About Us

Discovery Surf School is a BSA (British Surfing Association) Centre Of Excellence - the highest level for a professional surf school and we have been operating at Bigbury and Bantham since 2002.  

We provide professional coaching for all ages and levels, from absolute beginners to experienced surfers. We emphasise on quality coaching in small groups, providing plenty of tuition, and we also specialise in on-going coaching to improve quickly.

Operating at Bigbury and Bantham, from our base at Bigbury-on-Sea we have a wide range of breaks where we can take the lessons - so we get the best conditions every time.

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.

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 experienced BSA 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 BSA 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.

Discovery Surf School went international in 2009, when Martin's sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Tully Farrell set up Discovery Surf School New Zealand!  So if you are ever out there and want some lessons, check them out!

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 as The Venus Cafe - "Provider of the best alfresco Mediterranean style dining experience in a UK beach setting whilst integrating environmental & social care into every business decision." (Citation by the Queen's Awards Office 2005).  

Provides a great apres surf meal!  The Burger Meal is a particular favourite among the coaches,  but they also do a great filled baguette!

We also work with the Venus Company as part of 'Venus Riders', where you can book a combination of watersports including surfing, stand up paddle surfing, windsurfing and kayaking.  Please contact us for more information.

"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