How We Started Our North Devon Surf School

In 1996 Darren Burrett, an established British Surfing Association instructor with many years surfing experience and coaching experience, fulfilled his ambition to run his own North Devon surf school. From these small beginnings, Surf South West is now internationally recognised as a provider of surfing courses in North Devon and surf holidays in Europe, Costa Rica and South Africa.

British Surfing Association Approved Level 4 Devon Surf School
We are the first surf school in the UK to be awarded Level 4 status by the British Surfing Association. This is the highest level attainable and is awarded in recognition that Surf South West has the highest standards of surf coaching.

Click here to view our latest inspection report.

We have achieved 'Approved Surf School' status from the British Surfing Association for all ten years of our existence and all our instructors are qualified beach lifeguards as well as qualified surfing coaches.

Based in Croyde Bay, Devon, our experience and reputation has ensured that we are the only surf school officially permitted to instruct surfing on Croyde Beach and Saunton Beach. This means we have satisfied the stringent conditions imposed by the beach owners to ensure that we operate safely and professionally. We have fully equipped surf schools at both beaches.

We offer 'Learn to Surf' courses for beginners surfing lessons, 'Improvement' courses, 'Expert' coaching for advanced surfing lessons, 'One to One' coaching, 'Girl Only' weekends and 'Longboard' coaching.




Brochure Request


" Thank you very much for making my first experience of surfing so enjoyable. You were all very patient and kept your sense of humor and are a great bunch of guys! I hope to see you all again soon "