Surf South West Croyde Reviews Summary

Instruction Quality

Pros:

• "Thanks to Jack and Andy who's expert tuition was well received by our group from the yoga retreat at Crowborough."
• "The instructors were really positive with him and everyone else regardless of experience and aptitude."
• "Instructor Will took us out for a lesson in the morning and talked us through everything from safety to technique."
• "Andy is a great teacher, engaging and offers great advice throughout."
• "Instructors Will and John are fantastic teachers and great fun."
• "The instructors are enthusiastic, passionate and full of knowledge."
• "Our instructor, Lewis, was really knowledgeable and got us standing by the end of the first lesson!"

Cons:

• "We had a different teacher for each lesson which meant it wasn't as smooth between each session and also miss out on building a relationship with the teacher."
• "Unfortunately the next days instructor wasn't so attentive to her clients and my 10 year old son actually had to ask on several occasions for her help otherwise his two hour lesson would have entailed him battling with the board and waves and very little surfing."
• "There was another instructor who offered to help me 'catch a wave' and I agreed but then after I said I was too scared he said 'stop wasting my time then'."
• "During the lessons I had with them the so-called ‘instructors’ spoke to me once."
• "The staff often tell you to move up the water but when I was knocked under and almost drowned the instructor just looked at me and swam to another person."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Great value, professional coaching with video feedback, excellent choice of locations that fit all levels of surfer."
• "Good value for money."
• "Very happy with the tuition and price."
• "Amazing value for money especially given that we were all given tailored advice and 1 on 1 help."

Cons:

• "It's fairly expensive."
• "Was nowhere near a good-value for the money you pay, and there are plenty of other surf-schools in the area which not only will teach you how to surf, but also how to do so in a safe and respectful manner to other surfers!!"
• "Was nowhere near a good-value for the money you pay."

Customer Service

Pros:

• "Everyone is helpful and a real positive vibe."
• "The whole team were great with the kids (the kids also had a great time and you can't ask for more than that)."
• "The booking process was smooth and easy and the staff were very friendly."
• "The staff were all so welcoming, throughout."
• "The whole process from booking the lesson, to being guided through the theory, even how to put on a wetsuit, was effortlessly presented with friendly patient and professional staff."

Cons:

• "when I phoned I spoke to a guy called Ian and he was so rude. I don't care if it's a good surf school or not there is no need for their workers to be rude."
• "The staff were incredibly rude."

Safety and Support

Pros:

• "I cannot swim, and so I was so anxious... he made sure I was ok and stayed close by with an extra float incase I felt anxious in the water."
• "The lessons are thoroughly safe and supportive and the staff are lovely."
• "I felt really safe and supported at my level without being pushed too hard and the whole session was lots of fun."
• "Safe ratios of instructor to learner."
• "I felt very comfortable that my 8 year old son was very safe."
• "We were mostly beginners but we all felt so safe in the water."
• "The safety brief was short and to the point and made us feel safe before heading down to the sea."

Cons:

• "Absolutely packed so for first-time surfers, we found it difficult to concentrate on skills being taught due to trying not to hit anyone!"
• "The staff often tell you to move up the water but when I was knocked under and almost drowned the instructor just looked at me and swam to another person."

Facilities and Location

Pros:

• "The school has an excellent location; right on the beach whereas the other schools are located in the village which is why we chose Surf South West."
• "Beautiful location and perfect waves for it."
• "Fantastic location right by the beach at Croyde Bay, with direct access to the sea."
• "The facilities were good and clean and the school is located right on Croyde beach."
• "The location of the surf school was also perfect. Nestled along the stunning coastline, with pristine waves and beautiful sandy beaches."
• "The school was within walking distance from the beach, showers and equipment included."

Cons:

• "Only downside was how busy the beach was."