Learn to surf in South Wales

Escape hits the waves with Progress Surf School, spending a morning learning the ropes – despite the rain

On a soggy July morning we squeeze into wetsuits and head over the dunes to Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula for a beginner surf lesson.

Our friendly and very experienced hosts, Jamie and Millie from Progress Surf School, immediately put our group at ease, taking us through the basics on the beach before letting us loose in the sea, which turns out to be surprisingly warm.

Everyone in the group – which is a mixture of kids and adults – is a novice, apart from one guy who admits to having previously given it a bash with friends, but back then he failed to even lie on the board successfully. By the end of our two-hour session with Progress Surf School, he’s standing with confidence, keen to come back and do it all again.

Surfing is a great way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors. The most exhausting part is wading out through the surf to catch waves, but it’s worth it for the exhilaration of riding back to shore with a smile on your face.

Instructors stay with the group throughout, offering a helping hand when trying to find the right waves. With these guys supervising, you can feel confident regardless of your experience, although the ability to swim is, of course, a pre-requisite.

Progress offer everything from beginner lessons and one-on-one sessions to full-day courses, group sessions and birthdays parties. Gift vouchers are available.

swanseasurfing.com