Frequently Asked Questions

No previous experience is needed. Our surf lessons in Mayo are perfect for complete beginners and improving surfers.

Our ISA-qualified surf instructors tailor each lesson to your level, ensuring a fun and safe learning experience whether it’s your first time or you’re refining your turns.

Yes. SURFMAYO is an official ISA-approved surf school — certified since 1998.

The ISA is the National Governing Body for the sport of surfing in Ireland. The ISA in conjunction with Sport Ireland does not recognise any other surf school accreditation operators within Ireland.

Being an ISA approved surf school ensures that we have qualified instructors, suitable equipment, safety plans, beach permit from Mayo County Council, Safe operating procedures and comprehensive insurance etc. in place. SURFMAYO is inspected yearly by the ISA to ensure that we maintain these high standards.

SURFMAYO is 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.

SURFMAYO abides by the ISA requirements of instructor to student ratio of 1 to 8. On average our groups could be anywhere between 3 and 6 people in a typical surf lesson. Operating in small groups means we can always ensure quality and interpersonal surf lessons.

All our Surf Coaches are ISA Approved Surf Instructors, Irish Water Safety qualified Beach Lifeguards, Garda vetted and have received training and certification in Safeguarding 1 Children’s Safety Protection course from Sport Ireland.

It is advised that you do know how to swim and are comfortable in the water. All our surf lessons are always carried out in knee to waist depth water and close to the shore.

We take kids from 7 years and older. For children under 10, we ask parents or guardians to assist in the water during their first surf lesson.

We provide kids’ wetsuits and soft-top surfboards. Parents should remain on the beach during all children’s lessons for safety.

As a locally run surf school run by year-round surfers, we understand the importance of having good quality surf gear to surf in Ireland. We supply all the equipment (surfboard, wetsuit & boots) in our 2-hour surf lessons.

We have a top range of 5/4mm thickness Alder, Excel, Circle One and C-Skins branded wetsuits. In summertime we provide slip-ons and in winter we provide 5mm Alder booties and Surf Hats.

You are welcome to bring your own wetsuit; however, we don’t recommend short sleeve or 3/2mm thick wetsuits.

We provide quality beginner to intermediate foam surfboards ranging from 6 to 9 feet. We use a mix of top surfboard brands such as Alder, Zeus and Circle One to ensure we have the correct surfboard for your ability and needs.

All you need to bring is swimming togs, towel, dry clothes for afterwards, water, post surf snacks & sunscreen to participate in our surf lessons.

Our surf lessons last for 2 hours. We ask customers to arrive 20 minutes before the surf lesson time slot for sign up, kitting out of gear, etc. so that we can start on time.

Our safety and instruction talks would average 10 – 15 minutes and participants will receive around 1 hour and 45 minutes in the water.

We run surf lessons all year round (weather permitting). During peak season (June – September) we operate 7 days a week and aim to run our surf camp for 9.30am & surf lessons for around 12.30pm.

During off season (October – May), we generally run surf lessons around 12pm. However, some weeks we must alter start times a little to fit in with the local tide times for Carrownisky Strand. This is to ensure optimum conditions & safety for all participants.

If the surf and weather forecast is too stormy to run safely surf lessons / rentals, we will try our best to notify you 24-48 hours in advance. We are on the beach daily during the summer and check the surf forecast regularly. If we must cancel a surf lesson, we will try to reschedule if the surf forecast and conditions permit.

To make a booking, either drop us a call +353877786821 or email [email protected].

We’ll confirm available times based on tide times and lesson availability. Early booking is advised during peak season.

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.

Established in 1998, SURFMAYO is one of Ireland’s longest-running surf schools, run by local, year-round surfers.  We have some of Ireland’s finest surf coaches, all of whom are fully trained lifeguards and highly experienced, passionate surfers.

We’re proud to be the only ISA-certified surf school in the Louisburgh and Westport region.

With 25+ years of experience, we take pride in ensuring we always provide top quality equipment and surf lessons for all our customers. Come join us for a surf experience you will never forget at the beautiful Carrowniskey Strand.

If your question wasn’t answered above, feel free to contact us directly at [email protected] or call us at +353877786821. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, photos, and surf reports.