Walking on Waves

Walking on Waves is a Woolacombe-based surf school with a reputation for making surfing genuinely accessible and enjoyable for absolutely everyone, regardless of age, ability or previous experience. The school takes a refreshingly relaxed approach to instruction, putting the fun first while making sure every participant leaves the water with new skills and a broad smile on their face.

Lessons are run directly on Woolacombe’s famous three-mile beach, giving you plenty of space to find your feet without feeling crowded. The instructors here are warm, encouraging and endlessly patient, and the school has a particularly strong track record of working brilliantly with younger surfers and families. If you are planning a family surf day and want everyone, from the youngest to the eldest, to feel included and looked after, Walking on Waves is a fantastic choice.

Woolacombe’s beach is one of the most forgiving and beginner-friendly surf spots in the country. The long, gently shelving sandy bottom and the rolling nature of the waves here make it much less intimidating than steeper, hollower breaks like Croyde, while still delivering plenty of fun, rideable surf throughout the season. It is the kind of beach that makes you want to get back in the water for another go, and another after that.

All equipment, including boards and wetsuits, is provided as part of every lesson, and the school stocks a good range of sizes to make sure everyone gets kit that fits properly and keeps them warm and comfortable in the water. Safety is always a priority, with a thorough pre-session briefing covering everything you need to know before heading in.

Whether you are eight or eighty, a surf lesson with Walking on Waves is one of the most liberating and joyful things you can do on the North Devon coast. The school runs throughout the season and booking ahead is always recommended, particularly during the school holidays when demand is at its highest.