Surf’s Up

Surfing is officially among the fastest growing sports in the UK, but if you’re a parent you probably know that already. It has seen an explosion recently despite the unpredictable British weather and, if you add in body boarding and other permutations, figures suggest a doubling in participation over the past five years. Children love it, it doesn’t require too much expensive kit, they can continue into adult life, and they are generally good at it. Parents, on the other hand, may struggle to keep up. It’s physically exhausting and it can be a trial if you’re not a natural water baby – or a natural surfing teacher.

Enter Schools Go Surfing, offering a smart alternative with school trips that let every level of surfer from 13-18 develop their skills. Little wonder many schools are already signing up for an activity-based trip that teaches a really cool sport, as well as confidence, endurance and have-a-go spirit. Surf training is taken as seriously as the fun on the water, so small group lessons (typically 5-8) enable every ability and aptitude to improve skills and confidence. The company was founded by William Carr, a Hartbury alumnus and surfing aficionado. The idea grew from surf trips he had organised for university students. After spending four years working within the school travel market, he developed Schools Go Surfing to deliver surfing and wellbeing holidays for school-led groups. Wellbeing elements are – the company believes –intrinsic to surfing, thanks to close contact with waves and ocean. But trips also include yoga sessions, and outdoor experiences in some of the most beautiful locations around. schoolsgosurfing.com

Cornwall remains a first choice among schools, but some are setting their sights further afield and Schools Go Surfing also takes groups across Europe and to top surf spots in Morocco, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka and the Indonesian island of Bali. This offers eye-opening opportunities beyond the beach – from visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient souks to wildlife reserves. It also means trips can be organised year round.

Tailormade elements are often requested – for instance, language learning, city trips, ocean conservation and craft workshops. Of course, school trips need to have a holiday flavour, and there’s everything from volleyball and football tournaments on the beach to star gazing, talent shows and live music in the evenings. There’s also a strong focus on getting the comfort right, so accommodation ranges from specialist (and vetted) surf camps and villas to boutique hotels. Just as importantly, perpetually ravenous teens are kept surf primed-and-ready with food that balances fuelling up needs with good nutrition.