Our coaching team comprises multiple-time national champions, Damian Prisk and Rob Barber. The photography and video analysis team are highly trained to capture all of your rides and deliver high-standard land and water footage. Of course, the World Champion Iain Campbell will be heading up the coaching team this weekend!
Iain Campbell is originally from the surf-rich shores of Durban, South Africa. He caught the bodyboarding bug early at age 10 and never looked back. By 11, he was competing and has since racked up two national titles and a dominating six national tour wins before becoming the 2017 world champion. A multi-talented athlete, Iain is able to share his expertise and passion in a way that makes those around him even better bodyboarders. From local waves to global glory, Iain’s journey is pure surf stoke.
Rob Barber is not only the founder of Bodyboard Holidays - he is also a former European and British Bodyboarding Number. After a remarkable 25-year career combined with his role as Head Coach for the UK Surfing & Bodyboarding team, he was inspired to create unique bodyboarding experiences for like-minded people.
Based in Newquay, Cornwall, Damien Prisk has been bodyboarding for over 30 years. He’s won 5 national titles and has been lucky enough to travel the world competing with sponsorships from amazing bodyboarding companies. He loves working with the guests of Bodyboard-Holidays, sharing the “stoke” and helping others discover the world of bodyboarding.
Using our local knowledge you will be guided to the best waves on offer each day, providing an unforgettable experience witnessing Iain Campbell’s awe-inspiring mastery firsthand. Over the weekend, you’ll have the exclusive chance to receive personalised, one-on-one coaching from the world champion himself, as he unveils the secrets to mastering bigger manoeuvres. This unique opportunity allows you to tap into the expertise of a world champ and significantly enhance your riding skills.
There are four levels of bodyboarding progression. Bodyboard Holidays plot your progress through each stage using video analysis. You’ll be able to access areas of our coaching portal to supplement your learning with online training aids. These include pre and post-weekend videos and tutorials.
Seeing yourself bodyboard is a fantastic way to improve your performance. Every day you’ll watch a move-by-move breakdown of your bodyboarding session with footage both on land and in the water – you will get world-class shots from your dedicated trip photographer.
You’ll get to take a photo and video package home with you at the end of the weekend, which is a helpful tool for your on-going progress and an epic memento of your weekend. It will all be uploaded to an online gallery as you go so you have access to all your best shots and videos to upload throughout the weekend. We love seeing your waves on social media so feel free to share them as you like and make all your friends wildly jealous!
By Car
Newquay is a 15-minute drive from the A30, which links to the M5. We’re based on Fore Street. We’ll send you detailed information before your arrival, including parking instructions and maps.
By Train
The railway station is in the town centre. If you’re travelling by train, we may be able to pick you up from the station (time-dependent). Get in touch for more details.
By Air
We’re a 20-minute drive from the airport. You can fly into Newquay from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Flights are available from key European cities.
After a coffee and a welcome meeting on Saturday morning, you will split off into groups. You will then get changed and have your first bodyboarding session of the weekend at one of the nearby beaches (all within an 8-minute walk).
If the local beaches aren’t serving up the conditions that we need, we then ask those who have driven to the camp to share their car with others. You will follow your instructors and travel in convoy to the chosen beaches. The journey time is rarely longer than 15 minutes. You will be asked prior to the weekend if we need you to drive. Although occasionally we will journey over to the south coast of Cornwall, you will be told about this in advance of the weekend. We are focused on getting you to the best possible waves!
We try to minimise the number of vehicles to minimise our environmental impact and to reduce our carbon footprint. We kindly ask to split any car parking costs between the passengers in each vehicle, so please bring a pound or two in change.
Luckily you won’t need to travel too far from the waves, there is a great selection of accommodation in the heart of Newquay.
Self-Catering Options
Sunset Views Apartment – Pentire, Newquay
The Sunset Views apartment overlooks Pentire Headland and benefits from natural light in a spacious living area. This two-bedroom property is perfectly located close to Fistral Beach and Newquay Town Centre; ideal for a post-lesson surf or a bite to eat in the evening. Both the Gannel Estuary and Crantock Beach are within a five-minute walk, with the coastal path or main road accessible from the apartment.
The luxury apartment is located on the third floor with both elevator and staircase access. There is also a spacious, open-plan kitchen diner to enjoy home-made meals after a hard day of training. There is a juliet balcony in the kitchen that enjoys morning sunshine for alfresco breakfasts too. The dining room houses a large dinner table which is a great space for working or eating while enjoying ocean views out across Fistral Beach.
In the large lounge you will find a sofa-bed, flat-screen TV, plenty of space and a private south-facing balcony. This means you will benefit from sunshine all day alongside excellent opportunities to check the surf and catch some epic sunsets.
Each of the two bedrooms have a set of twin beds, a wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table and reading light. One has an en-suite with two hand basins, a bath, shower and toilet. There is also a separate bathroom and WC. Both bedrooms have stunning sea views for that ultimate hint of luxury.
Newquay Bay Apartment, Newquay
The second choice of accommodation is the Newquay Bay Apartment, a place where you really couldn’t get any closer to the action if you tried. This apartment is ideally located just minutes from the centre of Newquay town. With plenty of surf shops, coffee shops, independent retailers and gourmet restaurants close by, you’ll definitely get that laid-back surf vibe during your stay!
Newquay Bay Apartment is a modern, quiet, two-bedroom property that benefits from brand new fixtures and fittings due to a complete refurbishment in 2021. There is a new and modern kitchen as well as a brand new bathroom. The apartment is just a two-minute walk to Newquay Harbour where you will find one of our favourite wild swimming spots and idyllic ocean views. In the opposite direction, but just as close, you’ll find Newquay Town Centre with an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants and surf shops.
Inside the property there is a large and spacious living room/diner, comprising a sofa bed and a brand new 52” TV. There is also a sizable dining table that lends itself nicely to group meals. Alternatively, it can double up as a large work or study space.
The two bedrooms are both twin rooms with zip-link beds; these can be connected together if you’re after a private double room or you’re staying with a partner. Both rooms have wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside tables and reading lights.
The living room space benefits from four large windows that face out across Towan, Great Western and beyond – all the way to Watergate Bay on a clear day! There is also a large south-facing courtyard to the rear of the property, perfect for catching some rays or hanging wetsuits out to dry.
We run our Newquay coaching weekends from Oceanside Hotel, located just above the world-famous Fistral Beach. All bodyboard weekenders receive discounted accommodation at the Oceanside Hotel, just head over to their website and use code: BBoardHol10.
Make sure you book as soon as possible as they only have limited availability! Here you’ll have epic views of the beach, be able to check the surf while eating breakfast and have a short walk down the stairs to the meeting point!
Check out Smarties Surf Lodge and tell your wonderful host Jackie that you are a bodyboarder on our weekend and you will receive a cold beer and some cake when you check in!
AIRBNB
In the heart of Newquay, overlooking Towan and with stunning views stretching all the way to Watergate, check out Lotus Lounge. This two story flat has a sun deck and can sleep up to 8 people. Also check out their properties on Pentire Headland, Little Lotus and Ocean Lotus!
Cliff House has stood proud with its four identical tall neighbours on Fore Street since it was built over 100 years ago. These grand iconic buildings were originally holiday homes for the gentry as Newquay established itself as a destination for the wealthy to take in the sea air at the beginning of the 20th Century. Cliff House is located in the heart of Newquay close to many great restaurants.
It has breathtaking sea views over Towan Beach which can be accessed via a footpath, just a stone’s throw from the property. Fistral Beach, one of the best surfing beaches in Britain, is less than a 10 minute walk away. Following extensive renovations, Cliff House plugs that gap between large hotels and traditional seaside guest houses. Bodyboard Holidays customers can benefit from a 10% discount when booking direct with Cliff House and using the code: BODYBOARDHOLIDAYS10
Why not check out Lazy Waves who boast stunning sea views overlooking Towan Beach. Roll out of bed and right into the surf!
Both the Travel Lodge or Premier Inn in Newquay also benefit from awesome sea views.
Camping
For those of you who prefer a slightly more wild adventure, have a look at our favourite camping spot – Trethiggey Holiday Park. For the van-lifers, there are also wild camping spots in the area if you are lucky enough to find that perfect place!
Food isn’t included in the weekend, but we’d recommend fruit, nuts and other fibre-filled snacks to keep you energised for your water sessions. Tea, coffee and other drink options are also available to purchase throughout the day. Your Saturday meal will also take place at a restaurant or cafe of our choice, depending on where we surf that day, giving you the opportunity to enjoy fantastic local food. All dietary requirements can be catered for.
Equipment is not included in the cost of the weekend. If you decide not to bring your own kit (or you don’t own it) to hire equipment for the weekend the prices are as follows;
Swim fins – £8 per day
Board – £8 per day
Wetsuit – £8 per day
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If you are not paying in full at the time of booking, we do offer a deposit system if needed.
You can either:
Full payment must be made 12 weeks prior to the trip start date.
We can’t guarantee your place until we receive payment (in full or a deposit).
You’ll then be sent a trip confirmation email and a link to an enrolment form to complete.
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with a host of new bodyboarding buddies.
Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for up to 24 hours without payment.
Single days aren’t available for this weekend. If you would like to do a single day, check out one of our other coaching weekends.
Group booking discounts are available, please contact us for more information.
ASAP! These weekends fill up quickly and, with limited spaces available, sell out fast. We operate on a first come first serve basis. If you want to secure your place on the weekend, it is advised that you pay as soon as you can.
If you are based outside of the UK and would like to book or chat through the weekend details, we can be contacted through our online chat.
We have a great mix of all ages from young whipper-snappers to silver surfers.
The gender ratio at the moment is around 60% men to 40% women. However, this is constantly changing and Bodyboard Holidays is inclusive to all.
You’ll be asked to fill in an enrolment form as part of the booking process where you’ll signify which level of bodyboarder you are. You may be in a different group suited to your ability, however, there will be plenty of time to see each other in the evening and during your social evening meal.
We choose the time of year and location for our events based on local knowledge and historical swell data. In the event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we may move the coaching to The Wave in Bristol to guarantee waves that are appropriate for bodyboarding. There will be an additional fee to supplement the cost of this arrangement.
If a move to The Wave is not possible, we will offer alternative activities to help you get the most out of the ocean conditions. This may include Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Coasteering, Kayaking, or other coastal activities.
We may also adjust the format of the weekend. For example, choosing to run all of the sessions on Sunday if that’s when the waves are at their best.
Please visit our T&Cs for more information.
With decades of experience and knowledge within our team, we pick the best dates when the surf conditions are most consistent and will be most suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-weekend pack on the Wednesday before the weekend.
We chose Newquay due to the huge variety of beaches. The beautiful long sandy beaches offer peaks for all abilities, the skill is to know which is best on the tide and wind conditions that are on offer. That’s where our local guides are worth their weight in gold. We pride ourselves on having you in the right place for the best waves for your ability each weekend.
We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.
Yes! This is a scenario that we are very familiar with. You are very welcome to join the bodyboard weekend while the rest of your family enjoy Newquay. Please see our “Accommodation” section for recommendations. Book early to avoid disappointment and get the best prices.
You will be sent your pre-arrival information email on the Wednesday before the weekend. We will also send you the Saturday morning meeting time and location in the same email.
Yes, absolutely. We offer a bonus bodyboard session on Friday. Just message through our online chat to let us know that you are interested in attending this. We can deliver extra bodyboarding lessons at any time just let us know when you would like one.
Yes! There are wild camping spots in the area if you are lucky enough to find that perfect spot.
We choose our favourite coastal restaurant because of the range of great menu options that it has available. All dietary requirements are catered for.
We finish after lunch on Sunday afternoon. We often have lunch together and you can expect to leave by 3pm. If you need to leave earlier then please let us know at the time of booking and we can make sure that your group sessions are organised so that you finish in time to get away.
Yes, we can store your bag and other belongings at the event.
We have a full range of hire equipment that we can present to you. We can also recommend the most suitable board for you to progress on but this would need to be pre-booked before the weekend. If you have reservations about your kit please let us know in advance and we can help you out.
If you are under 18, we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the holiday. If you are 60 or over we’d love to chat with you about the trip before you book. Please contact us via our online chat.
After meeting on Saturday morning, we’ll split each group according to ability levels. After getting changed, we’ll take a short walk to the beach. If we decide to go mobile to a different beach, you may be asked to drive your own vehicle. This would be organised with you prior to the weekend, and we try to car-share to reduce our environmental impact. If you don’t want to drive – no worries!
There is a pay and display car park a short walk from our meeting point. We will supply further details and costs in the pre-weekend information pack.
Yes! Many people bring their dogs on our Newquay coaching weekends. Some customers leave their dog in their van whilst they surf.
Alternatively, we have a selection of dog-friendly care options to make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun! Get in touch via our online chat to find out more today.
There are warm outdoor showers at our partner business, The Newquay Activity Centre. If we are nearby you can use them. Perfect for a quick rinse off.
Yes, partners are welcome to join the meal, just let us know at the welcome meeting and we will add them to our booking.
If your circumstances change and you can’t join the trip, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.
Cancellation terms:
We hold part or full costs, depending on when you cancel:
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.
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