Unforgettable Surf Lessons in Barbados | Learn to Surf in Paradise

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 in Florida 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. Most 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 provide directions to Dover Beach, which is where I had my first lesson.

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. You’ll still most likely surf along the south coast, but it’s good that they will find the best conditions.

They also offer surfboard rentals. So if you are experienced already or want to surf more after your lessons, they offer rentals.

Check availability for 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, and experienced instructors. They offer pickup and 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.

Check availability for 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. I did my lessons with them and really enjoyed it!

They have numerous coaches and while class sizes at times can be larger, they keep the surfer to instructor ratio decent. Of course, 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.

Check availability for Barry’s Surf School

Surf Lessons in Barbados

Well I hope this was helpful in deciding to book surf lessons in Barbados! 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! This small island packs a punch with beautiful beaches, memorable experiences, and laid back vibes.

I hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Barbados!