With the help of waves or wind, you’ll experience the island like never before

What is surfing?

Likely originating in Polynesia in approximately the 4th Century AD (though the earliest western depiction comes from a ship’s artist aboard Captain Cook’s voyage to the Sandwich Islands who depicted a possible surfer or paddleboarder in a 1781 engraving), though modern surfing is thought to have originated in Hawaii.

Thomas Edward Blake, an early surfing pioneer, led the way in the creation of lighter boards for surfing by cutting holes in traditional solid boards before covering them over – essentially inventing the hollow board. According to surf journalist Drew Kampion, Blake ‘altered everything. He almost single-handedly transformed surfing from a primitive [sic] Polynesian curiosity into a 20th Century lifestyle.’

Surfing, simply, is the use of a board to ride the face, or forward section, of a wave (regardless of stance). Although traditional surfing practised by ancient cultures was often performed sitting or on the knees, modern surfing almost exclusively refers to the act done standing.

Where to Hire Equipment

Funsport

1 Beach Terrace
Rhosneigr
LL64 5QB

Hourly rates start at around £8 per hour (but with longer slots available for booking) for surfboards, while the shop is located in the best place on the island for surfing. Funsport is ideal if you just want to spend a couple of hours catching some waves at beautiful (if we say so ourselves) Rhosneigr.

Where to Book Lessons

North Wales Kite Surfing

21-24 Garden Lane,
Chester,
CH1 4EU

Run by an IKO qualified kitesurfing instructor with 12 years of experience, North Wales Kite Surfing delivers personal training sessions at Traeth Llanddwyn (Newborough) and Rhosneigr depending on conditions at prices from £95 to £195.

Gecko Surf

High Street,
Rhosneigr,
LL64 5UQ

A family run business, Gecko offers lessons in a variety of surfing styles for ages 8+ and for all levels of experience. Lessons are for 1.5 hours and take place on either Broad Beach or Rhosneigr Beach depending on tides and weather conditions. Lessons cost £40 per person and include a wetsuit, board and expert tutor.