FAQ’s
Booking a surfing or stand up paddleboarding lesson for the first time with Long Line Surf School Northern Ireland. To help you out we’ve put together some useful information for you in regards to, which includes answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Long Line Surf School Northern Ireland. If there’s anything you can’t find the answer to please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team via the Contact Us page and we’ll be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
When is Long Line Surf School open?
Long Line Surf School is open for lessons from March – November with the option of private bookings all year round.
SUP courses between March and October. Private groups can be organized throughout the off season.
Surf Hire is available all year round. Friday – Monday April – June and 7 days a week July and August, then Friday to Monday from October through to March.
How can I book with Long Line Surf School Northern Ireland?
All lessons and hire are available to book online via our website.Here you will be able to create an account and manage bookings which will include cancelling or changing dates. If looking to book private lessons or packages please send us an email using the contact form or info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk
How do I book a Bespoke Package?
Due to the complexities of these bookings and availability it is not feasible to have online booking. Please send us an email to talk about how we can work together and create a unique experience.
Where do we meet for our lesson?
Kids Surf Lesson & Surf Lesson – Long Line Surf Cabin which is situated on the boardwalk to the left of the Benone Tourist Complex. Once we are suited we will take a short walk down to the beach where our surfboards will be ready for the surf.
Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson – Swanns Bridge Glamping which is situated on the River Roe. Once you enter the site take the first left which will bring you to Long Line river entry.
Address: 227 Sea Coast Rd, Limavady BT49 9EF
How big are the groups?
Surfing Group sizes vary depending on the level of ability and bookings on that particular day. Typically, tuition is provided along the industry guideline of a maximum ratio of 1:8. For 1-1 and Private Small Group Lessons it will just be you and your instructor.
Stand Up Paddleboard group size is a maximum group size of 1:6. The minimum we can take is two put private sessions can also be arranged.
Do I need to hire equipment?
All equipment hire is provided free of charge during your surfing or SUP lessons with us. Click Here
Can I bring my own surfing or SUP equipment?
If you have your own surfboard or stand up paddleboard, or wetsuit that you’d like to bring along with you please feel free to do so. One of our team will check your equipment before the lesson to make sure that it is safe and suitable to use around other participants.
Can I keep hold of my equipment after my lesson to practice?
Equipment can be hired out after the session depending on time of day. Please look at our Hire page for prices and times.
Are there any age limits?
Kids Surf Lessons: The minimum age is 6 years, we cannot accept children younger than this. The maximum age for our Kids Surf Lessons is 14 years old. If looking for older children to surf with other siblings we would recommend our Original Surf Lesson.
Original Surf Lesson: This Surf Lesson is for all ages but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult during a beginner surf lesson otherwise we do offer Kids Surf Lessons. Minimum age for our surf lessons is 8 years old. 6 & 7 years old may join but must be accompanied by a non surfing adult in the water.
Stand Up Paddleboard: Minimum age for individual booking is 16 years old unless accompanied by a guardian.If accompanied by a guardian our minimum age is 12 years old.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Surfing: It’s ideal if you can swim 50 metres. If this is not the case we do ask that all participants have a reasonable level of open water confidence which would suit our Lessons. Lessons are held in waist depth water, which make the activity safe and fun regardless of your swimming ability.
Stand Up Paddleboarding: It’s ideal if you can swim 50 metres. If this is not the case we do ask that all participants can tread water while feeling comfortable wearing a buoyancy aid. The river roe is dark water and can change in depth from 1m – 3m.
Does a parent need to be present during a kids surf lesson?
Participants under the age of 8 must have a parent/guardian present on the beach for the duration of the lesson. For any children 8+ our instructors are fully qualified and have years of experience working with children. We feel that children learn more and have an overall enjoyable experience with their peers if they feel like they are not being watched. If your child does not feel comfortable parents may watch from the shore line but please try not intervene in the lesson structure.
Can I wear glasses when surfing?
For practical reasons you cannot wear glasses / spectacles in the water – they would be washed away by the waves. If you can’t surf without glasses, we recommend you ask your optician about getting some prescription goggles in advance of your visit.
What if I miss my lesson?
If you miss your lessons without 48 hours notice due to personal reasons (social engagements, illness, fatigue, or similar) we’re not obliged to reschedule or refund your lesson.
What happens if there isn’t any surf on the day of my surf lesson?
Here at Long Line we will always try to get in the water. If the surf is flat, we are lucky to offer other activities on the day you have booked. However flat water activities aren’t for everyone. We will always try to give you the option to rearrange your surf lesson. And if the surf conditions are either too small or too dangerous we will either re-arrange on the day or give a voucher that can be used to rebook. Please do not pay too much attention to the internet surf forecasting websites, our staff and coaches have years of surf forecast expertise and forecasts can be very unreliable!
Our Kids Surf Lessons will teach a range of skills and techniques in regards to surfing, lifesaving and the beach environment. It is very rare that it will be completely flat for kids as the boards we use are designed for small waves. These lessons will still help with continual development.
What happens if we can’t go surfing or stand up paddleboarding?
Nobody can control the weather, so in the unlikely event we’re not able to surf or paddleboard because of dangerous surf or weather conditions, Long Line Surf School will ensure that your lesson is either rescheduled for a more appropriate date/time or a refund will be given if this rescheduling is not possible.
How can I give feedback to my instructor or the school?
We value your feedback and how we may improve our services and activities. Please leave a comment through our contact us page or email us directly at info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk
Sometimes people would rather speak to someone in person and we are here to listen. Ask a member of our team to arrange a meeting with our managers.
(We will respond to any feedback or complaints within 7 working days)
Our activities are not suitable for people with, but not exclusively with, the following conditions:
- Heart conditions (without medical consent)
- Severe neck/back condition or pain
- Severe obesity
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy
- Persons with injuries/ailments/conditions whether physical or mental that could be adversely affected by participation
- If you are unsure about your physical or mental ability to partake in this activity, please consult your doctor.