Frequently asked surf questions
Below is our best effort at answering the most commonly asked questions. The intention is that you get an immediate response to your question to save you the time of email.
We can’t cover everything of course but we hope you find all of your answers below. If there is something you can’t find please get in touch through our contact page here.
Summer Camp F.A.Q's.
What is the minimum age to join a camp?
We recommend age 8 for kids to join our camp. We do make exceptions and take younger kids BUT only if they are water confident and able to carry a small surfboard on their. This is really a decision for parents as we can’t know for sure until we take the kids into the water. Please contact us if you are unsure.
Do kids need to be able to swim?
Yes, is the short answer but kids don’t have to be great swimmers by any means. Our classes are held in waist deep water and all our instructors are qualified lifeguards. The camps are run with a strong safety first emphasis but all kids should at least be able to swim a little so we can be sure they wont be afraid when a wave hits them.
Can we do 2 or 3 days of the camp?
Our camps are 5 days only but you can always just join one of our open group lessons which run every day also. Check under group lessons in our surf lessons info tab.
Do camps go ahead if the weather is bad?
Yes, it is super rare for us to cancel days of our camps but sometimes it happens if we get a huge swell in summer or gale force winds.
We try as much as we can to never cancel because on days when it is un-safe it is a good time to teach safety and also a good time for our beach games.
If we do cancel a day refunds are given.
Is there a separate camp for different age groups?
June is the only month where we offer ‘Teen only’ camps. During July and August when we have groups with a mix of ages we normally have more than one instructor so one instructor would be with younger kids for example and one with older. If there is a family with kids of different ages, then of course then can all be together if that is what you would prefer.
What do kids need to bring?
Towel, swimming togs and a bottle of water for after. If its warm , then sunscreen but please put it on a little in advance so it is not running into their eyes the minute they hit the water. If it’s chilly please make sure kids have warm clothes for after.
Do I need to book the camps in advance?
Yes, camps are generally full in summer so advance booking is recommended.
When is the remainder of the payment made?
If a deposit has been paid the remainder is due on the first Monday the camps starts.
What are the dates and times your camps run?
The camps run every week during June, July and August, tue – fri, 10:15am – 11:45am. 4 consecutive days. It is the same times and dates for both Inch and Banna beach. July and august we run a second camp at banna which is from 12:15-1:45. Updated times will show on our booking page.
What time should we arrive?
On the Monday please arrive at least 15 mins before the camp starts to sign and put on wetsuits. The rest of the week 10 mins should be enough time to get ready.
Is there a discount for families?
Yes, the discount for families is if 3 kids 95 p.p, 4 90 p.p
Surf Lessons F.A.Q.
How long are your group lessons?
Group lessons are 1hr 45min long. If the group is 3 the lesson is 90 mins, 2 its one hour. Assuming suitable conditions, students that have a lesson less than our normal times are allowed to keep the equipment to practise for the remainder of the time up to two hours.
Whats included?
All equipment and a qualified instructor is included in your lesson price. We use the best foam boards on the market and warm 5mm suits so for sure you will be snug. (not to mention the most experienced instructor’s on the island)
In the colder months we also provide boots and hoods when needed.
Do I need to be able to swim?
A basic level of swimming is needed. All our classes are held in waist deep water in the presence of a qualified instructor/lifeguard so it is a very safe environment but that said Yes everybody needs to be able to swim a little.
How much are group lessons?
40 euro for adults, 35 for teens and students and 30 for kids. Price includes equipment.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes , discounts start with groups of 10 or more so please contact us with the exact number and we can give you a quote.
Do you have set lesson times for groups?
More or less , generally our group times during June, July and August are 12: 15 and 2:15 pm weekdays and 11 and 2pm weekends. They can change though so please check our bookings calendar for updates.
What will the waves be like on...?
Surf forecasts are very accurate from around 5 days away, any further ahead than this is purely guesswork :-)….especially in Ireland!
That being said we can generalise and say the summer months tend to have suitable learning conditions the majority of the time, i.e not too big not too small.
April and May are also very reliable as is September. October and November it can very often be on the bigger side but again nothing is set in stone and it can be different every day, week and month.
How many students are in a group?
Normally 3-8. We operate on a strict 1:8 ratio for instructors to students so if the group is 9 or more there will be 2 instructors, 17 or more 3 etc.
What is the maximum number you can take at one time.
40 is our comfortable max with the group being split into 5 X 8.
Opening hours/Bookings
What months are you open?
We are open from April to November. Easter can be hit and miss with conditions as they are still unpredictable but assuming its suitable then we are open for sure.
Do we have to book in advance?
If it is a summer booking and you are sure of dates it’s best to book in advance.
Outside of summer we can always fit you in no problem.
Are lessons times set?
Summer Lessons times are pretty set times. Week days 12 and 2pm, weekends 11 and 2.
If you are already a small group then for sure we will do our best to go at a time that suits you.
Outside of summer we have more flexibility but generally weekdays 11 and 2 and same times for weekends.
PLEASE check our book now page with a calendar for updated times.
Do you have opening hours for phone calls?
As long as the phone rings we are open for calls anytime :).
Do you have special times for private lessons?
Yes, private lessons are normally not set so we try and pick a time that conditions are best and that suits the customer. Please get in touch with us through the contact page to find a time that suits you.
Are surf rentals open every day?
Yes during the months of June, July and August. Outside of these months please check in advance before coming as we may not be open unless conditions are suitable.
Surf Rentals
What type of boards do you rent?
We mostly rent soft-boards and have a large selection. We have both regular soft-boards and also performance softboards for intermediate and advanced surfers. These come in all shapes and sizes from 5’6 – 9’6.
Do we have to book in advance?
If it is a summer booking and you are sure of dates it’s best to book in advance.
Outside of summer we can always fit you in no problem.
Do you need experience to rent equipment.
Yes, you need to be able to swim and have done at least a few lessons or surfed yourself before.
Do you take reservations for rentals.
We dont reserve boards for rentals so it is first come first served. We do however have a huge stock so even in our busiest times you would normally not be waiting more than 20 mins.
Do you have special times for private lessons?
Yes, private lessons are normally not set so we try and pick a time that conditions are best and that suits the customer. Please get in touch with us through the contact page to find a time that suits you.
Are surf rentals open every day?
Yes during the months of June, July and August. Outside of these months please check in advance before coming as we may not be open unless conditions are suitable.