Unforgettable Surf Lessons in Barbados | Learn to Surf in Paradise
I’ve taken surf lessons in Barbados on two separate trips. There is a special place in my heart for Barbados.
For starters, I was born there, as well as my dad and generations back. I have so many wonderful memories in Barbados, though fewer than I’d like. However, I’ve enjoyed adding surfing memories in more recent years.
My Surf Lessons in Barbados
My Surfing Experience Prior to Lessons
Though my family is from Barbados (and Trinidad), surfing was not the family sport so no one in my family really surfed. However, I grew up in Florida and as a teen, I started to take interest in surfing as a hobby.
Perhaps my love for the beach and ocean was ingrained in me in the first two years of my life spent in Barbados, but any activity involving the ocean is for me! I got a cheap surfboard as a teen, but I wasn’t good. I didn’t start with a longboard which is the first issue. Where all the surfers go in Florida gets busy, so I avoided the best spots (still do). And overall, I just wasn’t improving much.
Now I don’t really mind. Soccer was my main sport growing up and I cared much more about improving at soccer. From day one, I enjoyed surfing and didn’t mind failing. While I still just simply enjoy surfing whether I’m good at it or not, I do want to improve.
My First Surf Lesson in Barbados
It had been a decade since my dad passed, and then my Grannie. I hadn’t been to Barbados, in part because it was painful and in part because I love exploring new places! Well, I finally went back to spend 7 days in Barbados with two of my siblings and family and booked my first surf lesson!
Though I didn’t own my own longboard at this point, I had been stand up paddle boarding for a while! And I could surf with my paddle board. However, I really wanted to learn to surf!
I ended up booking with Barry’s Surf School because my niece and nephew did a surf camp with them. They aren’t the only good option on the island, but I did enjoy my lesson! I’d recommend a smaller class size for most people, but overall they are great!
It was this lesson where learned I prefer a hard top to a soft top! Perhaps my experience on the SUP helped. Though most first time beginners start on the soft top. Paddling to the waves takes a lot of effort! But the surf coaches will usually help push you into a wave once you get out there! Which is great, because the paddling is exhausting!
Barbados Surf Lessons
A couple years later, I returned to Barbados for week. It was in September so it was very quiet on the island in terms of tourism. I booked three surf lessons for my week in Barbados! What I loved about this, was I got to see other surf spots on the island. Some surf schools will offer relocation if the waves aren’t great at one spot.
Beginners will typically surf various breaks located along the South Coast.
Beginner Surf Schools in Barbados
Che’s Surf School
Che’s Surf School has great reviews for surf lessons in Barbados. They are stationed at Drill Hall Beach, which I have surfed at once. This beach is very close to the Hilton Barbados Resort which is perfect if you want to have numerous opportunities to surf close by!
However, Che’s Surf School will change location to find the best waves suited to your surfing level! It is super important when learning to match the board and wave to your level.
They also offer surfboard rentals. So if you are experienced already or want to surf more after your lessons, they offer rentals.
Book Che’s Surf School
Dread or Dead Surf School
Another good option is Dread or Dead Surf School in Barbados. It’s one of the island’s most respected surf schools, known for its laid-back vibe, experienced instructors, and excellent location. They have a home break, but they will find the best waves for your lesson. Their surf shop is on the south coast and they also offer rentals!
The Soco Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive is near the surf shop, but lessons are likely to be taken elsewhere along the south coast. Coconut Court Beach Hotel is another option just up road from the surf shop.
Book Dread or Dead Surf School
Barry’s Surf School
Barry’s Surf School is another great option! Located in Dover Beach, they have two breaks in front. They have numerous coaches and while class sizes can be larger, they keep the surfer to instructor ratio decent. However, with numerous coaches, they will likely have space for you if other options are sold out!
They also offer rentals, so if you already have the basics or want to surf Barbados more after your lesson, you can rent a board from them.
For nearby hotels, there’s a luxury option, O2 Beach Club. For budget friendly look for apartments to rent or Dover Beach Hotel.
Book Barry’s Surf School
What You Need For Surf Lessons In Barbados
Now you won’t need much, and the school you choose might suggest more specifics. Typically speaking, lather up on the sunscreen. I recommend sunscreens that are reef safe and full of zinc! Choose a swimsuit that isn’t fussy and will stay in place for the most part.
Consider a rashguard, as it helps prevent any rubbing against the wax and also protects you from the sun. If you don’t have a rashguard, the surf school might have one you could use! Lastly, don’t forget a towel and some water!
When to Surf in Barbados
October to March is considered the best time for waves, but Barbados has waves year round, so it’s just a matter of finding them when you’re on the island. There are breaks for every level of surfer and beginner waves are on the South Coast. Overall, Barbados is worth visiting as a surfer!
High Season in Barbados starts in November and picks up through April. Once Winter sets in for the Northern Hemisphere, people start looking for a tropical escape. That is high season! Of course, hurricane season runs June to October. Yet, the only true low season for tourism is September and October.
Surf Lessons in Barbados
Well I hope this was helpful in deciding on a Barbados surf school! There’s no better place to learn than in paradise and you can’t really go wrong! While Barbados does have epic waves that bring some of the world’s best surfers to the island, beginners also have a place!
I hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Barbados!
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