Lesson 8 - What Should I Wear for My First Surf Lesson?

What Should I Wear for My First Surf Lesson?

If you're booking your very first surf lesson, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is:

"What on earth am I supposed to wear?"

The good news is that beginner surf lessons are incredibly straightforward.

You don't need an expensive surfing wardrobe, specialist clothing or lots of technical equipment.

In fact, most first-time surfers arrive with little more than swimwear, a towel and a sense of excitement.

Professional surf schools understand that beginners won't already own surfing equipment, which is why they provide almost everything you'll need for your lesson.

That means you can focus on learning to surf instead of worrying about what you're wearing.

For most beginner surf lessons, you only need to bring yourself, swimwear, a towel and a willingness to have fun.

Will the Surf School Provide a Wetsuit?

In almost every case, yes.

Most UK surf schools include a wetsuit and a beginner-friendly foam surfboard as part of the lesson price.

The wetsuits are designed to keep you warm in British waters while giving you enough flexibility to paddle, stand up and move comfortably.

Your instructor will help you choose the correct size before your lesson begins.

Don't worry if you've never worn a wetsuit before.

They can feel snug when you first put them on, but that's exactly how they're meant to fit. A close fit helps trap a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body quickly warms to help keep you comfortable.

What Should You Wear Under Your Wetsuit?

This is one of the questions almost every beginner asks.

The answer is simple.

Wear whatever swimwear makes you feel comfortable.

Most people wear a swimsuit, bikini, swim shorts or fitted swimming trunks underneath their wetsuit.

Avoid bulky clothing, cotton T-shirts or underwear, as these become uncomfortable when wet and aren't designed for surfing.

Once your wetsuit is zipped up, you'll probably forget you're wearing anything underneath at all.

The important thing is feeling comfortable and confident while you're enjoying your lesson.

Will I Need Surf Boots, Gloves or a Hood?

For most beginner lessons during the warmer months, the answer is no.

A full-length wetsuit is usually all you'll need to stay comfortable in the water.

However, during the colder months, particularly in autumn and winter, some surf schools may also provide surf boots, neoprene gloves or even a hood if conditions require them.

Your instructor will decide what's appropriate based on the weather, water temperature and location.

One of the advantages of booking a lesson with a professional surf school is that they already know exactly what equipment you'll need on the day.

Should I Wear Jewellery or a Watch?

It's always best to remove jewellery before your lesson.

Rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches can become uncomfortable inside a wetsuit and there's always the possibility they could be lost in the sea.

If you normally wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker, leave it safely in your bag or locker unless it's specifically designed for watersports.

The less you have to think about while you're learning, the more you'll enjoy your lesson.

What Else Should You Bring?

You'll be surprised how short the list is.

Most beginners only need a few simple items for their lesson.

• A towel.
• Swimwear to wear underneath your wetsuit.
• Flip-flops or comfortable footwear.
• A bottle of water.
• Warm clothes to change into afterwards.
• A small bag for your wet clothing.
• Sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

That's really all there is to it.

You don't need expensive accessories or specialist surfing gadgets. Your surf school will take care of the important equipment.

What If I Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses?

If you normally wear glasses, it's best to leave them safely on the beach unless they're secured with a sports retainer designed for water use.

Many surfers wear contact lenses without any problems, although it's worth checking with your optician if you have any concerns.

If your vision is essential for driving afterwards, remember to bring your glasses for when your lesson finishes.

What About Long Hair?

If you have long hair, simply tie it back using a soft hair tie before putting on your wetsuit.

A ponytail or low bun usually works well and helps keep your hair out of your face while you're paddling and standing up.

Don't worry about looking perfect.

Everyone finishes their first surf lesson with windswept hair, a big smile and plenty of happy memories.

🏄 Bob Gnarly's Beginner Picks

When you're ready to buy your own equipment, these are usually the first two items most new surfers invest in after catching the surfing bug.

So... What Should You Wear?

The answer is much simpler than most beginners expect.

Bring your swimwear, a towel and a positive attitude. Your surf school will usually provide the wetsuit and surfboard, explain how everything works and make sure you're comfortable before you even step into the water.

There's no need to spend hundreds of pounds on equipment before you've even caught your first wave.

Learn first, enjoy the experience and let your surfing journey grow naturally from there.

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