Frequently Asked Questions

Are your instructors and surf school qualified and approved ?

GSD is the only 4 star British surfing Association surf school in Wales. All instructors are BSA instructors, Beach Lifeguard qualified and CRB enhanced certified.

I am coming on a stag weekend and we are surfing in the afternoon is it ok if we have a few beers before we come to meet you ?

No, sorry we do not accept anyone whom has been drinking beer. We suggest you choose to do something fun and healthy first then go to the pub to celebrate after. Nothing like a cold one after a hard days surfing.

What do I need to bring ?

The cost of the course includes the use of a surfboard and wetsuit. If you have your own bring it along, however the cost of course stays the same. Please bring along a towel and some warm gear to wear. We also recommend high factor sun cream and in some case total sun block. Even on cloudy days the face can burn.

Are the courses suitable if I am not a strong swimmer ?

It is a B.S.A. rule that all participants must be able to swim 50 meters. The beginner surf sessions stay in waist depth of water, so you do not have to be an olympic swimmer. The great thing about this session is everyone has fun at their own pace.

What happens if the surf gets to rough ?

Here at GSD we constantly monitor the weather and surf forecasts along with liasing with beach rescue and the local coastguard. Gower, is fortunate enough to have several safe surf beaches which face in different directions and therefore suitable for safe satisfying surfing.

What happens if there is no surf ?

Flat periods are experienced all around the world, and generally the worst period for no waves is the summer. Which is a shame for us surfers as the days are long and the water warm. However, in the summer we do get consistant small surf and this is perfect to learn in. If the conditions are flat then we can offer you a surfing session indoors at the LC's wave pool here are some pictures: Indoor surfing lessons Swansea

What time do courses start ?

We run 4 sessions a day in the summer months some starting at dawn. The morning session starts around 10.30 a.m and the afternoon session starts around 2.00 p.m. Obviously this is dependant on the tide and surf for each particular day. We ask that customers arrive at meeting point about 20 minutes prior to session start time.

What does it take to be a 4 star B.S.A surf school ?

The British Surfing Associations Approved Surfing Schools Scheme was introduced in 1990 to help the public obtain better value for money and greater safety whilst being taught to surf.

ABOUT THE AWARD LEVELS
Each BSA Surf School is a designated level of qualification depending on
a) The qualifications of the instructors.
b) The coaching resources they offer.
c) The types of surfing courses the school is qualified to offer.

The Levels

BSA 1
- Provide recreational 'starter-beginner' to 'lower improver' surfing courses.
- Coaches are qualified level 1+ at least 1 qualified @ level 2

BSA 2
- Provide Level 1 Programmes.
- Provide recreational Higher ability surfing from 'higher improver' to 'intermediate' level courses.
- Coaches are qualified levels 1-2.

BSA 3
- Provide Level 1-2 Programmes.
- Provide 'contest & competitive surfer training + recriational 'advanced surfer' programmes.
- Coaches are qualified levels 1-3.

BSA 4 (Which surfGSD is)
- Provide Level 1-3 Programmes.
- Provide a local 'community resource' programme ( = 'kids, grommet and cadets' clubs etc).
- Provide an, 'advanced surfing' development programme for elite squad training.