
ride with us!
Learn surf AT CROYDE BAY. Surf School at Downend Car Park.
Surf Lessons. Surf Hire. Coasteering. Paddleboard.

Surf Lessons. Surf Hire. Coasteering. Paddleboard.
ISA-Qualified Instructors • RNLI & RLSS Lifeguards • Small Groups
Coaching Team led by Simon Nicholson - 2000 US Pro Tour Champion & England ISA World Junior Team Manager
Rated 5.0 on Google (23 reviews) • Partner to Kingsley Private School

We are not a big surf school. We specialize in small groups, and private lessons, getting to know our customers. We want to take you from beginner all the way to an independant surfer in no time!

Toms Surf Hire has everything you need. From paddleboards and bodyboards to beginner foamies to Hybrids and high performance PU surfboards we specialize in surf craft! We offer excellent advice and flexibility to mix and swap till you find your board!

Paddleboard and coasteering tours are an awesome way to discover Croyde's rugged headlands. Big jumps, dark caves... Our routes will blow your mind. Our guides are some of the most experienced adventure guides on earth. A truly unforgettable experience!
Located on the southern end of Croyde Bay. Downend surf school is easily found on the green banks of the Downend car park.
We have everything you need from the delicious Beach Cafe, ice cream stand, and cold beers with an incredible view of the bay.
You can't beat our location for a surf and a sundowner!

Life long surf junkie and former US Pro tour Champ.
On good days you will find him at the Downend Point, trying to keep up with the kids.
English Junior team manager to World Games in 2024.
Loves a chat.

A staple part of the Downend furniture.
Tom has served the locals of Croyde for over 6 years, with surf lessons, surf hire and his friendly smile.
Also handy in the snow with two ski's and in the dirt with two wheels.

Despite having lived most of her life on the beach in South Africa, Kimmy learnt to surf at Croyde.
She loves sunny, small waves days with no wind.
Handy with a camera and loves a cold pint!

At Downend Surf School, we believe that surfing is the single greatest gift you can give someone.
It's not just a sport, it's a life long obsession. In a world of mental stress and pressure, nothing refreshes the soul like being tossed around in the ocean!
Come learn from our happy, gorgeous instructors and we will have you laughing (and surfing) from day one.

"Brilliant day of surfing lessons, first a group session, then
a 1-2-1 with Finn for my son Ben. He absolutely loved both
sessions and came back buzzing."
— Emily Newman, Google Review
"We had a lesson with Henry, he was an excellent teacher,
really clear instructions and easy to be around. He put us
at ease straight away."
— Louise Jarvis, Google Review
"Great lesson with Henry this morning. All 4 kids standing
and surfing the line by the end. Would highly recommend."
— Charlie H, Google Review
"My two sons' highlight of the whole holiday was their session
with Finn — they will remember it forever!"
— TripAdvisor Review
"We booked one family surf lesson and enjoyed it so much
that we booked another 2 days later."
— TripAdvisor Review
"Fantastic surf school. Excellent coaching from board choice
to water safety to technique."
— TripAdvisor Review
We love our customers, so feel free to pop in during the day!
/// W3W coasting.darkest.vans
Open today | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Please reach us at lords@downendsurfschool.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
You should be comfortable in the water, but you don't need to be a strong swimmer. All sessions take place in shallow water and our instructors are ISA-qualified with RNLI and RLSS lifeguard certifications.
We take surfers from age 5 upwards. Kids learn in the same small groups so they get plenty of attention.
Yes - all equipment is included in your lesson price. We provide wetsuits, boots and boards suited to your size and ability.
Just a swimsuit or trunks to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, and sun cream. We provide everything else.
Group sessions run for approximately 2 hours. Private lessons can be tailored to your needs.
We monitor the forecast daily. If conditions are unsafe we'll contact you to reschedule or offer a full refund. Safety always comes first.
Our Shred Club is a regular coaching programme - four sessions per month at £25 per session. It's designed for locals and frequent visitors who want to build their skills consistently rather than just surf on holiday.
Copyright © 2026 Lords Of Downend Surf School - All Rights Reserved.