How We Started Our North Devon Surf School
Surf South West was established in 1996 and was the first surf school to be permanently based on Croyde Beach. The surf school was set up by Darren Burrett, an experienced surf instructor, born and raised in Devon who began his surf coaching career in Queensland, teaching Aussies to surf. On his return to the UK he set up Surf South West with assistance from The Princes Youth Business Trust and from these small beginnings, Surf South West is now internationally recognised as a provider of surfing courses in North Devon and have run surf courses in France, Portugal, Lanzarote, Morocco, Costa Rica, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
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. Surf South West has gone on to achieve 'Centre of Excellence' status from Surfing GB and have always strived to offer a professsional and rewarding experience with the emphasis on ensuring that learning to surf is enjoyable and fun.
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.














