Surf Sanctuary

Since 2022, every Saturday at 10am, we run our men's surf club from Surf Sanctuary. It is a not-for-profit CIC.

It's called The Vehicle, because surfing is the vehicle that shows us what life is about.

Why strive to be a flashy Ferrari when you can be a Bedford Rascal instead? The humble Rascal may not be loud, but it's useful, practical, and always around when you need it the most. Being of service to your fellow man is a key to fulfilment, and the ripples spread far and wide.

Our crew of men support each other through the beatings and fleeing triumphs that the ocean sends our way. Together, we learn about the rhythms and science of the ocean so we can take our families safely into the water.

We don't have many rules; just be a gentleman, feel free to send yourself up, give someone a hand if they could use it.

I'm really proud of how far we've come and I can tell you the vibe or energy (in modern parlance) is as friendly, open, and welcoming as I've seen in the surf world. That is thanks to our crew. We get in every week and do 'something'.

Maybe you're a man whose general life admin has erased your surfing time. Maybe you want some pals to surf with. Maybe you have just moved to Cornwall. Maybe you just want to learn!

It's £10 a time. Kit is provided if you need it. Each session is led by one of our Surf Sanctuary team.

The requirements to come along are: you live in Cornwall, and are a man. That's it. There's no lock in, subscription, or any of that nonsense. Just turn up at 10am.

Message me here, or [email protected].

There are some more details on www.thevehicle.co.uk

Cheers Dave Read for the sniper in the knoll photos!

Maybe you didn't get away this winter. Or even see the northern lights. Or any dolphins! But maybe on your 50th rainy dog walk in a row, something like this happened...

I usually take a sunset photo this time of year to 'celebrate' paying another year of tax. Then this happened: beautiful ionising radiation above our little Sanctuary.

Back to doing what I love most: teaching surfing as both craft and science. Surf Science clinics are now live on the Surf Sanctuary site.

Pic thanks to: at Great Western no less!

On a mid dropping neap tide, wind from the 235 degree angle, 3.5m swell at 14 seconds, and with enough radial stress from the previous set, a peeling wave runs at Great Western Beach. Happens about every 37 years or so.

Thanks for the capture! Check out his photos, also had great taste in shotguns.

Surf report: it's one thousand metres overhead and ROYGBIV!

Hello! It's been about four months...hope you are all well and a huge thanks to everyone that surfed with us this summer. It was the best in years. We are now set for what HAS ALREADY TURNED OUT TO BE AN INSANE WINTER.

We're still here, surfing, training, and holding the record for the least beers drunk for a surf school in Cornwall. Some might say that we're boring and we agree. Being boring is good if you want to keep testing your sinew and bone in nature till you are waaaay past your (societally mandated) expiration date.

If you've just joined us from the
Competition, welcome new friends. Those of you that are familiar know us for what we do best; really in depth surf coaching for absolutely anyone in any conditions.

Tl;Dr A collective of geeks run a surf school in Newquay that is open all winter and has very warm wetsuits and great surfboards. Welcome new followers.

Photo by 📸

This is what we're here for. Gannets, seals and humans, population size in that order.

Thanks for these belting photos. Always on the action! We bumped into Geoff just as we were walking down. He was headed off but said he'd turn around and walk back out to the point. We hoped we wouldn't be wasting his time.

What a day to close out this swell, best two weeks in Cornwall since February 2019. I've been waiting for that to happen again, it did, but this one was better I think.

Tom Earl, Surf Sanctuary instructor and accidental iconoclast, recently shunned the polished allure of a German electric car in favour of a secondhand white van that cost less than a decent wetsuit. Ostensibly a practical choice, the decision felt more like a quiet manifesto. Earl, a man who spends his days immersed in Cornwall’s saltwater democracy, saw no appeal in the bourgeois trappings of sleek engineering and eco-status symbols. Instead, he embraced the van’s unapologetic utility—its rusted panels and rattling engine a subtle rebuke to the cultivated aesthetics of modern consumerism. “It gets me and the boards where we need to go,” he said, the hum of the diesel engine drowning out any chance of further explanation.

Meanwhile, at Surf Sanctuary, the Black Friday spirit is embraced with unapologetic pragmatism. Offering 20% off vouchers and pre-booked lessons, the team stands by the belief that they are selling more than just services—they’re providing education and the foundation for dreams. “This isn’t another environmentally unsound gadget or fast-fashion impulse buy,” a spokesperson remarked. “It’s a chance to connect with the ocean, gain skills, and create memories that last longer than the lifespan of a discount toaster.”

Booking link in bio, use code: Black20

The Great Acceleration started in the 1950s. It was marked by sharp upticks in consumerism, dam building, urbanisation, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Despite current awareness and concern for the state of our planet, we seem to be in a futher accelerating state of hyper consumption. The modern mind is under siege from a constant barrage of 10-second passive buzzes competing for its fractured attention.

These cheap dopamine hits are killing our spirit, so reject all of them. Infinite scroll, sugar, junk food, alcohol, Netflix binge, constant seeking of comfort, get it all in the bin.

It's been said a million times because it's true: surfing is the greatest thrill on earth. It throws all cheap, passive consumer buzzes to the ground. Digital fixes lie stricken before it. Surfing invigorates your mind and body, and rewards your hard work and commitment with sensations that would make our hunter gatherer forefathers proud.

Come our way and be your own agent of change. and me are running bespoke 1-2-1 'intermediate and beyond' surf lessons this Autumn.

Our coaching methods are holistic; we help you understand all the changes you can make to keep progressing and enjoying your surfing. Our promise is that you will make progress, and you will love it.

Get in touch here or WhatsApp 07540 155123

Hey everyone, I'm really excited to share that Surf Sanctuary are teaming up with William Porter, the author of Alcohol Explained 1 and 2, for a special Sober Surf day at the Headland Hotel, 13th July.

William's books are a game changer. I quit all alcohol 3.5 years ago after reading them. It's an incredible feeling to now be able to run a day with him dedicated to surfing and sobriety.

Whether you're on your own sober journey or just curious about it, we'd love to have you join us for a day of surfing and wellness. May I add that no experience of either is necessary!

It's all about good times, being inspired and catching some great waves together.

This is what the day looks like:
13th July
10am: Meet and greet over continental breakfast
11am: Surf session with me and William at Surf Sanctuary
12ish: Picnic lunch on hotel grounds
1pm: Workshop with William
5pm: AquaClub session (pool, hot tub, cold tub, sun bask)
7pm: Dinner in RenMor restaurant.

As you can see, it's a heck of a day out. £150 all in. Tickets are in the link in my bio. Or message / call 07540 155123 for more info.

Cheers and see you there!