so special?

Iconic Surfing Beach

Gwithian's versatility and quality of wave make this beach a must on your bucket surfing list!

Consistent year round surf

As a swell magnet, Gwithian beach delivers consistent waves year round for all abilities.

Spectacular Scenery

The surrounding sand dunes and view across the bay to St Ives are simply spectacular!

Space for all the family

With three miles of golden beach, there is plenty of space for families and pets.

Surf lessons at our Gwithian Surf School

Beginner Lesson

Catch your first waves at Gwithian Beach with our group beginner surf lessons. Friendly instructors, all kit included, safe and fun.

Prices from £45 per person

Improver Lesson

Progress your surfing at Gwithian Beach with our group improver lessons. Refine paddling, positioning and wave choice, with kit included.

Prices from £45 per person

Private Lesson

Private surf lessons at Gwithian Beach with expert coaching, all kit included and personalised to help you progress quickly.

Prices start from £125

Family Lesson

Share the stoke at Gwithian Beach with a private family surf lesson. Expert coaching, all kit included, safe, fun for all ages.

Prices start from £195

Kids Summer Camp

Kids Summer Holidays Camp at Gwithian Beach every Thu & Fri. Surfing, games and ocean adventures, safety-led fun with certificates and tees.

Price is £115 per person

Young Guns

Young Guns surf lessons for ages 4–7: fun 1-hour intro to surfing sessions, all kit included, playful, safe and smile-filled.

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

Is there a cafe and toilets I can use at Gwithian beach?

Absolutely. Sunset Surf Cafe is located right next to the main car park at Gwithian, and only a 2 minute walk to the beach. Sunset offers everything you would want from a cafe, and also has a toilet for customers.

Otherwise there are public toilets close to the steps leading down to the beach.

Is there parking at Gwithian beach?

Yes, there is a large Cornwall Council run car park located at Gwithian. Despite being a large car park, it can busy very fast during weekends and the school holidays when the weather is good, so make sure to get there early (pre 10:00am), or give yourself plenty of time to park anytime after.

You can pay for parking using the JustPark app, card, or cash. The code for JustPark is 8428.

The car park charges between Easter and end of October, and is then free during the winter months.

Can I walk my dog on Gwithian beach?

Yes, but only on the south side of the beach at Gwithian. Thankfully, that is the same side we deliver our surf lessons!

Dogs are not allowed on the north side of the beach.

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.

Where are you located at Gwithian?

Our Gwithian surf school base is located at Sunset Surf Cafe, Gwithian Towans beach. There is a large Cornwall Council car park on right next to our surf school where you can pay for parking by cash, card or app. Between November and March the car park is free. The postcode to reach us is TR27 5BT.

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 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.

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.

Check out our other amazing locations

We respect your privacy