Cullen Beach Surfing Class Scotland with Qualified Instructor

Your instructor stays in the water with you the whole lesson, not watching from the shore.

A surfing class at Cullen Beach in Scotland where you learn in the North Sea with a qualified lifeguard instructor who stays in the water to guide you through waves suited to beginners. The lesson runs two hours total, with about ninety minutes in the water. All equipment (5mm winter wetsuits, boots, gloves and hoods if needed) is provided. Children from age eight are welcome, and the beach offers safe conditions with mellow green waves and long rolling whitewater.

The experience

You meet your instructor at the Cullen Beach carpark and get changed into a 5mm winter wetsuit fitted to your size and shape. The lesson starts on the sand with an introduction to surfing, theory, and safety information, followed by a yoga-inspired warm-up before you enter the water. Your instructor, a qualified lifeguard, stays in the sea with you the whole time, giving personalised feedback based on your ability and helping you choose waves that match your skill level. About ninety minutes of water time means you get real practice, not a rushed introduction.

Cullen Beach itself is built for beginners: the waves roll in green and mellow, the whitewater runs long, and the sandy bottom keeps conditions predictable. The carpark sits steps from the beach, and the area has public toilets, free parking, and local coffee and food businesses nearby if you want to warm up after. The lesson works for adults and children from age eight, whether you're picking up surfing for the first time or working to improve skills you already have.

What’s included

• All surfing equipment including a high-quality 5mm winter wetsuit fitted to your size, boots, gloves and hood if needed.
• instruction from a qualified lifeguard who stays in the water with you.
• about ninety minutes of water time.
• and access to the beach with free parking and nearby public facilities.

Options for this experience

2 options

Surfing Class at Cullen BayGuide in English · 10:00 and 14:00Group lesson: take up surfing with other novices in a lesson on Cullen Beach (up to 8 people)

Private surf lesson at CullenGuide in English · 10:00 and 14:00Private booking: a single instructor reserved just for your group, tailoring the session to you.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (8 to 15 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Blue Coast Surf & Paddle

Is this one for you?Book the shared class if you're comfortable learning alongside other beginners and want the energy of a group. Choose the private lesson if you prefer one-on-one instruction tailored entirely to your pace and goals.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 15 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the surfing class at Cullen Beach?

All equipment is provided: a 5mm thick winter wetsuit fitted to your size, plus boots, gloves and a hood if you need them. You bring nothing but yourself and a valid form of ID.

How much time do I actually spend in the water?

About ninety minutes of water time, with the full lesson lasting two hours once you factor in changing, the beach introduction and the warm-up on sand.

Is Cullen Beach safe for someone who's never surfed before?

Yes. The beach has mellow green waves and long rolling whitewater that suit beginners, and your instructor is a qualified lifeguard in the water with you the whole time, giving feedback and helping you pick appropriate waves.

What should I bring to Cullen Beach for the lesson?

Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after. The carpark is free, and public toilets are on site. A wetsuit, boots and gloves are all provided.