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Harlyn, Cornwall, England

Harlyn Surf School

Harlyn Surf School is a surf school in Harlyn, Cornwall, England.

Founded in 1994 by Chris Rea on Harlyn Bay, about two miles from Padstow. Cabin on the sand. The site states it is the only surf school holding both a Cornwall Council licence and an Adventure Activity Licensing Service (AALS) licence. Chris is a former director of the Water Skills Academy and trains surf and SUP instructors and beach lifeguards.

Services

  • Surf lessons (beginner/refresher, intermediate, private, family, 5–7 fun sessions)
  • Kids summer surf camp (8–14)
  • Surf, SUP, bodyboard, kayak and wetsuit hire (not pre-booked)
  • Stand-up paddleboard lessons and guided SUP tours
  • Coasteering
  • Sea kayaking and kayak hire
  • Bodyboarding lessons
  • Group / stag / hen / school / corporate sessions
  • Locals Club
  • Gift vouchers
  • Beach lifeguard and surf-instructor training

Lessons

  • Beginner / refresher group (2 hours base-to-base; recommended minimum age 8)
  • 1-hour fun surf lessons ages 5–7 (school holidays; parent/guardian must stay)
  • Family / private group (1.5-hour family session advertised)
  • Intermediate / improver (2 hours)
  • Intensive private (1 or 2 people, 2 hours, plus same-day 2-hour board and wetsuit hire)
  • Surf & Hire (morning lesson plus kit until 5pm, same day)
  • Bodyboarding lessons (contact)
  • SUP lessons and guided SUP tours
  • Group bookings (hen, stag, school, friends — contact)

Rentals

  • Softboards 6–9ft (hourly to weekly)
  • Hardboards / improver boards (Surfboards UK)
  • Inflatable SUPs (Red Paddle Co 9'6–10'8; buoyancy aid and leash mandatory, included)
  • Monster SUP (max 8 people)
  • Wetsuits; boots/gloves
  • Vision bodyboards (including a double bodyboard)
  • Sit-on-top kayaks, single and double (buoyancy aid mandatory, included)
  • Windbreaks listed on Contact; hire not pre-booked

Camps

  • Kids Summer Surf Camp, ages 8–14: 2-hour daily sessions; 2-session (Mon–Tue or Wed–Thu) or 4-session (Mon–Thu)

Prices

Contact Harlyn Surf School to confirm.

Surf spots served

Harlyn Bay

When to go

Open Easter to end of November. Lifeguard patrol on Harlyn Easter to end of September. Contact: 2026 season dates on the live booking system. Prefer email or text — mobile signal is poor on the beach.