25 Years of Surf Barbados: Why We’re Still in the Water Every Morning

 

There’s an answer we give every day, or so it seems, most often when someone is trying to peel off rental wax on a board or wrestling with the roof rack system: “Why should you rent Surf Barbados surf equipment?”

It’s fair. There are no shortages of teaching staff here. What we've learned from 25 straight years in this business is this: knowing how to surf and knowing how to teach someone else to surf are two completely different disciplines. What we've spent 25 years mastering is the latter.

What 4,500+ Lessons Taught Us About Surf School Barbados

 You don’t stay open for 25 years by accident. You stay open because word-of-mouth goes further than any form of marketing. Our reputation with a customer didn’t come from our marketing efforts—our reputation came from still only taking four people out for each instructor. Our reputation came from Axe still delivering surf boards to hotel lobbies himself. Our reputation came from remembering you from five years ago and asking you how your last surf trip went.

Why surfers choose us (and stay with us):

●     Founded 1995 – One of Barbados’ Original Surf Schools

●     Max 4:1 ratio – Guaranteed, not “when possible”

●     200+ boards – 5’5” to 11ft, soft tops to performance shapes

●     Real Bajan Ownership – Not a Franchise – Not a Hotel Add-on

Case Study: The Guest Who Almost Didn't Paddle Out

Last December, the guest came with her husband already assured that she would be "the one who watches from the beach." She had attempted Surfing Barbados before, but ten years ago in another country, and had spent more time drinking saltwater than time on her feet. The instructor had been short-tempered. She hadn’t surfed a board since.

We placed her with Matthew at Pebbles Beach. Not necessarily because it’s the closest spot to home—but because it’s the flattest ride to waves for a beginner on the south coast. She finally caught a wave a little over forty-five minutes in, a wave breaking at the waist, and rode it all the way to shore. She’s still standing. Her husband recorded the whole event. She’s played the clip more than we have. She’s also already booked for next February.

That’s not a change we can boast about. She simply had it in herself. We merely helped set the circumstances for these aspects to manifest.

Why We Don’t Hire Travellers for the Peak Season

It’s the norm everywhere else. Bring in a couple of Australian or European surfers for the winter swell, pay them off the books, call it “international instruction.” We’ve never done that. All the guides used by Learn to Surf Barbados have been born here, read waves here, and stay here. You’re not getting some instructor who learned breaks here six weeks ago. You’re getting someone who has been watching those swell patterns his entire life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.I've never stood on a surfboard. Is Surf Barbados feasible for me?

A.Yes. We've taught people from 6 to 76. If you know how to swim and are not opposed to falling a number of times, you'll get up.

Q.What’s included in Surf Lessons Barbados pricing?

A.Board, Reef-Safe Sunscreen, Transport, and a 2-hr Water session with a maximum of Four Guests per Coach.

Q.Can we schedule a private session with our family?
A.Absolutely. The private rates are available for $150 USD for two hours, coaching individually according to your ability.

Q.Do you really have 200 boards to choose from?

A.We do. From our range of 5'5" performance shortboards to our long range of 11ft longboards. If we don’t carry it, it probably doesn’t exist.