A luxury surfing holiday in Cornwall with Global Boarders is an experience you'll never forget.
Combining the best surf locations in Cornwall with the highest standards and customer service, instruction, accommodation and food, transfer and travel, we'll take all the hassle out of your surf trip. All you need to worry about is catching your next wave.
Global Boarders › Surf Vacations › UK ›Short Guide to Choosing Surf Providers
Our promise to you:
We truly believe in offering the very best customer service and the highest possible level of surf guiding and tuition. All of our equipment, accommodation and food is of the highest quality with no expense spared, and we are 100% dedicated to ensuring a world class vacation with the emphasis on safety, accessibility, quality and fun.
Below is a short guide intended for those considering the pursuit of a single surf lesson, Surf Experience Day or a Surf Vacation. Operating a Surf School and working as a Surf Coach is a serious responsibility, however how can you be sure that the schools which operate ensure safety and quality as their first priority? This short guide is intended to help you make the most appropriate choice for all of your requirements.
1. Firstly, ensure that the School which you are thinking of using is a member of The British Surfing Association 'British Surf Schools Scheme' see their official list. Non-Members and their Operations are not regulated and they could be operating 1. Dangerously 2. Illegally
2. Ensure that their membership is current by calling them on 01637 876474
The British Surfing Association is the National Governing Body for Surfing in the UK. In order to be part of the British Surf Schools Scheme, the School needs to prove that it has all the correct and up to date training to meet its grading; that qualifications and risk assessments are all up to date and all insurances are current and carry the appropriate cover. It is also the responsibility of the SurfSchool as an employer to officially check that all Surf Coaches [whether employed or freelance] have all the appropriate qualifications and enhanced Criminal Records Bureau screening.
3. When selecting your school from the list, note the grading of the school:
Any Approved School which is Level 2 or above is accredited to teach beginners and improvers. Level 4 Schools are for everyone including advanced and Elite surfers. Each Surf Coach will also be trained to a certain Level: Assistant Coach; Level 1; Level 2; Level 3 and Level 4 - if you have the option to make a choice try and choose a Level 3 or Level 4 Surf Coach as they will have more Surf Coaching experience. Every Surf Coach and Qualified Assistant is trained in Lifeguarding - most are fully qualified Beach Lifeguards also.
4. Ensure that the beaches and areas in which the school operates are ideal for your requirements e.g. if you are a family or a couple looking for a quiet getaway Newquay may not be the best option for you. If you are a group looking for nightlife, a School with its accommodation in a rural location may not be ideal for you.
5. If you are bringing children surfing and you are worried about their safety in the water as part of a group, ask the School what it can do to reassure you that all will be well - for example what is their Coach to Client ratio…
6. If you are unsure or nervous about trying surfing for the first time ask the staff at the School to describe exactly what happens in the session: where you get changed, how far out do you go, how fit do you need to be... If the School cannot give you much time and assistance prior to your booking then it is unlikely that they will attend professionally later.
7. If you are a little self conscious about getting changed in front of others ask the school if it has any extra facilities to overcome this.
8. If the School offer accommodation, ensure that you get a reliable, written description of the accommodation and facilities close by - remember to ask as many questions as you feel necessary.
9. Should you have any problems with the service received from your SurfSchool [or that the service was so amazing and you are desperate to tell someone!], speak to the Manager / Head Coach in the first instance. If you need to take further action then contact the BSA and ask to speak to the Liaison Officer for the particular School.
Have a great time and we look forward to seeing you out in the water.