If you've ever come along for a surf lesson with us you'll know we are pretty anal when it comes to safety. We see a lot of people glaze over when we start talking about safety but it's a necessary evil. But you must protect your head when you are surfing. On your first lesson with us you will hear us talk about how to protect your head when you wipeout several times. In fact we mention it … [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...]
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...]
How to Catch a Wave – the double paddle finish
When it comes to catching waves and explaining the technique clearly then we have to tip our hats to Rob Case. Here he provides an excellent tutorial using Nat Young in a World Surfing League heat as an example. This is well worth 10 minutes of your time. He breaks the technique down clearly as well as providing some excellent pointers on how to improve your paddling technique, speed and … [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...]
How to stand up on a surfboard – the easy (ish) way
The best way to stand up on a surfboard, without doubt, is to utilise the 'pop up' method. This is where you catch the wave, perform a press-up and then whip your feet into place in one seamless motion. This is an explosive body movement and understandably not everyone can do this when they first come along for a surfing lesson. It requires a good power to weight ratio, strong shoulders and … [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...]
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...]
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...]
May Bank Holiday & Half Term Opening Times
Spring is nearly behind us and we are surely heading into another, ahem, Barbeque summer at the surf school. Just writing it has almost certainly put a jinx on it but ho, we are tremendously happy here whatever the weather. The surf has been cracking for the last couple of weeks so lets hope this good run will continue. Not that we have been surfing anywhere near as much as usual - our time has … [Read more...]
Surf Academy Membership
We have always endeavored to give our customers great value for money with our surfing lessons and surf hire. We pride ourselves on employing the best coaches, using the best practices and the best equipment to make sure that our customers have a fantastic time when they come to us. But one mustn't rest on one laurels! Times are hard in the country at the moment and value for money is as … [Read more...]
Surf Tip #4 – Brush
The cutback should be in every surfers repertoire and when done correctly it's the most functional move there is. If your wave goes slack, you need to get back to the pocket so you've gotta either do a cutback or kick out. Check out this video of Brazilian pro surfer Jadson Andre. … [Read more...]
New Blog
These are exciting times at Gwithian Academy of Surfing. The summer is just around the corner, Spring is here (I think) and all our thoughts are turning to getting everything ready for the summer. … [Read more...]
