Surfing in Devon

Group of people in wetsuits carrying surfboards walking along a wet sandy beach under a clear sky.
Surfing at Skern Adventure takes place on North Devon’s coastline, with sessions delivered at local beaches including Westward Ho! and Croyde. Both our Appledore and Abbotsham centres provide access to these locations, allowing individuals, families and groups to experience surf conditions suited to a range of abilities.

Sessions are led by qualified instructors who introduce the fundamentals of surfing, including board control, catching waves and maintaining balance. Using soft foam boards, participants are supported as they develop confidence in the water, with guidance tailored to their experience level.

Surfing is suitable for beginners as well as those with some prior experience. It can be booked as part of a school residential, group visit or team building programme, or as an individual or family activity session. It provides a practical way to engage with the coastal environment while developing confidence, coordination and resilience.

All equipment is provided, and each session begins with a safety briefing to ensure participants feel prepared before entering the water. Activities are adapted to suit conditions and group needs, creating a safe and supportive experience throughout.

Why choose us?

  • Orange check mark icon.
    Leading Outdoor Activity Provider
  • Orange check mark icon.
    50 Years Of Experience
  • Orange check mark icon.
    Fully Qualified Instructors & Detailed Safety Procedures
Young boy in wetsuit balancing on a red surfboard on a small wave at the beach.
Group of children lying on surfboards on the sandy beach practicing paddling with instructor in the water on a sunny day.
Person in a wetsuit carrying a surfboard walking into the ocean with others in wetsuits and surfboards in the water.
Smiling boy in wetsuit standing in shallow water holding a tall yellow surfboard with people surfing in the background.

FAQs

Get in touch
How do we book?

Booking with us is easy. Simply complete the enquiry form on our website or give us a call, and our team will guide you through the process. As programmes vary depending on group size, age, and activity choices, we’ll check availability and help tailor the right experience for you. Some activities can also be booked directly online via our activities page.

What should we wear or bring for watersports?

Please bring old trainers or water shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops or bare feet), a swimsuit to wear under your kit, and a towel for afterwards. We recommend comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet, along with a warm layer for after the session. All specialist safety equipment, including wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and helmets where required, is provided by Skern Adventure. On sunny days, we also suggest bringing sunscreen and a water bottle.

What if the weather is bad, or there are no waves?

If the weather or sea conditions aren’t suitable, we always have alternative options. Our instructors continually assess conditions and will adapt the session to keep everyone safe and make the most of the day. This might mean running a different watersports activity, switching to a land-based session, or rescheduling where possible. Safety comes first, and we’ll always aim to provide a fun, worthwhile experience regardless of the conditions.

Are your surf lessons open to the public?

Yes, our surf lessons are open to the public at selected times throughout the season. Sessions are led by qualified instructors and are suitable for a range of ages and abilities, from complete beginners to those with some experience. All necessary equipment is provided. Availability depends on tides, sea conditions, and demand, so we recommend getting in touch in advance to check session times and book.

Other activites at Skern Adventure

Archery

Nock... Draw... Loose! ​ Hit the target, measure your progress and finish with some fun archery based games and competitions. ​ Archery teaches concentration, coordination and self-discipline.

Body Boarding

Body boarding is great fun and quick to learn too. It's a bit like surfing but on smaller boards, but unlike surfing you don't stand up, instead you lie on the board and catch the next big wave back to shore.

Climbing

Climbing is an exhilarating sport that can appeal to all levels of ability. On site we have two climbing walls. We have a low level traversing wall to practise climbing skills and a full height climbing tower with two walls to stretch and challenge.

Coastal Exploration

Coastal traversing involves climbing and scrambling around the sea cliffs. Traverse along, over, under, around and through the rocky obstacles. Try and stay dry as you find a way to dodge the rock pools. You may even come across the odd piece of shipwreck.

Hartland Day

Spend the whole day on the beautiful North Devon coastline. Explore, walk and scramble over the rugged natural features. This is an opportunity to spend time walking and coastal traversing in this amazing location. Subject to tides and conditions.

High Ropes

Our high ropes course stands 12 metres high. The course can be used for a variety of challenges - High beams, multi-vines, scramble net and trapeze to name a few!

Kayaking

Enjoy a trip along the River Torridge, our sheltered estuary. For most sessions we use Sit-on-tops, which allow for two people and as the name suggests you sit on top. But if you would rather like a closed cockpit let us know.

Powerboating

Take the wheel under the guidance of our qualified instructor and experience racing across the seas in our RIB Powerboat.

Water Assault Course

A fun, Wipeout-inspired water and land assault course packed with slides, splash zones, and inflatable obstacles.

Looking for the next adventure?

Get in touch with our friendly team.

Contact us
Group of 25 adults posing outdoors on grass under trees, wearing casual clothes including green polo shirts and shorts.