Freewave Surf Academy

Surfing and coasteering instruction in Bude, Cornwall

Freewave Surf Academy is a surf school based at Widemouth Bay in Bude, Cornwall, with more than twenty years of experience. It runs surfing lessons, stand up paddleboarding sessions and coasteering experiences in and around Widemouth Bay, and also hires out equipment. The school describes its focus as delivering high-quality lessons to small groups, families and individuals.

Surfing lessons at two beaches

Surfing instruction is offered at Widemouth Bay and at Summerleaze Beach in Bude. The programme includes group surfing lessons, bodyboarding and private surfing lessons, and gift vouchers are available for the lessons. The school presents its instructor team as experienced surfing coaches who are also trained beach lifeguards and qualified surfing coaches, and who tailor each lesson to the level of the individual participant.

Paddleboarding and coasteering

Stand up paddleboarding is taught on flat water, with the school pointing to the canal as a setting for introductory SUP sessions. Paddleboards can also be hired, and the school runs a Bude SUP Club. Coasteering is offered along the coastline, described by the school as including safety-assured jumps. A surfing and yoga retreat also appears among the experiences the school presents.

Equipment hire

Beyond instruction, the school provides hire of stand up paddleboards and surf equipment at both Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze Beach in Bude.

Groups and tailored sessions

The school states that it adapts its experiences to the needs of each group, listing families, hen parties, corporate teams and couples among the audiences it caters for. It frames this tailoring around the different abilities, limitations and goals of the individuals within a group.

Instructor team and recognition

The instructors are described as local watermen and women with extensive knowledge of the activities they deliver, and the school says they also share advice on places to visit during a holiday in Bude. The school displays a Travellers' Choice award, which it explains recognises businesses that earn great reviews and places them among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor. It also states that it holds the number one position on Tripadvisor for outdoor activities in Bude. Customer comments quoted on the site refer to group lessons, private lessons, coasteering and hen party sessions.