Looking for something active, different and memorable to do in Waterford? Freedom Surf School in Tramore offers surfing lessons and coastal adventures for adults, children, families, schools and groups, just a short distance from Tramore’s famous beach.
Based at The Beach House, The Gap, Riverstown, Freedom Surf School combines surfing with outdoor education and makes extensive use of Tramore’s coastal environment. The school says it has more than 35 years of surfing experience and offers activities ranging from beginner surf lessons to bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and coastal activities.
What is Freedom Surf School?
Freedom Surf School is a surf and outdoor adventure centre in Tramore, Co. Waterford.
The emphasis is not simply on getting people onto a surfboard. Lessons combine practical instruction with surfing technique, water safety and an understanding of the coastal environment.
Freedom caters for complete beginners as well as people who want to improve their existing surfing skills. Adult, junior, family, group and private lessons are available, alongside equipment hire and a range of other coastal activities.
Learn to Surf in Tramore
Tramore has a long association with surfing, and Freedom Surf School uses the town’s extensive beach as the setting for its lessons and activities.
Adult lessons are suitable for beginners as well as developing surfers. A standard lesson lasts approximately two hours, including around one hour in the water with an instructor. The session begins with land-based instruction and a safety briefing before participants change into their equipment, warm up and head into the water.
Beginners are taught the fundamentals of surfing, including how to catch a wave and get to their feet, while improver and developer sessions introduce more advanced skills.
Do I Need My Own Surfboard or Wetsuit?
No.
Equipment for lessons is provided, including a surfboard, wetsuit and boots, with additional cold-weather equipment such as hoods and gloves provided when required.
You should bring:
- Swimwear
- A towel
- Sunscreen
If you already own a suitable full wetsuit, you can also bring it with you.
Is Freedom Surf School Good for Beginners?
Yes. Beginners are specifically catered for.
Initial instruction takes place on land before entering the water, and beginner tuition takes place in waist-depth water with the emphasis on learning, confidence and safety.
This makes Freedom particularly suitable for visitors who have always wanted to try surfing but have never been on a surfboard before.
You don’t have to arrive in Tramore knowing how to surf – that’s the point of taking the lesson.
Surfing for Children and Teenagers
Freedom offers junior surf lessons for ages 7–9, 10–12 and 13–17, with beginner, improver and developer levels available.
The school states that its surf instructors are Irish Surfing Association qualified, as well as being qualified lifeguards and first aiders. Its junior lessons follow an instructor-to-surfer ratio of one instructor to eight participants.
This makes surfing an interesting option for families looking for an outdoor activity during a visit to Tramore.
Family Surfing in Tramore
Families can also take a surf lesson together.
Family sessions last approximately two hours, including around an hour surfing with an instructor. Freedom also offers family options including bodyboarding, equipment hire and a combined surf lesson and equipment-hire experience for those who want to spend longer at the beach.
For families visiting Waterford, this can turn a trip to Tramore beach into a full activity rather than simply a few hours beside the sea.
More Than Surfing
Freedom Surf School also provides a wider selection of outdoor and coastal activities.
Depending on the programme and availability, these include:
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Bodyboarding
- Coastal hikes and walks
- Ecology activities and field trips
- Team challenges
- Waterford Greenway Cycle & Surf experiences
- Group activities
Freedom uses Tramore’s beach, coastline and surrounding ecosystems as part of its outdoor education programmes.
Surfing as Gaeilge
One of Freedom Surf School’s more unusual offerings is the opportunity to experience surfing trí Ghaeilge.
The school provides bilingual Irish-language surf and activity programmes, including programmes for schools. Lessons are delivered bilingually to support understanding and safety while incorporating the Irish language into the experience.
It is a clever combination of outdoor activity and language learning and something visitors are unlikely to find at every surf destination.
School and Group Activities
Freedom also specialises in educational programmes for primary and secondary schools.
Programmes can combine surfing with subjects including ocean and beach safety, tides, waves, weather, coastal ecology and environmental education. School options include half-day, full-day and other tailored programmes.
The centre also caters for groups and offers tailored outdoor activity programmes.
Facilities
Freedom Surf School’s base is close to the beach and includes practical facilities for participants such as male and female changing rooms, hot showers, indoor activity/lecture rooms, an equipment hire station and a coffee area with indoor and outdoor seating.
Being able to get into a hot shower after coming out of the Atlantic is a particularly welcome part of the experience.
Is Freedom Surf School Family Friendly?
Yes.
With dedicated junior lessons, family surf lessons and activities suitable for different ages and abilities, Freedom is a strong option for active families visiting Tramore.
Parents should check age requirements and suitability for individual activities when booking.
Where is Freedom Surf School?
Freedom Surf School is located at:
The Beach House
The Gap
Riverstown
Tramore
Co. Waterford
The centre is close to Tramore beach, making it convenient to combine a lesson with a day exploring the seaside town.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Never surfed before? Don’t let that put you off.
A beginner lesson is specifically designed for people learning from scratch, and the necessary surfing equipment is supplied.
Allow some extra time afterwards to enjoy Tramore rather than rushing straight back to Waterford City. A surf lesson, something to eat and a walk around Tramore can easily become a great half-day or day out.
What Can I Do Nearby?
Make Freedom Surf School part of a wider visit to Tramore.
Spend some time exploring Tramore Beach and Promenade, enjoy the town’s cafés and restaurants or explore more of the Waterford coastline.
If you’re building a longer Waterford itinerary, Tramore also works well alongside the Waterford Greenway, Waterford City and other outdoor experiences around the county.
For a meal after surfing, explore the cafés and restaurants in Tramore itself. If you are continuing into Waterford City, use Where to Eat in Waterford to plan a separate city food stop; the venues listed there are not beside Tramore Beach. Check menus and kitchen hours with your chosen venue.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Families, teenagers, couples, groups, beginners and active visitors
Location: Tramore, Co. Waterford
Area: Waterford Coast
Type: Surfing / Outdoor Adventure / Family Activity
Beginner friendly: Yes
Family friendly: Yes
Children: Junior lessons available from age 7
Equipment: Surfing equipment provided for lessons
Lesson duration: Typically around two hours, including approximately one hour in the water
Weather dependent: Yes – lesson and camp times may change according to surf and weather conditions
Booking: Advance booking recommended
For current availability, programmes and booking information, visit Freedom Surf School.
Contact Freedom Surf School
Office: 051 386773
Mobile: 086 391 4908
Email: info@freedomsurfschool.com
Features
- Equipment Hire
- Family Friendly
- Group Bookings
- Outdoor Activity
- Surf Lessons
- Water Sports
