The Wave
The cheapest good session in western Europe, and the easiest to combine with a Cornwall trip.
What a session costs
Published prices at The Wave, as printed on 2026-09-07. Operators change prices and seasons without notice, so treat these as the shape of the cost rather than a quote, and check the operator before you book.
| Session | Price |
|---|---|
| Beginner lesson | £50 / session |
| Reef session (improver to expert) | from £55 / session |
| Reef lesson | from £61 / session |
Prices collected 2026-09-07 from thewave.com. Session prices do not include flights, boards, wetsuit hire unless noted, or accommodation.
The waves at The Wave
The Wave opened in 2019. It is an outdoor pool on Wavegarden Cove.
- Beginner Surf Session beginner, 1.5 ftWhitewater only, for solo practice after at least one lesson.
- Intermediate Surf Session intermediate, 3 ftA forgiving open green wave with a gentle take-off that holds its shape down the line.
- Advanced / Advanced Plus advancedSteeper reef waves with a narrower take-off zone as the level rises.
- Expert Barrel Session expert, 6 ftA fast, hollow wave with consistent barrels and critical take-offs.
- Expert Turns Session expertAn expert wave set up for turns instead of barrels.
When to go
Open all year, with hours that change by season. In summer it opens every day from 7am to 10pm.
The lake is not heated, so it follows UK sea temperatures. The site showed 17 C in early October.
The Wave provides a thick winter wetsuit with boots, gloves and a hood.
Boards, wetsuits and lessons
Board hire is included in the session. Wetsuit hire is included in the session.
Foam boards are free up to Intermediate. Hardboards cost extra, from £17.
Lessons run from Little Rippers (ages 4 to 12) through Beginner, Improver and Advanced, plus adaptive coaching.
Weekend sessions sell out first. Surfers must be 6 or older and able to swim 25 m.
Getting there and where to stay
BRS is about 20 minutes away. London airports are two hours out but usually far cheaper long haul. Also worth pricing: LHR, LGW.
On-site lodging includes The Camp, with safari-style glamping tents, and The Field Campsite.
Porthcawl in South Wales is about 1 hour 12 minutes' drive from Bristol.
Taking your own board? Check which airlines charge for one and whether your board bag fits.
Good to know
- Arrive 60 minutes before your session.
- You pick the left or the right side and stay on it for the session.
- Children aged 6 to 8 need a paying adult in the water with them.
- A booking made more than 7 days out can be cancelled for account credit.
Questions
- How much does a session at The Wave cost?
- From £50 a session, for Beginner lesson. That is the operator's price on 2026-09-07.
- What is the nearest airport to The Wave?
- Fly into BRS. BRS is about 20 minutes away. London airports are two hours out but usually far cheaper long haul.
- When is The Wave open?
- Open all year, with hours that change by season. In summer it opens every day from 7am to 10pm.
- Do I need a wetsuit at The Wave?
- The Wave provides a thick winter wetsuit with boots, gloves and a hood.
- Can beginners surf The Wave?
- Yes. Beginner Surf Session is for beginners: Beginner Surf Session.
Venue details checked 2026-10-07. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. New to pools? Wave pool 101 covers how a session works.
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