About Bantham Surfing Academy
Founded in 2010 in partnership with Evans Estates, Bantham Surfing Academy proudly became the original and first-ever surf school at the iconic Bantham Beach. Family-run and community-focused, we spent 15 wonderful years introducing thousands of people to the thrill of surfing, helping foster a love for the ocean while supporting local tourism in the South Hams.
In 2014, Evans Estates became known as Bantham Estate. A decade later, in 2025, the Estate changed hands once more. Despite our longstanding contribution to the beach and local community, our license was put up for tender. Sadly, we were not reselected, and our neighboring competitor was awarded the license instead.
While this marked the end of an era, it also opened a new chapter.
Determined to continue sharing our passion for surfing, we launched South Devon’s Mobile Surf School. This new venture allows us to bring our top-quality surf coaching to a variety of premier surfing locations across the South Devon coastline and beyond. Whether you’re a first time surfer or looking to improve your skills, we now offer a more flexible and adventurous surfing experience giving you access to multiple beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and the very best waves the region has to offer.
Bantham Surfing Academy may no longer be based solely at Bantham Beach, but our commitment to quality, safety, and surf stoke remains stronger than ever — just on wheels and we like it!
Meet the Team
Proudly recognised as a Centre of Excellence by both the International Surfing Association and Surfing England for over 15 years, we continue to uphold the highest standards in surf tuition. Our focus is on providing a family-friendly, welcoming service for surfers of all ages and abilities.
Find us where the waves are cooking, join us for an adventure, fun and an epic experience with industry professionals.
Pat Renaud
successful competitive surfer in the mid-80s and 90s, he won multiple South African Championship titles and secured a headline sponsorship with Quiksilver, competing on both national and international stages.
With over 30 years of experience in surf coaching and lifeguarding, Pat is currently the National Head Surfing Coach and ISA Course Presenter for Sri Lanka. In 2022 and 2023, he led the development of surfing in India, restructuring the sport and guiding the national team to compete at the 2023 World Surfing Games in El Salvador. Additionally, Pat has worked closely with the Maldives Surfing Association and Surfing England, further expanding my global coaching impact.
Recognized internationally for my contributions to surf coaching and lifeguard training and development, my work continues to shape the future of the sport on a global scale.
Why? Well, we’ve been doing this for years, and experience speaks for itself. Here are just a few of the qualifications and achievements that come with that time and commitment:
- National Head Surfing Coach for Sri Lanka (2023–2026)
- International Surfing Association (ISA) Course Presenter & Coach Educator for Sri Lanka (2022–2026)
- ISA Level 2 Surf Coach
- Academy of Surf Instructors Master Surf Coach
- Surfing England Level 2 Surf Coach & Course Presenter
- Surf Lifesaving Great Britain Lifeguard Trainer / Assessor
- National Head Surfing Coach for India (2022–2023)
- Attended the 2023 World Surfing Games as National Coach for Team India
- Asia Surfing Championships 2024 – Head Coach for Team Sri Lanka (Qualified for the 2026 World Surfing Games)
- Coached the India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka National Surfing Teams
- Established the first Surf Coach Performance Training Centre in Sri Lanka
- Multiple South African Surfing Champion
- International Lifesaving Federation Beach Risk Assessor
- Head of Lifeguard Training & Development for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (17 years, training over 1500 lifeguards)
Rest of the Team
Our summer seasonal staff have worked several seasons for us and hold the acquired Surf Instructor qualifications ISA/SE and Ocean Safety Certificates.
Our summer seasonal staff have worked several seasons for us and hold the acquired Surf Instructor qualifications ISA/SE and Ocean Safety Certificates.
What People are Saying About Us
Really great surf school with a friendly and knowledgeable crew. Bantham Beach provides a stunnning place to learn to surf, and paddle boarding in the estuary is really beautiful and scenic. It is absolutely an amazing surf school to learn at… I would highly recommend it!
Charlotte Gaunt
What a morning! Fantastic first surf for myself and my 12 year old son! Amazing intructors (with lots of patience) and fantastically organised. My son is currently looking for surf spots where we live. A massive thank you from all of us xx
Ellie Clayton
