Rossbeigh’s Ocean Academy: Two Hours of Surf, SUP and Lifesaving on a Wild Atlantic Shore

GLENBEIGH SUP FIELD GUIDE

Rossbeigh’s Ocean Academy: Two Hours of Surf, SUP and Lifesaving on a Wild Atlantic Shore

A 2-hour mixed program of surf, stand-up paddleboarding and swimming/lifesaving lessons for ages 7 and up on Rossbeigh Beach, led by professional surfer Oscar.

Rossbeigh’s Ocean Academy: Two Hours of Surf, SUP and Lifesaving on a Wild Atlantic Shore.

Duration
2 Hours
Location
Glenbeigh
Operator
Rossbeigh Surf School
Category
SUP
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Perched on Rossbeigh Beach along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ocean Academy at Rossbeigh Surf School blends surf and stand‑up paddleboarding with practical swimming and lifesaving skills in a welcoming, community-minded setting. The program is organized by Rossbeigh Surf School and led by Oscar, a professional surfer and lifelong waterman who founded the school to share his experience across a range of watersports and skill levels.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Begin on Rossbeigh Beach — beginner-friendly Atlantic surf

Rossbeigh Beach on the Ring of Kerry provides Atlantic waves well suited to beginners and intermediate surfers, giving learners a powerful yet manageable training ground.

THE TEACHING

A blended curriculum: surf, SUP and lifesaving

The Ocean Academy mixes surf and stand‑up paddle lessons with swimming and lifesaving instruction so participants practice board skills alongside essential water confidence and safety training.

THE BASICS

Waist‑deep water and swim competency required

Lessons are run in waist‑deep water; participants are expected to know how to swim, allowing instructors to progress skills safely in shallow, supervised conditions.

What the day feels like

What the session feels like

The two‑hour Ocean Academy session moves deliberately between shore and water: meet, kit up, then rotate through practical stations that combine paddle technique, wave catching on soft boards and structured swimming/lifesaving practice. Instruction is paced for mixed ages and levels, with a focus on building skill and confidence in the sheltered, waist‑deep zone off Rossbeigh Beach.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this session suits — and who should think twice.

1
Families with children (Ages 7+)Designed for mixed ages, the program accepts children from age 7 upward, making it a good family option for active kids who already swim.
2
Beginner surfers & first‑time paddlersBeginners benefit from shallow, waist‑deep water and instruction that balances surf and SUP fundamentals with safety practice.
3
Intermediate ridersIntermediate participants can refine wave skills within a supervised setting that mixes board time with lifesaving technique.
4
Non‑swimmersNot suitable — participants need to know how to swim to take part safely in the in‑water lessons.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Sessions run every Sunday at 12:00 from the beginning of April through the end of October; each session lasts approximately 2 hours.

Meeting point

Meet at Behy Bridge apt 2, Glenbeigh (Rossbeigh, Co. Kerry V93FC98) prior to the session start.

What to Bring

Kids should bring swimming trunks, a towel and a water bottle; instructors provide boards and safety equipment.

Facilities & Safety

Rossbeigh Beach is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards on duty; parking on the beach is free and there are toilets and showers by the surf school. All surf school employees are trained beach lifeguards.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is a session?

Each Ocean Academy session runs for 2 hours.

What ages can participate?

The program accepts participants aged 7 and up.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes — participants are required to know how to swim since lessons are run in waist‑deep water.

When and where does the group meet?

Meet at Behy Bridge apt 2 in Glenbeigh for the weekly Sunday 12:00 session.

Are there facilities nearby?

Yes — toilets are located by the beach entrance on the south side, there is a coffee shop, bar and restaurants nearby, and a shower by the surf school; parking on the beach is free.

Who runs the lessons?

Rossbeigh Surf School operates the Ocean Academy; the program was established by Oscar, a professional surfer and lifelong waterman.