FAQ
SURFMAYO has been teaching surfing at Carrowniskey Strand since 1998. We are the only Irish Surfing Association (ISA) approved surf school in the Louisburgh and Westport area, with fully qualified instructors, small lesson groups, and over 25 years of local surf experience. Our surf school is run by experienced surfers who surf and teach at Carrownisky Strand year-round.
Yes. SURFMAYO has been an official Irish Surfing Association (ISA) approved surf school since 1998.
The ISA is the recognised governing body for surfing in Ireland and sets national training and safety standards alongside Sport Ireland.
ISA approval means our surf school is independently inspected and operates to strict standards for:
- qualified instructors
- safety procedures
- child safeguarding
- insurance
- equipment and beach permits
SURFMAYO is proud to be the only ISA-approved surf school in the Louisburgh and Westport area of County Mayo. Check out the Irish Surfing Association website for approved surf schools around Ireland.
No experience is needed. Our surf lessons are designed for complete beginners as well as intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills.
We keep our lesson groups small to ensure good quality coaching and safety.
Our average group size is typically between 3–6 surfers, with a maximum instructor ratio of 1:8 in line with Irish Surfing Association (ISA) standards.
Smaller group sizes allow instructors to spend more time with participants during lessons.
All SURFMAYO instructors are qualified ISA-approved surf coaches and Irish Water Safety Beach Lifeguards.
Our instructors are Garda vetted and trained in child safeguarding through Sport Ireland’s Safeguarding 1 programme.
Our surf lessons last approximately 2 hours, including safety instruction, beach coaching, and around 1 hour 45 minutes in the water.
We ask all participants to arrive 20 minutes before their lesson time to allow enough time for check-in and getting fitted with surf gear so lessons can start on time.
All surf lessons include a surfboard, wetsuit, and boots.
As a locally run surf school operated by year-round surfers, we understand the importance of good quality gear for Irish Atlantic conditions. We provide premium 5/4mm wetsuits from trusted surf brands including Alder, Xcel, Circle One, and C-Skins.
During winter lessons we also provide 5mm booties and surf hoods for extra warmth and comfort.
Our beginner-to-intermediate surfboards range from 6–9ft and are carefully selected to match different ages and abilities.
All you need to bring is swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, water, and sunscreen.
We generally take children from 7 years of age upwards. For younger beginners aged 7–10, we ask parents or guardians to assist in the water during the first lesson.
Participants should be comfortable in the water and have basic swimming ability.
Our beginner surf lessons take place in shallow knee-to-waist depth water close to shore, with instructors nearby for guidance and assistance throughout the lesson.
We keep our lesson groups small so instructors can spend more time helping participants during lessons.
We run surf lessons year-round, weather and surf conditions permitting.
During peak season (June–September), we typically operate 7 days a week, with surf camp sessions around 9:30am and daily surf lessons from approximately 12:30pm.
During the off-season (October–May), lessons generally run around midday. As surfing conditions at Carrowniskey Strand are tide-dependent, lesson times can vary slightly from week to week to ensure the safest and best possible conditions for participants.
If the surf or weather forecast is too stormy to safely run lessons or rentals, we will contact you as early as possible — usually 24–48 hours in advance.
During summer, our instructors are on the beach daily and regularly monitor local surf and weather conditions at Carrowniskey Strand. If conditions are unsuitable, we will do our best to reschedule your lesson when conditions improve.
Yes, if you have prior surf experience, you can rent surfboards and wetsuits directly from us. We carry a full range of soft-top surfboards, 5mm wetsuits, boots, and surf hats.
Note: If you’ve never surfed before, you must first complete an ISA-approved surf lesson for your safety and enjoyment.
To book a surf lesson or rental, either drop us a call +353877786821 or email info@surfmayo.com.
We’ll confirm available times based on tide times and lesson availability. Early booking is recommended during summer.
SURFMAYO is based at Carrowniskey Strand, near Louisburgh, in County Mayo. We’re about 30 minutes from Westport, 45 minutes from Castlebar, and 1 hour 45 minutes from Galway City.
Carrowniskey Strand is known for being one of the most consistent and best beginner surf beaches in Ireland. Please drive slowly when approaching the beach due to farm activity and surf traffic.
If your question wasn’t answered above, feel free to contact us directly at info@surfmayo.com or call us at +353877786821. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, photos, and surf reports.