First Waves at Curracloe: Group Surf Lessons with The Surf Shack

CURRACLOE SURF FIELD GUIDE

First Waves at Curracloe: Group Surf Lessons with The Surf Shack

Beginner-focused, ASI-affiliated group lessons on Curracloe Beach that teach the fundamentals in a focused 1 hour 30 minute session.

First Waves at Curracloe: Group Surf Lessons with The Surf Shack.

Duration
1 Hour 30mins
Location
Curracloe
Operator
The Surf Shack
Category
Surf
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On the wide, wind-swept sands of Curracloe, The Surf Shack runs compact group lessons that turn nervous first-timers into confident wave riders. With small groups, seasoned instructors and more than a decade of local coaching experience, lessons here are designed to be safe, social and physically demanding — a beginner-friendly way to learn surf fundamentals and how to read the local conditions at Co. Wexford’s famous beach.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Curracloe — a forgiving, famous shoreline
THE BEACH

Curracloe — a forgiving, famous shoreline

Curracloe’s surf is well suited to learners: broad sand, surf that’s friendly for beginners and safe-to-swim conditions at all tides. The beach is also notable for its cinematic history, having been used as a location for Saving Private Ryan.

Step-by-step coaching to your first wave
THE LESSON

Step-by-step coaching to your first wave

Group lessons progress from beach skills to shallow-water practice so you build balance, board control and surf awareness. Classes run in groups of eight, and the coaching approach emphasizes reading wind, swell and tide as well as safe solo surfing habits.

Tailor a private Shack session for family or friends
PRIVATE GROUPS

Tailor a private Shack session for family or friends

If you want a dedicated timeslot, The Surf Shack offers private group surfs that can be booked online or by phone — ideal for families, couples or small groups who want a bespoke lesson.

What the day feels like

What the lesson feels like

Expect a brisk, hands-on session that moves from a short beach briefing to dry-land drills and then into the shallows for guided wave practice. Instructors break down board skills and surf reading in manageable steps so you’ll be attempting your first stand-ups within a single 1 hour 30 minute lesson — all delivered in a compact group environment with experienced coaches who’ve spent years developing grassroots surfing locally.

Curracloe — a forgiving, famous shoreline

THE BEACH

Curracloe — a forgiving, famous shoreline

Curracloe’s surf is well suited to learners: broad sand, surf that’s friendly for beginners and safe-to-swim conditions at all tides. The beach is also notable for its cinematic history, having been used as a location for Saving Private Ryan.

Step-by-step coaching to your first wave

THE LESSON

Step-by-step coaching to your first wave

Group lessons progress from beach skills to shallow-water practice so you build balance, board control and surf awareness. Classes run in groups of eight, and the coaching approach emphasizes reading wind, swell and tide as well as safe solo surfing habits.

Tailor a private Shack session for family or friends

PRIVATE GROUPS

Tailor a private Shack session for family or friends

If you want a dedicated timeslot, The Surf Shack offers private group surfs that can be booked online or by phone — ideal for families, couples or small groups who want a bespoke lesson.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who these lessons suit — and who should think twice.

1
Absolute BeginnersIdeal — lessons are structured from the ground up with shallow-water teaching so newcomers can learn basics quickly in a safe group setting.
2
Families with kidsWell suited — kids aged 6–16 are accepted at the same rate as adults, and private group sessions can be arranged for family-focused instruction.
3
Active Groups & FriendsA strong match — group lessons (standard groups of eight) and discounted rates for groups of five or more make this a social, physical outing.
4
Non- or limited-swimmersStill possible — the school explicitly uses shallow-water teaching methods so you do not need to be a competent swimmer to take part.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Each group lesson lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

What to Bring

Instruction includes shallow-water teaching, so a high level of swimming competency is not required; follow the operator’s guidance on footwear, clothing and weather-appropriate layers.

Meeting Point & Booking

Lessons meet at Curracloe Beach; private group sessions can be booked online or by phone.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is a group lesson?

Group lessons run for 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where do lessons meet?

All group lessons meet at Curracloe Beach.

How much do lessons cost?

Standard rates are €40 for adults (17+) and €40 for kids (6–16); groups of five or more pay €35 per person.

Can non-swimmers take a lesson?

Yes — instructors use shallow-water teaching methods so you do not need to be a competent swimmer to participate.

Do you offer private group sessions?

Yes — private group surfs are available to book online or by phone and can be tailored for families, couples or small groups.

How large are the standard groups?

Standard group lessons run with groups of eight to ensure consistent instruction.

How can I contact The Surf Shack to book or ask questions?

You can call between 10am–5pm at 087-9154786 or email [email protected]; bookings are also available via the operator’s online calendar.