Surf lessons on Achill Island, Ireland
Blackfield Surf School is Achill Islands only Irish Surfing Association approved surf school.
In summertime we operate from our double decker bus on Keel beach and the rest of the year we work from the LoveAchill building on the main road just one mile from Keel beach.We run lessons for children and adults and in July and August our kids surf camp is a unique surfing experience for children aged 8-16 years.
Kids Surf Camp.In July and August (and weekends in June) from 10.30am until 12.45, we run a daily summer camp for kids aged 8-16.Our aim is to provide a safe, fun learning environment where we work hard to ensure all the kids taking part have the opportunity to learn, practise and develop their skills.The camp runs from Monday-Friday inclusive and can be booked on a weekly or daily basis (we can't guarantee that there will always be space to take in kids day to day especially in the busy weeks but we do try!) We believe that water safety,wave and beach knowledge are fundamental building blocks to lifelong enjoyment of the sport, so we include all these topics informally throughout the week.
Lessons for All. For older kids and adults, we run classes on Keel beach all year around.These are suitable for individuals or groups wishing to learn to surf, whether for the first time, or to build upon previous lessons and experience.We can look after you whether you are by yourself or part of a larger group.We can help with accommodation and offer you a good rate on surfboard and wetsuit hire if you fancy taking your newly acquired skills back onto the water.
Gerry has been surfing for over 20 years and has worked as a lifeguard on beaches from north Mayo to Kerry including six summers on Keel beach.He is still a currently qualified beach lifeguard and an Irish Surfing Association qualified coach.The surf school is the original Irish Surfing Association approved school on the island, and one of only a small number in Mayo.Approval means that we meet or exceed the industry standard on issues of safety,equipment, tuition,child protection etc, and the ISA routinely inspects us to ensure that these standards are maintained.Gerry is usually around to help you with advice and a fair smattering of local knowledge
Surf Lessons usually last around an hour and a half of actual water-time.You need to leave up to two and a half hours for geting changed and on-shore instruction.We provide all the equipment, you just need to bring your swimming costume and towel and lots of enthusiasm!
Surf Shop
Our surf shop carries a range of wetsuits and bodyboards,shoes,rash vests,wax,repair kits,snorkelling sets, towels and beach robes-kites,beach toys and whatever else you might need to have fun on the 5 blue flag beaches on Achill Island.
We also rent surfboards and wetsuits-in summertime from the double decker bus on Keel beach and the rest of the season from our shop.