Living and working so close to the beach, year in year out, we know that Autumn is the best season for a surfing break. Here's why. 10 reasons to surf in Cornwall this autumn The water is still warm (yes really!) temperatures don't drop until late November/December. The sunsets are magnificent. Sunny, crisp autumn days followed by amazing skies. A beach BBQ is still possible. Weather … [Read more...]
Top 5 Of The Best Value Wetsuits
Our staff at Gwithian Academy of Surfing have been around a while and know a thing or two about neoprene. Here are our top 5 staff picks, the best buys for your buck. Roxy Syncro LS Bootie Cut Springsuit £74.99 £52.50 Ok, this is for the ladies only! We love this version of the shortie spring suit from Roxy. Perfect for surfing warmer climes or for other watersports like Stand Up … [Read more...]
Rash Vest Buyers Guide
Everyone who has ever worn a wetsuit, or surfed somewhere warm without one, will have felt that burning sensation from your chest, neck or armpits being rubbed raw. It usually means time out of the water and no one wants to miss a good swell for a surf rash that is completely preventable by wearing a rash vest. What causes surf rash? There are two kinds of surf rash - wetsuit rash and board (or … [Read more...]
Surfboards for Beginners to Intermediates
When you're fairly new to the game of surfing choosing that crucial first surfboard can be a bit of a minefield. If you’ve had some lessons, loved it and are happy going out in the sea on your own, the time has come to invest in the hobby that will bring you joy and possibly spirit-crushing frustration in equal measure for a lifetime. Unlike pretty much any other sport, like tennis, the gym or … [Read more...]
Join us for Surf & Cookout Event at Gwithian Beach
Surf Cookout at The GAS Station, Gwithian Beach on Friday 7th July 2017 Cost: £22pp - Pay on arrival (cash or card) What's On: What could be better than having an evening surf session followed by a delicious locally caught fish and seafood paella, cooked fresh, and ready and waiting for you right on the beach? The Hungry Horsebox Company and Gwithian Academy of Surfing mobile surf unit - … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Love a Surf & Camping Holiday
Surfing is synonymous with freedom. Iconic films like 'Endless Summer' cemented this carefree lifestyle and now you can have some of that. We bring you the best surfing and camping holiday you will find in Cornwall this year. Based in stunning St Ives Bay, Gwithian Academy of Surfing has teamed up with Prosper House Camping to give you an exclusive holiday offer. Book 6 surf lessons with 7 … [Read more...]
Wetsuit Buying Guide for UK Surfing
So, you’ve had a surf lesson, maybe even a few and now you’re hooked. If you intend to keep surfing as much as possible in the UK you’re going to need a wetsuit because even on the hottest days, the water is cold. You might get away with one warmer-than-average-day in summer which allows for a suitless surf. Average water time around 20 minutes before your entire body goes into hypothermic … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Ride – A Fatman
When the surf is flat what better way to explore St Ives Bay, from Hayle to Godrevy along Gwithian beach, than on a Fatman bike. A Fatman is more fun These bad boys are way more fun that traditional mountain bikes. Monster truck meets bike. With the ultra-wide tyres, you get miles more traction and grip than ordinary mountain bike tyres, which means they act like the Landrover of the bike world. … [Read more...]
GAS Surf Instructors selected for special training by RNLI
Gwithian Academy of Surfing HQ is located at Godrevy Towans, just a few minutes’ walk from Gwithian Beach. It is ideally placed for any equipment needed in case of an emergency. Head Coach, Ian Gabbitas and Surfing Instructor Billy James at GAS have been selected for speciality lifesaving training by the RNLI. Incident Prevention RNLI Beach Lifeguard Supervisor Ollie Shilston is part of the … [Read more...]
The Surf Rules
Easter Holidays mean crowds. In the water, this can translate to crowded waves. Learn the surf rules and you won't get into trouble. We teach people to surf. It’s a fantastic job and it's something we love to do but here’s the downside. The more people who learn to surf, the more surfers are going to be in the water. The maddening crowds Locals, holidaymakers, beginners, elite surfers, … [Read more...]
Training for Wave Project Volunteers
You might think it's all restocking the shop, repainting the walls or surfing winter bombs while we're in the low season. True, but did you know we're an Academy of Surf Instructors (ASI) training centre of excellence? So, during the off season we run training courses for ASI Surf Instructors and an induction course for the Wave Project Charity. The Wave Project Is a registered charity … [Read more...]
Storm Doris – A sherry soaked hell woman or a good-time girl?
Cornwall has been taking a hell of beating with storm Doris unleashing sideways rain, high winds and huge storm waves. You'd think with an old ladies name she couldn't cause too much harm. Wrong, she's an old lady who's had too much sherry and is on a mission to cause trouble. 30ft waves smash into Cornwall Doris has whipped up rough seas that are lashing the lighthouses and boats with 30ft … [Read more...]
We’re Open! What’s on in 2016.
That felt like a very long winter. But now, thankfully, spring is in the air, the sun is shining and the march into summer begins. The surf school will be opening from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week from Good Friday so you'll be able to get surfing lessons and surf hire everyday until November. New surf clobber is arriving every day for the shop including a brand new batch of 4/3mm hire … [Read more...]
How to improve your surfing – the easiest way (probably)!
Well, I say 'easiest way'. It kind of is. It just requires hours of time, patience, petrol and cash. Y'see I could give you thousands of tips on how to stand on your surfboard, catch waves and improve your technique and they would all help to a greater or lesser degree. But what's the best way to improve your surfing? In a word - travel. And I write this from the balcony of a rental … [Read more...]
The Bay of Plenty (part 2 of a 2-part guide to surfing in St Ives Bay)
The Bay of Plenty St Ives Bay offers loads of options for the surfer. If one spot’s not working there’s a fair chance another one will be (and failing that, we’re lucky enough to have the south coast only 20 mins away). Allow us to take you on a quick tour of St Ives Bay's surfing terrain… Godrevy [themedy_columns structure="50|50"][themedy_col … [Read more...]
October Opening Times | Watch the Quiksilver Pro
So it looks like the Indian summer is over now. The last week of September was pretty much perfect with regards to the weather but the much anticipated swell didn't hit us quite as well as predicted. October is already turning out to be a different kind of beast already however. The swell, while not ruler edged perfection, has jumped in size. Meanwhile the sun, when it does burn through, is … [Read more...]
Dr SurfLove (or how I learned to stop complaining and love lousy surf)
One of the all-time funniest things that has ever happened at the surf school occurred two years ago during work experience week. We had a young lad, let's call him Rob, in for a week of work placement from a local school and we were showing him the ropes with regard to dealing with customers and the basics of surf coaching. Rob was a really good worker and he was a delight to have onboard, but … [Read more...]
Just in! – the Surf Academy Towelling Changing Robe
We've all experienced the total horror or getting into a wetsuit on a beach or car park. Frankly, it ain't easy. It's a juggling act as you hop from one foot to the other, balancing precariously with your towel held up by nothing more than your hips and whispered prayers. All the time in the knowledge that a gust of wind could throw you off balance exposing yourself to the elements (as well as … [Read more...]
Globe Skateboards & Apparel
After a brisk May and June things are really heating up at the beach and surf school now July is in full swing. A few of the local schools are using us for their activity week providers (I'm sure when I was at school I was forced to sit in a stuffy classroom during the last few weeks of term) so the sea is full of frothing teenagers while the changing rooms are full to the brim with odd socks and … [Read more...]
Whitsun Opening Times | New Website
May has flown by so far and now we find ourselves in the final week with the tabloids predicting a heatwave for the bank holiday weekend alongside the customary yearly appearance of a shark sighting scare story. The silly season has begun. Opening Times We will be open everyday from 10am to 6pm from now until November so if you are looking for some surfing lessons, surf hire or want to take a … [Read more...]
Pit Crew: Training a Big Wave Champ – WSL
Follow the link for an interesting interview with Robert Garcia, a coach who has trained Sunny Garcia, Andy Irons and Kelly Slater during their World Title years. Source: Pit Crew: Training a Big Wave Champ - WSL … [Read more...]
Wipeouts: Margaret River Maulings – WSL
If you like watching the worlds best surfers getting flogged repeatedly on a barely submerged reef festooned with barnacles and sharp pointy stuff then you're gonna love this. Source: Wipeouts: Margaret River Maulings - WSL … [Read more...]
Gift Vouchers | Surf Coaching | Other Stuff
In the classroom... The dust is settling from this years Easter break and its now time for us to do the first of five ASI Level 1 Surf Instructor courses this year. We have five young surfers on our current course and they are keen and willing to make sure that our next batch of surf coach's is going to be straight out of the top drawer. This group is mainly from the local area but one guy has … [Read more...]
We’re Open – Summer Starts Now!
Another winter draws to a close, spring is here and the surf academy is once again open for the summer season. Our coaches are back from their winter sojourns to sub-tropical paradises and are refreshed, recharged and ready to start the 2015 summer surfing season off with a bang. The shop has been painted, we are buried in new stock from Quiksilver, Gul, Torq surfboards and Ocean & Earth … [Read more...]
What do surf coaches do in the off season?
It's a question that gets asked a lot during the summer. While we do work very hard during the summer the surroundings and work environment are an excellent compensation - not many people can say they work at the beach. Or go barefoot to work for that matter. So what do we do in the winter? Most of our surf coaches use surf coaching to fund their winter travels. As good as Cornwall can be in … [Read more...]
Coming Soon…… Rockpool Seafood Bar & Grill!
It's been a little while since we last had neighbours but we're stoked to be able to tell you that the Rockpool Seafood Bar & Grill will be up and running this coming weekend. Dan, the manager, and his team have been working round the clock for the last two months to make sure that everything is running smoothly and tickety boo. Inside the place has been freshened up and I got a sneak peek … [Read more...]
Can you give me a couple of tips?
We need a favour…. 2015 is in full swing, summer is just around the corner and soon we will be dishing out surf tips on a daily basis again. It’s an exciting time of year and we are full of anticipation for another season at the beach. We want to make sure that the whole surf coaching experience is as good as possible and to continually evolve as coaches. We also have a few new ideas that we … [Read more...]
This Isn’t Really Happening…..
....or even possible. It's a myth. Don't bother watching as it can't have even taken place. Nor will it ever. John John Florence falling off his board. Then getting back on. Using only his toenails. Pfft. As if. … [Read more...]
What are the Best Ear Plugs for Surfers?
Up to the age of 35 I thought I had completely avoided any of the effects of Surfer's ear. I'd surfed a hell of a lot in the previous 23 years in the sort of cold, windy conditions that virtually guarantees the boney growth in your ear that every surfer dreads - Exostosis (or Surfer's Ear) - but thus far I'd been lucky. Then out the blue one warm sunny day my right ear started to ache and was … [Read more...]
The Secret to Getting into a Wetsuit
There can't be many more embarrassing things than hopping around a gravel car park with one foot in a wetsuit and the towel that was protecting your dignity around your knees. Your mates are laughing at you. Old ladies are dropping their parcels. Time slows down. It's not a pretty sight but there is an answer. The Dryrobe Advance The towelling changing robe is becoming ubiquitous at the beach … [Read more...]
Saltshots Wave Calendar
If you've had a surfing lesson with us in the last couple of years chances are you were taught by Callum Morse. Remember him? Quite tall, skinny, dark hair, kinda funny lookin'. Y'know the one. Anyway, as well as being a good surf coach and a top bloke he is one hell of a photographer. You will have seen some of his prints at the surf school and you may have even been photographed by him … [Read more...]
A.S.I. Surf Course Success
Four more candidates successfully passed their A.S.I Level 1 Surf Course last weekend (5th - 7th September 2014) and are now getting their first taste of what it's like to be a surf instructor. We had a really strong field for this months course - all candidates had a background in lifeguarding or coaching and all were strong watermen (and women) - and due to the practical nature of the course … [Read more...]
A.S.I Level 1 Surf Instructor Courses in Autumn
We have added some more dates for our Autumn ASI Level 1 Surf Coach Courses. Surf coaching is a great way to meet people, great fun and the first step on a career in surfing. Teaching people how to learn to surf is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do and the ASI Level 1 Surf Coach Award is an international qualification allowing you to work overseas as well as the UK. We are running … [Read more...]
Chopes 2014
Jusrt two more days to go before we get to see the worlds best surfers go toe to toe with one of the worlds gnarliest waves in the Billabong Pro Tahiti at Teehupoo. The reef is obscenely shallow at Teehupoo and there's a big swell roaring through the Pacific right now - it should be an amazing event to watch. Here's a quick vid to get you in the mood for it. [youtube id="R6QOG-eVpK4" … [Read more...]
US Open (the real one!)
Sporting Summer
It's been a wonderful summer of sport so far. It seems like every time I switch on the telly there is some amazing sporting event taking place. If you witnessed the 4th set of the Wimbledon mens final, the Dutch dismantling the World Champions Spain at the World Cup or the start of the Tour de France you'll know what I mean. Watching sportsmen and women in the peak of physical condition pushing … [Read more...]
New Redback Surfboards Back In
After a week of small but perfectly formed surf and relentless sunshine how do we celebrate? BBQ on the beach with a few well earned beers? Sat on the sofa watching the World Cup with a few well earned beers? Drinking well earned beers alone in the dark? Nope to all three. This week surf school manager Ian and the work experience lad Josh celebrated by unpacking 50 new Redback surfboards, … [Read more...]
HydroRobe Towels Have Arrived!!
After a hectic half term period everything has calmed down again as we approach what I have always regarded as my favourite time of year. June is fantastic at Gwithian; the beach is empty, the weather is (usually) good and the water temperature is increasing by the day.At the surf school we have been beginning preparations for the first of the school groups that start next week which means getting … [Read more...]
It’s All Getting a Bit Technical
This one is strictly for sad acts and statto's. Which is why we love it! So much so that SUP instructor Freddie has been getting very excited indeed and barely a day goes by without discussing the merits of various paddle techniques. Flat days will never be the same again. http://youtu.be/e3uxyS-art8 … [Read more...]
A Late Evening SUP session at Gwithian in May
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmpeD2f_Dww They divide the critics but when you grab a SUP and have a paddle at sunset it's easy to see why it's the fastest growing sport in the world. … [Read more...]
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