Surfing in Devon

Master the waves with our surf lessons!

The sun is shining and you’re heading out onto the water with a surfboard under your arm. Is there a better feeling? Possibly not.

Devon is renowned for its love of surfing. It’s home to some of the best waves in the UK, heaps of surf schools, annual competitions, and beginner-friendly beaches, like Croyde Bay and Westward Ho!

It’s at the latter where we’ll take you for a day of lessons. Using soft, foam boards, which are perfect for beginners and intermediates, our qualified instructors will show you the basics of catching a wave, getting yourself up, and balancing.

By the end of the session, you’ll be tired! But you’ll have had loads of fun, and you might even have picked up a new hobby. So whether it’s part of a school residential, team building event, or a family holiday, get in touch to learn more about surfing in North Devon.

Why choose us?

Devon’s Leading Outdoor Activity Centre
Over 45 Years Of Experience
Fully Qualified Instructors & Detailed Safety Procedures

FAQs

Show FAQs

Are your surf lessons open to the public?

Yes, our surf lessons are open to the public at selected times throughout the season. Sessions are led by qualified instructors and are suitable for a range of ages and abilities, from complete beginners to those with some experience. All necessary equipment is provided. Availability depends on tides, sea conditions, and demand, so we recommend getting in touch in advance to check session times and book.

How do we book?

Booking with us is easy. Simply complete the enquiry form on our website or give us a call. As programmes vary depending on group size, age and activities, we’ll check availability, talk through your requirements and guide you through the rest of the booking process.

What if the weather is bad, or there are no waves?

If the weather or sea conditions aren’t suitable, we always have alternative options. Our instructors continually assess conditions and will adapt the session to keep everyone safe and make the most of the day. This might mean running a different watersports activity, switching to a land-based session, or rescheduling where possible. Safety comes first, and we’ll always aim to provide a fun, worthwhile experience regardless of the conditions.

What should we wear or bring for watersports?

Please bring old trainers or water shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops or bare feet), a swimsuit to wear under your kit, and a towel for afterwards. We recommend comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet, plus a warm layer for after the session. All specialist safety equipment (wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets where needed) is provided by Skern Lodge. On sunny days, sunscreen and a water bottle are also a good idea.

Get in Touch

Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre
Appledore,
Bideford,
Devon
EX39 1NG

Contact

01237 475 992

Looking for the next adventure?

Get in touch with our friendly team.

Other activites at Skern Lodge

Archery

Nock... Draw... Loose! Hit the target, measure your progress and finish with some fun archery based games and competitions. Archery teaches concentration, coordination and self-discipline.

Assault Course

Make your way through a series of connecting obstacles including the wall, rope bridges, balance beams and a zip wire.

Body Boarding

Body boarding is great fun and quick to learn too. It's a bit like surfing but on smaller boards, but unlike surfing you don't stand up, instead you lie on the board and catch the next big wave back to shore.

Climbing

Climbing is an exhilarating sport that can appeal to all levels of ability. On site we have two climbing walls. We have a low level traversing wall to practise climbing skills and a full height climbing tower with two walls to stretch and challenge.

Coastal Exploration

Coastal traversing involves climbing and scrambling around the sea cliffs. Traverse along, over, under, around and through the rocky obstacles. Try and stay dry as you find a way to dodge the rock pools. You may even come across the odd piece of shipwreck.

Hartland Day

Spend the whole day on the beautiful North Devon coastline. Explore, walk and scramble over the rugged natural features. This is an opportunity to spend time walking and coastal traversing in this amazing location. Subject to tides and conditions.

High Ropes

Our high ropes course stands 12 metres high. The course can be used for a variety of challenges - High beams, multi-vines, scramble net and trapeze to name a few!

Kayaking

Enjoy a trip along the River Torridge, our sheltered estuary. For most sessions we use Sit-on-tops, which allow for two people and as the name suggests you sit on top. But if you would rather like a closed cockpit let us know.

Powerboating

Take the wheel under the guidance of our qualified instructor and experience racing across the seas in our RIB Powerboat.