Monday, January 14, 2008

Fistral surf schools frequently asked questions


Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I see a surfing course I want to purchase and how do I Pay for it?

There are a few options available to you regarding payment, they are as follows:

Pay online via our secure server and google checkout, simply go to www.shopgsd.com and select the surf course, gift voucher or surf book you would like to purchase.

If your card is rejected do not worry, if the lesson is within the coming week simply pay at the beach via cash or if over a week away you can send a chq payable to 'surfgsd Ltd' surfgsd, po box 83, swansea, sa3 4xx

If you are a Local authority group/youth group etc simply email me the date and the numbers we will agree on a price for the work and we will invoice you

Hope this is clear, any problems please go to contact us form and send your queries to us

N.B Once you have paid online we will email you within 24/48 hours to confirm your booking. You will recieve a 'what to expect PDF document' which will give you information on the surfing lesson and explain that it is up to you to contact us prior to the surfing session to arrange time and meeting place.

Which beaches do you operate surfing lessons at?

We operate surfing courses at Fistral Beach, Newquay and Mawgan Porth beach just a few miles away from the crowds. Click on the below for multi maps to the beaches. Which you can print out if need be.

Fistral Beach on Google Maps. [50°25'6.52"N :: 5° 5'50.84"W] and Mawgan Porth on Google Maps. [50°27'54.93"N :: 5° 1'50.16"W]

Are your instructors and surf school qualified and approved?

We are one of the few schools licensed to operate on Fistral Beach and Mawgan Porth. GSD is a 4 star British surfing Association surf school. This is the highest award possible for a surf school. All the instructors are also surfers, qualified by the B.S.A and SLSA. We are also licensed by Restormel Borough Council as are all our instructors.

I am coming surfing this week where will the surf lessons be and what time should we meet?

This is very important you must email or txt us three days prior and we will let you know what time we will be meeting and which beach we will be using.

I am coming on a stag weekend and we are surfing in the afternoon is it ok if we have a few beers before we come to meet you?

No, sorry we do not accept anyone whom has been drinking beer. We suggest you choose to do something fun and healthy first then go to the pub to celebrate after. Nothing like a cold one after a hard days surfing.

What do I need to bring?

The cost of the course includes the use of a surfboard and wetsuit. If you have your own bring it along, however the cost of course stays the same. Please bring along a towel and some warm gear to wear. We also recommend high factor sun cream and in some cases total sun block. Even on cloudy days the face can burn.

Are the courses suitable if I am not a strong swimmer?

It is a B.S.A. rule that all participants must be able to swim 50 metres. The beginner surf sessions stay in waist depth of water, so you do not have to be an olympic swimmer. The great thing about this session is everyone has fun at their own pace.

What other Important information do I/we or my group need to know?


All participants must be at least 8 years old minimum and be able to swim 50 metres in Open Water. Each lesson is approximately 1½ - 2 hours long

Use of Surfboard and Wetsuit are included in the price.

All Courses are carried out by BSA Accredited Coaches.

Each lesson is structured to take account of different ability levels.

If you suffer from any medical condition that may affect safety - e.g. Asthma; Epilepsy; Diabetes; Heart problems etc. please contact us for advice.

What happens if there is no surf?

Flat periods are experienced all around the world, and generally the worst period for no waves is the summer. Which is a shame for us surfers as the days are long and the water warm. However, in the summer we do get consistant small surf and this is perfect to learn in and also train in. If however the conditions are deamed unsuitable GSD will credit you with any lessons missed due to conditions within a one year period. Most of the time however we can offer alternative water activities and surf fitness training that will help the development of your surfing.

What time do courses start?

We run 4 sessions a day in the summer months some starting at dawn. The morning session starts around 10.00 a.m and the afternoon session starts around 2.00 p.m. Obviously this is dependant on the tide and surf for each particular day. We ask that customers arrive at meeting point about 20 minutes prior to session start time.

What does it take to be a 4 star B.S.A surf school ?

The British Surfing Associations Approved Surfing Schools Scheme was introduced in 1990 to help the public obtain better value for money and greater safety whilst being taught to surf.

ABOUT THE AWARD LEVELS


Each BSA Surf School is a designated level of qualification depending on
a) The qualifications of the instructors.
b) The coaching resources they offer.
c) The types of surfing courses the school is qualified to offer.

The Levels

BSA 1
- Provide recreational 'starter-beginner' to 'lower improver' surfing courses.
- Coaches are qualified level 1+ at least 1 qualified @ level 2

BSA 2
- Provide Level 1 Programmes.
- Provide recreational Higher ability surfing from 'higher improver' to 'intermediate' level courses.
- Coaches are qualified levels 1-2.

BSA 3
- Provide Level 1-2 Programmes.
- Provide 'contest & competitive surfer training + recriational 'advanced surfer' programmes.
- Coaches are qualified levels 1-3.

BSA 4 (Which surfGSD is)
- Provide Level 1-3 Programmes.
- Provide a local 'community resource' programme ( = 'kids, grommet and cadets' clubs etc).
- Provide an, 'advanced surfing' development programme for elite squad training.

How can I fly to Cornwall ?

Mawgan Porth is 5 minutes by Taxi from Newquay airport. Please see below for flights to Newquay.

Airline flights to Newquay Airport.

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