Waist‑deep first waves: a two‑day kids surf camp on Tramore Bay

TRAMORE SURF FIELD GUIDE

Waist‑deep first waves: a two‑day kids surf camp on Tramore Bay

Ages 8–16, two days with around one hour in the water per day — a supervised, Irish Surfing Association–standard introduction to surfing run by Tramore Surf School.

Waist‑deep first waves: a two‑day kids surf camp on Tramore Bay.

Duration
2 Days • 1 Hour in the Water Per Day • Lesson Can be up to 2 Hours long Due to Instruction, changing etc
Location
Tramore
Operator
Tramore Surf School
Category
Surf
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On the wide, sandy arc of Tramore Bay, Tramore Surf School runs a focused two‑day camp that teaches children to catch their first waves in waist‑deep water under qualified Irish coaches. The program suits absolute beginners through more experienced youngsters, pairing patient instruction with school‑friendly lessons about tides and coastal life.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE INSTRUCTORS

ISA‑qualified coaches and small group ratios

All instructors are fully qualified Irish Surfing Association coaches who run lessons to ISA standards; public sessions are organised so there are no more than eight students per instructor, ensuring attentive, safe progress and plenty of patient coaching.

THE SETTING

Shallow bay conditions for confident, safe learning

Lessons take place in waist‑deep water on Tramore’s bay, a forgiving environment for first time surfers and nervous swimmers where coaches can stand close and guide every stage of a wave‑catching attempt.

THE FORMAT

Two days, short focused water time with flexible lesson length

The camp runs over two days with roughly one hour in the water per day, though individual lessons — including instruction time, changing and briefings — can take up to two hours; sessions may be shortened for health and safety reasons if required.

What the day feels like

What the two‑day surf camp feels like

Days are compact and purposeful: meet, brief, suit up, and spend concentrated time practising pop‑ups and stance in waist‑deep water under the close supervision of experienced coaches. The tone is encouraging and playful — instructors mix technique with short shore talks about tides and local sea life — so kids leave with a clearer understanding of waves and a few successful runs under their belts.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this camp is best for — and who should think twice.

1
Active families with kids aged 8–16An ideal, supervised introduction to surfing for children in the 8–16 age range; families looking for a short, coached experience will find patient instructors and safety‑first sessions.
2
Nervous beginnersWell suited — lessons are in waist‑deep water, coaches are experienced with anxious learners, and activities are adjusted to individual comfort and swimming ability.
3
Schools and youth groupsDesigned to accommodate group bookings and school holiday camps with structured ratios (up to eight students per instructor) that provide both safety and instructional attention.
4
Experienced young surfersStill a useful option for improving basics or practicing technique in a controlled environment; private lessons are available for more tailored coaching.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The camp runs over two days with approximately one hour in the water each day; lesson activities including changing and instruction can make sessions last up to two hours, and sessions may be shortened for health and safety reasons.

What to Bring

Bring swimwear to wear under the provided wetsuit and a towel for drying off afterwards; the school provides all other equipment needed.

Equipment provided

Boards, wetsuits and any necessary safety gear are supplied by Tramore Surf School as part of the booking.

Meeting point

Participants meet at Tramore Surf Shop (The Pavilion, Old Crobally Rd, Tramore West) to check in and collect kit before heading to the beach.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages can attend the camp?

The camp is designed for children aged 8–16.

How long am I in the water each day?

You should expect about one hour in the water per day; lesson activities including instruction and changing can extend the session to up to two hours.

Do I need to bring a wetsuit or board?

No — the school provides all the necessary equipment; participants should bring swimwear to wear under the wetsuit and a towel for afterwards.

What is the instructor to student ratio?

For public or large group lessons there is a maximum of eight students per instructor to ensure safety and individual guidance.

Are sessions safe for non‑swimmers or nervous kids?

Yes — lessons take place in waist‑deep water and coaches cater for all swimming abilities; instructors are ISA‑qualified and can adapt sessions to an individual’s comfort level.

Can a lesson be shortened or changed?

Yes — lessons may be shortened at any time for health and safety reasons and instructors will adjust the programme according to sea conditions and group needs.