Surf Steps
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Temporarily closed until further notice
Surfing & WindsurfingStand Up Paddleboarding
This location was reported permanently closed
About
How to describe it? I’m not sure, and even if I could, I wouldn’t do it justice. When you stand up on your first wave it is the uncontrollable, throw your hands in the air and scream feeling, if only for a few seconds!! Once you can ride a wave, it is the undeniable urge to go back for more, and when you are on the beach and the sun is shining it is enormous fun!! Learn to surf...the only way you can really understand what all the fuss is about is to get some gear and get wet!! That’s where we can help.
Bournemouth, Dorset, England

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles119 reviews
Excellent
100
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
3

Colette H
Tonbridge, UK3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
My 2 teenage daughters had a fantastic surf lesson with Sampson last week! They’d never surfed before but are now totally hooked, he made it so much fun and his enthusiasm is infectious..... absolutely brilliant I can’t thank him enough 🤙
Harris Family - Kent.
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BJCoh
Harpenden, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Friends
We had an absolutely brilliant time with surf steps in Bournemouth yesterday! We were due to go surfing but because there were no waves we were recommended to switch to a paddle boarding lesson instead which was great fun! Massive shout out to Sampson who was an incredible instructor and made the experience so fun. Also big shout out to the two boys in reception who were lovely and so accommodating! I think one of their names was joe and I’m sorry I don’t remember the other name but everyone was brilliant and I couldn’t recommend this experience more :)
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David B
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2020
Took part in the first ever online virtual surf coach course due to Coronavirus lockdown. Despite not being able to carry out full practice, the course was and informative. Have since carried out dry-land practice coaching and Andy has been providing excellent feedback. Can't wait to be able to get back in the water to finish the coaching hours and complete the course!
Written 6 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the comprehensive and positive review! You'll be happy to know we're now open, so you can come down and complete your coaching hours, yay!!
Written 2 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Zobow77
Uk11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019 • Family
Wow what a fab time my son had with surf steps,
The waves were not that big so he started on the paddle board which he has done before then the waves become big enough to try surfing, great patient instructor who made it so much fun for Kai
Lovely friendly staff and well organised
Thank you so much we will be back soon I’m sure 👍
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marty H
Lyndhurst, UK66 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
I had a one hour paddle board experience and it was a good experience.
The only criticism I have is that the office had a pungent odour that you would stereotype surfers with. If you must do that at least don't do it in the office where customers will smell it.
the instructor was good and it was a good intro to paddle boarding. The time out on the water was just about right and the encouragement was good.
I enjoyed my time out on the water.
Written 30 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Marty H, Thanks for your review, we are glad you enjoyed your session. In regards to the “pungent odour” you mentioned, please rest assured that it is due to our Wetsuits which are stored in a small room (next to the office) and notoriously produce this odour. Google “wetsuit smells like weed” and you will discover it is a common issue. If you had bought it up with the staff at the time, they would have gladly explained the unfortunate smell and shown you the supporting info. displayed for this reason. As you mentioned it is a stereotype surrounding surfers; a prejudice that is this case is completely unfounded. We are proud to be a part of a very professional business, and as you can see from our reviews a very successful one. We would certainly not be able to achieve this if we were behaving as you have insinuated in your review. If you have any further queries regarding this “odour”? Please feel free to discuss this with us rather than posting defamatory comments. Kind regards, Andy Joyce
Written 31 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

KLFSouthampton
Southampton26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019 • Family
Myself and two daughters booked a surfing/paddle boarding beginner lesson. Board hire, wetsuits and tuition for the hour and a half lesson were included in the price. The setting was amazing, the staff were very welcoming, patient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The lesson was taken by Ben and Piers, who were both fantastic and tailored the lesson to our abilities and the conditions. This was excellent value for money, both my daughters loved it and we will definitely be going back.
Written 23 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi KLF, Thank you for your review and kind words:) We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know how well we’re providing our services in the sea😊 All the best, Andy Joyce Director
Written 26 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

georgia
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019 • Family
I haven’t surfed since last yr in cornwall and i had 2 sessions with surf steps and i’m really confident standing up on my board now and all the instructors are legends!! defo recommend this place🤩
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you had a great time with us Georgia!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to review us... hopefully we will see you again soon!!! Jack and the Team Surf Steps
Written 28 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tiller1994
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Family
I took a child who i look after in a childrens home who has ADHD. Very nervous to begin with and worried he could not get the hang of surfing. Staff were incredible and helped him throughout with lots of encouragement and useful tips.

Staff were all very happy and looked like they loved what they were doing which had a positive impact on our session.

Spoke to quite a few adults who took part who all said they really enjoyed it and would reccomend to freinds and family.

Excellent value for money when you get staff like this.

10/10 would reccomend.

The Australian instructor helped everyone of all ages try to catch the waves which made the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Written 26 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, We're really glad that the child you look after had such a great time! We hope to see you again soon! Thanks for taking the time to write a review, Surf Steps
Written 28 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sylwia_aiwlys
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Solo
I had SO much fun at my first paddle boarding lesson, even though I came alone, the instructor Ben was super nice and attentive and made sure I wasn't totally alone in a big group. I struggled at first, but after a while (and some top tips from Ben), I managed to stand up on the board and paddled all the way from the pier back to the school. Absolute pro now ;)

I've told literally everyone who'd listen about your school and I'll be coming back soon for more lessons. Hopefully next time I'll bring someone with me! :)

Thanks for such a great time!
Written 19 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Sylwia, We are so glad that you enjoyed your lesson and that your instructors were so helpful! It is something we work hard at and really pride ourselves in. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written 28 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ryan m
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Couples
Beautiful day and the sea was like a mill pond so no surf, but paddle boarding was great fun, and the instructors / staff were very pleasant relaxed and easy going.. really enjoyed, thanks
Written 27 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ryan, Glad you enjoyed your paddle board lesson! If you come down again, hopefully we'll have some waves to get you out on! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
Written 28 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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SURF STEPS (Bournemouth) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go