About Us

Discovery Surf School  has been operating at Bigbury-on-Sea since 2002 and we pride ourselves as a top quality school, ensuring small groups and guaranteeing to get you up and riding in your first session.   

'One of the best surf schools in the UK' Coast Magazine

We are an ASI (Academy of Surf Instructors) accredited Surf School and regarded as one of the top centres in the UK.  We provide professional coaching for all ages and levels from absolute beginners to experienced surfers. We emphasise on quality coaching in small groups - you will always be in a group with a maximum size of 6 pupils to 1 coach, providing plenty of tuition, and we also specialise in on-going coaching to improve quickly.

Operating at Bigbury-on-Sea we have a wide range of breaks right next to us where we can take the lessons - so we get the best conditions every time.  So whether you're a small child or an advanced adult we'll always get you in the best spot. Families and visitors staying in Kingsbridge, Plymouth, Salcombe and Dartmouth often come to Bigbury for a days surfing. 

We also teach at Whitsand Bay in South East Cornwall. 

All equipment is supplied, we have a wide range of surfboards including beginner boards (soft and buoyant), and intermediate boards (soft top and mini-mals) and smaller kids boards.  The wetsuits we use are top quality Xcel suits and we have winter and summer ranges so you'll always be toasty!

Our shop stocks an extensive range of summer and winter wetsuits for men, women and kids.

Discovery Surf School is run by husband and wife team Martin and Annika Connolly. Martin is a top rated British surfer and highly experienced ASI Master coach and lifeguard; working several seasons on local and Australian beaches.  Martin is also the Producer of 110% Surfing Techniques, the international best selling coaching DVD's, bringing our coaching to a worldwide audience.

Discovery Surf School coaches are all highly experienced surf coaches, first aiders, beach lifeguards and with extensive knowledge of local surf/beaches. They are also CRB checked.

Surf Lessons/courses are in groups with other pupils of the same level. The maximun ratio of coaches to pupils in the water is 1 to 6. School/youth groups 1 to 8 max.

We have many long standing relationships with local businesses from accommodation providers to shops, including Triocean Surf and are sponsored by Xcel wetsuits.

Discovery Surf School is based in the same building at the award-winning Venus Café. Open daily apart from Christmas Day, the café offers a delicious menu of organic and locally-sourced food and drink including English breakfasts, organic beef burgers, cream teas, ice creams and children's meals.  The Venus Café caters for gluten-free, vegetarian and meat lovers alike. 

What will you choose for your après-surf meal? 

We also work with The Venus Company to offer watersports with Venus Riders. Offering a mix of surfing, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking.  Watersports tuition, equipment hire and trips are available at Bigbury on Sea and Blackpool Sands.

"Sammy was very reluctant to have surfing lessons, but she is completely converted after her first lesson with your great staff yesterday. Many thanks for helping her discover, what I hope will be, an exciting hobby for her. She really thought that she wouldn't be able to do it, but was standing on the board in the sea within an hour of yesterday's lesson."

Jackie Holmes, a happy Mum