Walking On Waves Surf School Saunton Sands Beach North Devon

Walking on Waves Surf School offers an unforgettable surfing experience for school groups, combining fun, safety and high-quality coaching in a spectacular setting. We’re based at Saunton Sands in North Devon, a beautiful 3.5-mile stretch of golden sand known for its safe, long, and consistent waves — ideal conditions for beginner and intermediate surfers alike.

We specialise in delivering well-organised surf lessons for schools, colleges, universities and all educational groups of all sizes. Our highly qualified instructors keep group sizes small, with a maximum of six students per instructor, ensuring every student receives plenty of individual guidance, encouragement and time in the water.

Whether students are stepping on a surfboard for the first time or building on existing skills, our lessons are designed to be engaging, confidence-building and memorable. We can also tailor sessions to suit your group’s ability levels and schedule, making it easy to fit surfing into a wider school trip or residential programme.

For larger school bookings we offer discounted group rates, making Walking on Waves Surf School a fantastic value and a highlight of any North Devon school trip.

Waking On Waves Surf School North Devon
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Walking on Waves Surf School has over 20 years of experience working with school groups. We are a trusted choice for educational visits thanks to our strong focus on safety, professionalism and student experience.

All of our instructors are ISA-qualified surf coaches, RLSS beach lifeguards and fully DBS checked. We operate with a maximum ratio of 6 students per instructor – the lowest group ratio in the area – ensuring every student receives close supervision, plenty of feedback and the best possible chance to progress.

Our experienced team is used to working with educational groups and understands how to create sessions that are safe, well-organised and engaging for students of all abilities. Whether it’s a student’s first time in the ocean or they already have some surfing experience, we structure lessons so everyone feels included, supported and challenged at the right level.

Above all, our instructors are passionate surfers who genuinely enjoy sharing the sport with young people. That enthusiasm is contagious, helping students build confidence, learn new skills and create lasting memories of their time at Saunton Sands.

No, we are accredited by Surfing England – England’s national governing body for surfing.

Our surf lessons can support a range of Key Stage and curriculum topics while giving students a memorable, hands-on outdoor learning experience.

Every session begins with a structured safety briefing where students learn about the beach environment, including tides, currents, wave conditions and potential hazards. They are introduced to key principles of beach and sea safety, drawing on elements of RLSS beach lifeguard training to help them recognise and respond to risks in coastal environments.

We can also incorporate learning around coastal geography and marine environments. Students explore topics such as how waves are formed, the role of tides and weather patterns, and the impact of coastal processes like erosion. Experiencing these topics in a real coastal setting helps bring classroom geography and science learning to life.

Surfing is also a fantastic physical education activity, promoting balance, coordination, strength and overall fitness while encouraging students to enjoy being active in the outdoors. Alongside physical skills, students develop teamwork, communication, resilience and self-confidence, linking well with PE and PSHE objectives.

Our sessions can be adapted to suit different age groups and curriculum focuses, including:

• Key Stage 2 & 3: Beach safety, introduction to waves and tides, teamwork and confidence in the water.
• Key Stage 4 & 5: Coastal processes, wave formation, environmental awareness and a deeper understanding of ocean conditions.

We’re always happy to tailor sessions to the needs of each group, ensuring the experience is engaging, educational and aligned with the school’s learning goals.

• Minimum age 5.
• Small group ratios, never exceeding 6 students to 1 instructor to ensure everyone is safe and receives significant individual attention and tuition.
• Larger groups receive bigger discounts.

We provide all the necessary equipment for surf lessons. Offering top quality wetsuits and surfboards for all ages and abilities.

• Schools and group leaders are welcome to take photographs or videos of their visit for personal or educational use.
• We are also able to provide photography of surf lessons when possible, provided that all participants in the group have given permission. Any photos supplied by Walking on Waves Surf School are intended for personal or school use unless otherwise agreed.

A risk assessment will be provided to all customers on request.

Jack Banks (Owner)
Jack@walking-on-waves.com

07578 595140

• 30 + Surfers = £22.50pp (all equipment hire included for the duration of the lesson).
• 1 teacher per 12 students surfs for free.
• Please contact us directly if you would like a tailored quote for your group or to discuss specific trip requirements.

Each surfer must bring swimwear, a towel and sun-cream. Suitable clothing for afterwards is recommended.

• All of our team are qualified RLSS beach lifeguards.
• First aid station located in our surf school.
• Defibrillator on site.

• Indoor changing available
• Large car park on site
• Beach cafe on site
• Toilets on site
• Restaurant on site
• Beach shop on site

We have some SEN qualified staff, disabled access to the surf school and accessible toilets on site.

08:00 – 20:00

See our 300+ 5* Reviews on Google.