Our safety standards
We take safety very seriously. In fact, in many cases, we keep our standards higher than those recommended by our governing bodies. This is because we believe, quite simply, that safety comes first. The sea, whilst enabling us to have a huge amount of fun, must be respected because conditions can change very quickly. Our policy reflects the respect we have for the ocean.
• We abide by & support the British Surfing Association criteria for approved schools.
• We are fully insured and covered by an extensive public liability insurance that includes injury & damage to third parties.
• All our coaches are BSA qualified & Beach Lifeguard qualified, including first aid and resuscitation techniques.
• We carry out risk assessments on all areas of our surfing courses on the beaches we use – they are reviewed & approved regularly by the BSA.
• We have an Emergency Action Plan on display which can be read by anybody attending our surfing courses.
• We ensure every student completes a Health & Safety form. These enable us to gauge any specific needs.
Surf School Equipment
• We only use soft surfboards with leashes for coaching beginner surfers.
• We provide full length, titanium lined ‘steamer’ wetsuits & are one of the few surf schools that provide boots & hoods so you can be warm & safe.
• All surf students are provided with a high visibility identity vest for use during surf lessons, so they can be identified by the coach. Coaches also wear a different colour high visibility vest so you can identify them.
• We check all our equipment regularly to ensure it is safe and suitable for intended use.
• We carry a first aid kit and emergency telephone during all surf lessons.
• Each surf coach carries a surf rescue board and first aid kit during all surf sessions.
Standard Safety Practices
• We have a maximum of one coach to 8 students in the water. Most schools work on a ratio of 10:1.
• We only use beaches with professional life guard cover.
• All our coaches are equipped with ‘warning whistles’ during lessons.
• For child protection reasons, we require a parent or guardian to remain within visual contact of any student under the age of 14.
• We require everyone to complete a Health & Safety form prior to their lesson to ensure we understand any pre-existing medical conditions that may need to be accommodated during their lesson.
• For any student under 18, this form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
• All beginner & novice surf lessons are conducted in conditions that are safe & suitable for the individuals taking part.
• All surf locations & conditions are constantly monitored and risk assessed to ensure they remain suitable for the students being taught.
• To ensure we maintain our high standards we are independently monitored by BSA and North Cornwall District Council safety representatives.
If you are thinking of booking lessons with anyone else, please make sure they meet these high safety standards first, and that they are ‘British Surfing Association approved’.
