Surf School in Donegal for Every Level
Beginner-friendly surf lessons on Donegal's Atlantic coast.
Your first wave starts here.
Beginner Surf Lessons Donegal
Surf School in Donegal
Inishowen sits at the top of Ireland, and the Atlantic gets here with nothing in its way. That makes it a serious place to surf and a surprisingly good place to learn. Inishowen Surf School is a Donegal surf school built around lessons for all levels, from a first wobbly attempt at standing up to the surfer who wants one specific thing fixed.
Learn to surf in Donegal
You'll be taught what you need to know before getting into the water.
That includes getting used to the board, finding the right position, paddling and learning how to catch a wave. You'll also work on getting to your feet.
It won't necessarily happen right away.
You might stand up on your first try. You may fall off five times before it works. Both are totally normal.
Surfing is learned by doing it. You have a go, see what happens, and then try again.
As you get more comfortable, you can start working on your balance, wave selection, and riding the board for longer periods.
Surf lessons for all levels
Pick the format that suits you. First-timers usually start with our beginner surf lessons in Donegal. Grown-ups who want a bit of space to be bad at something together can book adult surf lessons, and anyone bringing children should look at our kids and family surf lessons or, for older kids, the kids and teen surf lessons page.
Friends travelling together suit group surf lessons. If you want your instructor to yourself, private surf lessons are the way, and there's more on surf coaching and instructors for people who already stand up and want to get better.
A sustainable surf school
We teach on a coastline we'd like to keep in good shape, so looking after the beach is part of the lesson. Leave nothing behind, keep off the dunes and pick up any rubbish you spot. It shapes how we run as a sustainable surf school in Donegal, and it's a big reason people look for an eco surf school in Ireland.
Where we teach
We pick the beach on the day to suit the swell and the wind. See our page on surf lessons at Malin Head, Fanad, and near Derry for the areas we cover, or read the guide to the best surf spots in Donegal if you like knowing what's out there.
Book your surf lesson
Ready? Book surf lessons in Donegal online, or send someone else a surf lesson gift voucher. If you'd like to ask something first, get in touch and we'll answer properly. Learn more about the team too..
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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None at all. We teach total beginners and improvers, and we split the session to match what each person needs.
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You should be comfortable in the water. You'll be wearing a wetsuit and holding a board, so you're never treading water, but confidence in the sea helps.
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Summer gives the warmest weather and generally friendlier waves. The Atlantic works all year though, and a wetsuit takes care of the cold. Ask us what's running when you book.
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Swimwear, a towel, something warm for afterwards and water to drink.