Glide Surf School in Cromer is the perfect place to try your hand at surfing in Norfolk. After spotting their lessons online, I decided to give it a go over the Bank Holiday weekend. Here’s how I found it…
I’ve wanted to book a surf lesson in Norfolk for a while. Having first tried surfing in Costa Rica, I was keen to give it another go a little closer to home. And, after a quick search online, I came across Glide Surf School, based right on the seafront at Cromer.
I dropped them a line to ask about lessons and had a reply back almost straight away. Their communication was spot on, so I went ahead and booked a session on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday.
A quick note: Glide also runs stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) classes. If the surf isn’t right, they’ll switch to SUP, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast a few days before your lesson to make sure you get the activity you’re hoping for.
Arriving in Cromer
The drive up from Norwich was lovely, and I managed to find parking close to the seafront. Glide Surf School is easy to spot – it’s right on the promenade above the beach, with surfboards lined up outside.
They advise arriving 15 minutes before your session. Thanks to bank holiday traffic, I just about made it on time, but I could see why they suggest it because there’s a bit of prep involved. You register with the friendly team in the small surf shop (which sells and rents kit and boards) when you arrive and they tell you what to do next.
Everything is very organised, with plenty of staff on hand to help fit wetsuits and hand out surfboards.
Hitting the water
Once everyone was ready, we headed down to the beach. The lesson began with a splash about in the water, building confidence and getting used to the temperature. It’s always a bit of a shock plunging into the North Sea – even in August – but once you adjust, it’s fine.
After this, we returned to the beach and learned how to position ourselves on the board, how to catch waves, and what to look for before paddling in and giving all of that a try. Once the group was a little more confident, it was back to the beach for a run-through of the standing technique.
I’ll admit, I didn’t quite manage to stand up on the surf board. I did get halfway, but most of my time was spent bodyboarding the waves in. Still, it was brilliant fun and I enjoyed every moment.
The lesson lasts around two hours, though you spend closer to an hour and a half in the water. At first, I wondered if that would be enough, but it turned out to be just right. By the end, I was completely worn out – my arms gave up long before my enthusiasm did – and I slept incredibly well that night.
Supportive surf instructors
What really stood out to me was the team. The instructors were friendly, patient and encouraging. They gave tips and advice without being pushy or judgemental, and their sense of humour made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
They offer both adult and child sessions and they all seem equally well set up and safe. In recent months, I’ve also spotted women-only sessions.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, Glide Surf School in Norfolk is a brilliant place to learn to surf in Norfolk. Cromer is a beautiful spot, and the team makes the experience both fun and memorable.
Read more: My favourite Norfolk beaches
I may not have stood up on the board this time, but I had a fantastic day – and I’d definitely go back for another go.
