Surf schools: five of the best places in the UK to learn

Saltburn Surf, North Yorkshire

Britain’s east coast – from Yorkshire through Northumberland – has had a surf scene since the 1990s. Beginners can surf either side of the pier while experts head further out to Penny Hole and Saltburn Point. Saltburn Surf has been teaching for 40 years with an established base on the beach. Lessons start at £35; saltburn-surf.co.uk

Masterclass Surfing, Pembrokeshire

Pete Bounds, former Welsh surf champion, knows every break and curl of Newgale Beach, he’s been teaching here since 1984. There are group lessons and also one-to-one with video analysis for more advanced sessions. Lessons start at £55; surfmasterclass.co.uk

Blackhouse Watersports, Inner Hebrides

Despite glorious sand beaches flecked with the white of near guaranteed breaks, surfing off the island of Tiree will never feel crowded. At the southern edge of the Inner Hebrides on an island just 12 miles wide, it’s easy to find a beach where the surf is right. Blackhouse Watersports, run by Marti and Iona, is based at Balevullin beach, but Tiree’s tiny size means you can head anywhere with ease. Lessons start at £40; blackhouse-watersports.co.uk

Fistral Beach Surf School, Cornwall

In 1929, inspired by newsreels from Australia, Londoner Lewis Rosenberg headed to Newquay with his homemade surfboard. Atlantic swells funnelled towards the beach by the two headlands, create good waves – and Fistral has been a surf destination ever since. Fistral Surf Club is located on the beach itself. Lessons from £40; fistralbeachsurfschool.co.uk

Troggs Surf School, County Antrim

With two areas to choose from – West and East Strand – both with powerful waves, Portrush is Northern Ireland’s most famous surfing destination. Troggs Surf School has been here for three generations. They now offer paddleboarding lessons, too. Lessons from £35; troggssurfschool.co.uk