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2 hours 30 minutes
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This course is perfect for beginners looking for an introduction to surfing, or just a quick surfing fix! This is a 2 hour surfing lesson, tailored to your ability
For students on a first lesson your coach will introduce all of the skills and techniques necessary to surf with control and safety. Soon enough you will be riding the waves with style!
If you have already surfed, you can then use this session to build on more advanced techniques, including paddling, turning and reading the ocean.
We meet at Escape Surf School, in Newquay, which is located overlooking Towan beach on the premises of Belushis / St Christophers Inn.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
After booking, Escape Surf School will contact you with the start (meeting) time (this can vary depending upon tides and conditions)
Subject to favourable surf conditions. If cancelled due to poor conditions (ie dangerous), you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Use of the hot showers and changing rooms
All taxes, fees and handling charges
A wetsuit
Gloves and boots if required
A board
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Perfect for beginners looking for an introduction to surfing, or if you've surfed a few times already, then ideal to improve and build on your current experience and skill! For students on their first lesson we will introduce all of the skills and techniques necessary to surf with control and safety. If you have already surfed, then we will use this session to build on more advanced techniques, including paddling, turning and reading the ocean. For all abilities, we spend approximately 20 minutes on the beach discussing, technique, skills etc. then the remaining time is spent in the ocean catching waves, with hands-on coaching from our surf coaches. Our innovative teaching method for beginners which involves holding the tail of the board, whilst the surfer gets to their feet. This helps stabilise the board until the surfer is standing, then they release and you enjoy the amazing feeling of riding the surf! For those who have already surfed, we will focus on improving your technique and catching more waves. We always split the groups based on your ability, so if you have already surfed, then you will join an improver group.
155 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
elizabethdW6040JB,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We did a 2 hour beginner/improver surf lesson as a hen do group! We had so much fun, the instructors were really helpful and helped us all catch a wave! Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to try something new and have fun!
GiuliaFFerraro,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had an awesome surf lesson with Fin! Super friendly and easygoing, but also really clear and helpful with his instructions. He made everything simple to understand and gave great tips throughout the session. You can tell he genuinely loves teaching and wants you to enjoy yourself. Great vibes all around. Would definitely recommend booking a lesson with him if you’re looking to get into surfing!
254fangt,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I highly recommend Escape Surf School. I’ve been with them for several years and have always had a great experience. They’re flexible with scheduling, so there’s no pressure to complete all lessons in a short time. The coaches are fantastic, cheerful, patient, encouraging, and great at making surfing easy to learn. This year the photographer working with the school adds real value, capturing plenty of quality photos of each person every day. I’ll definitely be returning.
U6538WHdavidp,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Just finished 3 sessions with Escape. Every coach I had — Riley, Pidge, Mike, and Andrew — was friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. I’ve surfed on and off for a few years, but there’s always a gap between trips, so I end up going back to basics each time. This was the first time someone properly picked up on my back foot placement — within 20 minutes of my first session — a mistake I’ve clearly been making for years. That one bit of feedback alone has already made a massive difference. The whole team was supportive, clear, and kept the energy up throughout. We had great weather and plenty of waves between Towan and Fistral. Highly recommend them whether you’re a total beginner or a more experienced surfer. I’ll miss Pidge’s “here we go, here we go” as I hopped on the board — and Mike’s knowledge of rips and sandbanks. It’s those little things that stay with you. Thank you for a brilliant experience — I’m already looking forward to coming back.
TheLyncroft,
Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My niece keeps going back to escape, getting some practice in before Hawaii 😎. She always comes back smiling after having a great time with the group lessons. Proper coaching from the team always, not just going through the motions like other lessons I’ve had around the world. Top notch.
mirandas601,
Jan 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a lesson with Escape recently after many years not surfing. They were so friendly and professional- awesome bunch. Nothing is too much trouble and they really want you to get the most from your session. Thank you Glen, for great lesson.
Imane E,
Nov 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
I loved this place from day one. The staff were very friendly, very welcoming and the instructors just perfect for the job, they make sure everybody feels at ease, well informed and they are with you communicating throughout the whole two hours.
limanea2018,
Nov 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
This is our second time and we came back after the amazing time we had before. Again we received the best service, welcome and lesson. Will do it again and definitely recommend it.
Q4720PUsteveg,
Sep 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Used Escape a number of times, wanted a refresher to get us back into surfing, placed into a small group of similar ability surfers with our Instructor, Andrew. As usual, had a brilliant time in the hands of an amazing instructor who passed his knowledge onto us and helped us improve our surfing. Will use again for further improvement and would always recommend as the team at escape are the best.
bethcD1726ZJ,
Aug 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the best time here. We got this as a gift for christmas off my parents and it definitely did not disappoint. The instructors were so lovely and explained everything so well. Will definitely be coming back here. A special thank you to our instructor Henry.

Operated by Escape Surf School