Yonder North Devon Improver Surf Retreat May 2026 ~ 50% deposit
Yonder North Devon Improver Surf Retreat May 2026 ~ 50% deposit
Yonder North Devon Improver Surf Retreat
May 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th 2026
Private (double) £450
Twin Room shared £430
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 12th to surf on the 13th/14th with supervised free surf on the morning of the 15th. Three nights in total.
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 is provided by both Tom and Sally.
Is this the right level for me?
In order to get the most out of the Improver retreat some surf experience is necessary; the ability to comfortably lay on a board, paddle for, catch and get to your feet in white water waves is required, though we don’t expect this to be perfect!
Get in touch if you are unsure if this is for you, we can have a chat and see which retreat might be best - there is a beginners retreat also running just before this one which will be better suited if you have never surfed before. Check our ability levels here.
On arrival
Guests arrive on the Tuesday evening ready for their first surf lesson Wednesday morning. The evening is a great way to get to know each other and share experiences. If the surf is good on the Tuesday and guests are all present we may also try and get in for a sunset surf so try and bare that in mind when travelling down allowing for plenty of time to get the most out of the retreat.
These retreats are super flexible and responsive to surf conditions and the individual. This is also your time away and we know how precious that time is and are careful to consider everyones needs.
Surf specifics
Our Improver retreat focuses on how to recognise and catch waves with the intention of surfing green, unbroken waves wherever possible. We provide in-sea and land based coaching to understand key concepts to de-mystify the act of wave catching. We will coach you on how to paddle out back (when possible) how to position yourself on the wave, take off appropriately and ride in trim. 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. The retreat is a great opportunity to ask as many questions as possible and we have an excellent range of surf resources to really get stuck into all things surf.
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 Tuesday evening, Wednesday and Thursday with breakfast on the Friday. Expect hearty, wholesome and tasty home cooked vegetarian food. Make sure to let us know if you have any dietary needs.
All equipment (if needed) including access to fibreglass boards and longboards, foams and soft tops - you can bring your own of course.
Two x two hour surf sessions on the Wednesday & Thursday with a supervised/supported surf session on Friday morning. There is always the potential for this to turn into one bigger surf session if the tides/wind/conditions dictate.
Surf forecasting and catching green wave theory tips on an evening including how to ride in trim.
Photo & video feedback sessions - absolutely essential to help build confidence and improve. 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 whether 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 camp
Awesome inspiring surf movies on tap
Beautiful photos for you to keep at no extra cost
Yonder, Yeti & Finisterre goodie bag with complimentary 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 more testimonials please see here.
What do you say about our retreats?
“I had a fantastic time on the Devon Improver Surf Camp! The whole trip was full of good vibes, stunning beaches, and wholesome home-cooked food. Sally and Tom went above and beyond to tailor the daily schedule, making sure we got the most out of the forecast each day. From surfing the local break, sessions at the local skatepark and dips in remote swim spots, everyday had something memorable. Their coaching - both in and out of the water - was thoughtful and personalised to our individual goals. I found the video analysis especially helpful in how to improve my technique. I would highly recommend learning to surf with Yonder. And if you get the chance to join one of their camps, don’t hesitate.” Mel
This year I was lucky enough to get a place on Yonder’s Devon improvers camp. Sally and Tom’s passion and knowledge for surfing is infectious. The combination of water tuition and video analysis meant that everyone in the camp came away with individualised feedback and goals. I felt more confident in the water and even more in love with everything surfing. I also had the best time with laughter, adventure and fun at the heart of everything we did. I want to go back and do it again! Jo F
Firstly, thank you for the t-shirt (lovely). But more importantly for an amazing few days in Devon. The dedication you and Tom have is a huge inspiration and I have had a huge amount of takeaways not just in surfing. Food, lifestyle and your outlook all shine through. Your generosity in sharing all these things is appreciated. So thank you! Looking forward to putting the surfing into practice, already have beans and peas sprouting, and have been out on the skateboard with the kids already. Jo B
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!