The O'Neill Surf Academy is operated by West Coast Surfari - Cornwall's longest running surf school!

Founded in 1995 by Australian surfer Pat Sweeney, West Coast Surfari had humble beginnings. A small beach shack down at Watergate Bay is where it all started, and as one of the countries very first surf schools it's reputation and popularity grew rapidly. Widely respected across the globe, West Coast Surfari has continually been at the forefront of progressive and innovative surf tuition for over a decade. We've had plenty of time to grow and improve our techniques and ideas - which is where our students really benefit!

2006 saw O'Neill - The worlds largest and first surf brand - launch it's first land based permant European Academy in conjunction with West Coast Surfari, with the aim of providing the very best coaching from the very best coaches to the same level you would expect in any mainstream sport for all ages and abilities the O'Neill Surf Academy partnership was born.

In 2008 Aussie Pat was drawn back to the warmth and waves of the Australian coast, and the surf school was passed down to long time coach and surf school manager Ashleigh Bennetts. After completing her work experience with West Coast Surfari at the age of 14, and subsequently taking up a surf coaching job with them at the age of 16 there was no better person to take over the running of the Academy.

Ashleigh's new and fresh approach to surf coaching has taken the Surf Academy to new levels and it's continual development with the school and the brand delivers the very best surfing lessons, courses and holidays you'll find in Europe.

Today the O'Neill Surf Academy is going strong and expanding each and every year, now boasting an great classroom and surf lounge at Watergate Bay as well as a roving academy helping surfers enjoy all the world class waves on offer in Cornwall.