Yonder North Devon Surf Retreat May 2026 - Beginner/plus ~ 50% deposit
Yonder North Devon Surf Retreat May 2026 - Beginner/plus ~ 50% deposit
Yonder North Devon Surf Retreat
Beginner/Beginner Plus
May 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th 2026
Private (double) £450 pp
Twin Room shared £430 pp
50% deposit payable upfront.
*Please note that the retreat starts in Devon so guests will meet us there.
The balance will be payable by March 10th.
Arriving on the evening of the 8th to surf two full days on the 9th/10th and free surf on the morning of the 11th
Where do we stay?
We will be staying in a stunning open plan house with our own outdoor area, perfectly located close to three excellent beach breaks.
We will take guests to the best surf break on each day and provide tuition and feedback in order to develop everybody’s surfing to the next level. The retreat is a great opportunity to surf with like-minded women in a safe and supportive environment. Spaces are limited to six women in order to ensure maximum input for each guest. Coaching and support provided is by both Tom and Sally.
Who is this aimed at?
This retreat is for absolute beginners & for those who have perhaps surfed before but are wanting to build on their experience in a supportive environment. The small numbers mean that we can really cater to the individual and our teaching is super focussed to ensure progression for everyone.
You can see our ability levels here.
On arrival
Guests arrive on the Friday evening ready for their first surf lesson Saturday morning. The evening gives us chance to get settled in, meet each other and share some stories. If the surf is good on the Friday and guests are all present we may also try and get in for the evening so try and bare that in mind when travelling down. These retreats are super flexible and responsive to surf conditions. This is also your time away and we are careful to consider everyones needs.
Surf specifics
Lessons will focus on how to recognise and paddle for your own waves, how to catch waves and get to your feet. Learning about the ocean and building a deep connection with all its moods and habits is a core part of our coaching. Building ocean confidence, learning to surf forecast, enter the water safely and understand how to handle yourselves in a variety of conditions is integral to our teaching. You will leave the retreat with a renewed sense of understanding, feeling empowered and knowledgeable to get back out there and continue on your surf journey.
If you are already confident in these areas the retreat can also help you to start to pop up and go down the line in trim but you may also want to look at our improver retreat as an option.
Due to years of coaching and experience we have incredible resources to help you with all aspects of learning to surf and progressing to the next stage.
What we provide & what to expect
All meals for the Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday with breakfast on the Monday. Expect hearty home cooked vegetarian food, good and wholesome.
All equipment necessary to surf including quality wetsuits, boots & gloves (if required)
Two x two hour surf sessions on the Saturday & Sunday with a supervised/supported surf session on Monday morning. There is always the potential for this to turn into one bigger surf session if the tides/wind/conditions dictate. NB in the past we have also surfed on the Friday evening so consider that when sorting travel to Devon.
Surf forecasting and surf concept coaching on an evening
Photo & video feedback sessions - absolutely essential to help build confidence and a better understanding of what’s happening. We are really lucky to have the talented @tombingphoto on board to document the weekend and help give specific feedback about your surfing.
Surf Skate coaching (if the weather permits) by qualified and experienced skateboarder Tom Bing. This is optional as some may not want to join in however it has proven to be a fantastic tool for understanding surf concepts & improving your surfing confidence.
Surf Theory, concepts, culture and equipment discussions will take place throughout the weekend.
Surf movies on tap
Beautiful photos for you to keep at no extra cost
Yonder, Yeti & Finisterre goodie bag & a copy of Patience Surf ‘Zine!
All lessons are taught by Finisterre Ambassador Sally McGee experienced surfer and ASI Level 2 Accredited surf coach with support from experienced surfer & photographer, Tom Bing.
Is there anywhere to stay if I choose to go down for longer?
We always organise a WhatsApp Group for attendees prior to the retreat so that lift shares can also be arranged for those that are keen. In the past women have met up, shared lifts or chosen to stay down for longer than the three days. We can certainly recommend a great local campsite for anyone wishing to do this and we do highly recommend it. We are down for the full week teaching so can be available to point you in the direction of good surf spots.
What should you bring?
Guests are advised to bring any alcohol and snacks that they may want. They are welcome to bring own boards/wetsuits etc.
Accommodation: The house is open plan and beautiful, situated within walking distance to the village of Croyde and close to all three main beaches that we intend to surf on. There are two twin rooms available and two private double rooms.
Parking - There is availability for a few cars on the property but we may have to organise ourselves to make sure vehicles are safely parked elsewhere for the duration - to be sorted once booked on and we have a free parking location that we use.
Yonder is a family run business, expect to be inspired, eat delicious, hearty veggie food, meet awesome like minded ladies and go away with a deeper, more beautiful understanding of surfing than ever before!
Any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on info@surfyonder.com.
For testimonials please see here.
What do you say about our retreats?
“I think this is the best introduction to surfing that you could possibly have. Sally is so knowledgeable and teaches in such a clear 'easy to get' way. She also makes it super fun! It's great to have the feedback from Tom's photos and videos as well. I've actually been to the beginners retreat twice because I enjoyed it so much. Both times it was great to hang out with like-minded women and Sally and Tom! I was a bit worried about having absolutely no experience but it was great. I'd do it every weekend if I could!” Rosie
“This was the best introduction to surfing I could ever have hoped for - covering all the bits you think you’d feel too silly to ask about, up to small, but important details about technique that can get you up on your feet in the first session. I genuinely had one of the best weekends of my life, bringing together all the different life-stages of me that have longed for the courage and the know-how to get in and have a go. I was quite apprehensive beforehand, as I’m not massively confident in the sea/open water, but the tuition was so subtly confidence building I came away with a calm commitment to get back in and on a board as soon as I can. It was great to be amongst such a lovely group of like-minded women, and share our experiences during the weekend over lunch or bobbing about in the lulls between sets. Thank you Sally and Tom for your openness, for sharing all your expertise and passion, and for your patience in getting us to believe in ourselves.” Rebecca
What if the conditions aren’t favourable for surf?
Unfortunately, due to the very nature dependent reality of surfing we cannot necessarily guarantee good surf conditions. We always run our retreats in areas that are known to be consistent and during the more consistent swell months in order to increase the potential for good conditions. If the surf is flat or too dangerous we will explore the coastline, there is the option to learn to skateboard (we bring everything needed.) We may also run flat paddle sessions and workshops with the option of a sea swim in one of the stunning North Devon locations. We do run a ‘getting in no matter what’ policy though so be prepared to get in the sea!