The Covid-19 virus has caused a lot of upheaval for the world in 2020 but the enforced closure has given us a lot of time to prepare for the resumption of surfing lessons.
A few changes have been made to the way we operate but we are lucky to exist in an industry where all of our activities take place outdoors and maintaining a safe social distance is relatively straightforward. It’s hard to think of a safer environment than the great outdoors at the moment.
Our enviable position in wide open countryside and the fact surfing takes place in the sea where you are, in effect, constantly washing your hands and body means that the risk of transmission of Covid-19 is extremely low.
With this in mind we are hoping to open on weekends from the 20th of June and full time from the 4th of July.
What we are doing to keep both you and our staff safe from Covid-19?
For surfing lessons and surf hire we are asking that people book in advance where possible. While it will still be possible to turn up and surf we are trying to take all measures possible to ensure that there aren’t too many people at the surf school at any one time and to keep queuing to a minimum.
Surfing Lessons
You can book and pay for lessons online here. When you have booked we will call or email you to find out your wetsuit size so we can get them prepared for you and there will be no need to queue. As you have booked online you will already be checked in for the lesson and there will be no need for further paperwork to be completed.
Lessons will be running with limited numbers so booking is advised.
Your wetsuits and surfboards will be in specific space designated with your name on the grassed area in the front of the surf school. Once you have changed into your wetsuit your surf instructor will take you surfing.
Should you turn up for lesson without a booking then there will be a way to queue in marked bays of 2m widths or you can call us on 01736 757579 and we will be able to deal with any enquiries over the phone.
Surf Hire
Surf hire can be booked and paid for here. When you book your equipment we will call or email you to make sure that you get the correct surfing kit for your needs. Once we know exactly what you require we will get them prepared for you so that you won’t have to queue at all. Surfers who have booked and paid for their equipment online will have no need to fill in any forms and will be able to pick up their gear from the designated area at the front of the surf school. Your surf gear will be labelled with your name but if you need to get anything extra then there will be a surfing instructor who will be able to answer any of your questions.
You will still be able turn up and queue for surf hire as in previous years but you may find this takes longer than usual. You can also call us on 01736 757579 if you have any specific questions that you need to ask.
Hygiene & Social Distancing
There are hand sanitising points at the entrance to the surf school so please do make sure that you use them as and when you enter and leave. The front and back doors of the surf school will be left open to create a good through flow of air and we have re-arranged the shop so that there is a lot more space inside. The floor is marked with 2m x 2m bays to help you with social distancing while inside.
For the time being the changing rooms will be closed but the toilet and hand washing station is still available for customers. There is also lots of outdoor space in which to get changed at the front of the surf school.
We always assiduously wash our wetsuits between use but this year we will be using a specific anti-viral disinfectant to ensure there is no chance of infection. Wetsuits will then be dried in the sun (sunlight and UV are two of the best disinfectants around) and then left ‘fallow’ for 72 hours before being re-introduced to service. Surfboards will also be disinfected before and after each use.
And finally..
Our instructors pride themselves on providing a safe and successful experience for you all and we love being able to welcome you to Gwithian and our surf school. We appreciate the efforts you made to continue supporting us during these highly unusual times and thank you for being understanding.
