FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: SURFING

Do you operate surf tours all year round?
Yes! In Bundoran it is possible to surf all year round; there are many beaches and reefs in the area that provide small waves ideal for learning even during large wave conditions. The surf schools have excellent, warm wetsuits, booties and gloves for the winter.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No! Wetsuits provide buoyancy, as do the surfboards that are attached to you by a leash at all times when in the water. You will never be taken into a water depth that you feel uncomfortable in.

Is all the necessary equipment included in the cost of the surf lesson?
Yes! The surf school provides everyone with high quality, warm, flexible surfing wetsuits. Everyone is also supplied with beginner surf boards. The beginner surf boards have soft tops and flexible fins, so don't worry about injuring yourself.

Where can you change in and out of the wetsuit?
The surf schools provide male & female changing facilities, with indoor and outdoor showers as well as a toilet.

How do we get to the beach from the lodge?
You will be transported with the rest of the lesson in a mini bus to the beach. Don't worry your surfboard will be riding with you in a trailer behind the bus.

What beaches are your lessons held at?
The surf conditions are assessed daily to ensure that the best conditions are provided for our group - therefore lesson locations are subject to change. However, our main locations for lessons are Strandhill, Tullan Strand Beach, Bundoran Main Beach, Streedagh and Rossnowlagh.

What do I need to bring on a surf tour?
Apart from your overnight bag, the only things you need to bring with you are a towel, swim suit, sun protection and sandals. But most importantly bring your smile sense of adventure.

What Safety Equipment will the surf instructors have?
All instructors are qualified beach lifeguards and will have full rescue tube and first aid kit on them at all times.

What Qualification do the surf instructors have?
All instructors have both level 1 surf instructors and Beach lifeguard Qualification. The safety of all participants is assured during all sessions.

Will I be cold in the winter?
You should never be cold in a surf lesson. During the winter months (November to April) the surf schools supply booties, gloves and hoodies with 5mm winter wetsuits. With the correct equipment you will be warm in the water. Dedicated surf school mini-buses ensure you will never be waiting for a lift back to the Lodge.

Is it possible to rent a board if you have never done a surf lesson?
No, you are only able to rent equipment on the basis that you are competent to judge safe from unsafe conditions on the beach. This takes time and experience to learn.

Are the advanced surf lessons run the same as beginner lessons?
No. Advanced surf lessons have a smaller ration of instructor to student ratio and include video analysis of your surfing. Advanced surf lessons also include a feedback or homework sheet that will allow the surfer to work on key features in order to develop their surfing skills. Most advanced surf lessons are done in the context of a weekend advanced surfing course.

Do you film/photograph the surfing for large groups?
Yes, groups of 8 or more are filmed while in the water. This makes for fun and informative watching when you get back to the lodge. These videos are often shown un-edited when you return to the lodge.