Pembrokeshire Surf School
School Summary
Locations
Sports
SURF
About
Learn how to surf and have surfing lessons at Pembrokeshire Surf School, an ASI accredited surf school, located at Newgale in the heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park. Wales, UK. Just 2 hours’ drive from the city of Cardiff.
Set in the scenic Pembrokeshire National Park coast, a stunning location, and with many quality surf breaks to choose from.
Meet the Team
Estabished in 2018, Phil Sadler is the owner and head coach at Pembrokeshire Surf School. He’s been surfing for almost 30 years and has surfed all over the world. He got into surfing as it was the thrill of being in waves in the cold when everyone else was ducking for cover. It meant he could chase waves all over the globe and got to travel to faraway places surfing
Phil is an adventure sports coach, and previously worked for the Princes Trust as senior instructor, and was an activity ranger for the National Trust. He is a qualified teacher and holds a Degree in Sport Science, is an ASI Level 4 Master Surfing Coach, sea kayak coach, rock climbing instructor and holds RYA safety boat and emergency first aid qualifications.
Phil is an ASI Trainer and authorised to train others to be surfing instructors from Level 1 to 3. He is also a lifeguard trainer and trains others to be beach lifeguards.
Phil has been a surfing instructor since 2001 and has delivered lessons to thousands of people from beginner to advanced level. He has been the Welsh Junior Surfing Team Competition Coach since 2022 training juniors with competition skills for national and international competitions.
He is assisted in the surf by experience ASI surfing instructors, holding surf rescue and first aid qualifications.
Services Overview
Pembrokeshire Surf School offers group and private surf lessons for kids, adults, parties, school sports groups, family and corporate groups - for all levels and abilities from beginner to advanced level.
If you are an aspiring surfing competitor, Phil offers elite performance competition coaching.
The school has a kids grom surf club, runs surf camps, rentals, surf wise learn to surf certificate courses and surf safety programmes.
If you are an adult and keen to give surfing a go, join in the learn to surf weekends.
Gain your ASI surfing instructor qualifications or Surf Lifesaving GB lifeguard qualifications at Pembrokeshire Surf School. Courses are delivered throughout the year.
Facilities
There is convenient access to changing areas and free parking at lesson sites.
Location Features
Pembrokeshire's beaches are among the best in the world.
They are many locations to choose from so you can generally always find surf.
Surf lessons are held at Newgale, Broadhaven, Whitesands. Depending on the conditions a variety of other locations are also used including Abermawr, West Dale, Marloes, Abereiddy, Manorbier, Freshwater east, Broadhaven south and Tenby.
Surrounded by national parks, the surf locations are very scenic, surrounded by nature.
There is an abundance of wildlife from seals and dolphins and birdlife so you might spot these whilst surfing.
Tourism Attractions
Pembrokeshire, a stunning region on Wales’ western coast, continues to captivate visitors with its blend of natural beauty, seaside charm, and rich history. From its dramatic cliffs to its colorful towns, the area offers a diverse range of attractions that make it a top destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Tenby, one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic towns, draws crowds with its pastel-colored houses, medieval walls, and four pristine beaches. Castle Beach, in particular, earned national acclaim as Britain’s Best Beach in 2019. Just a short walk away, Monkstone Beach offers a quieter escape, perfect for clamming and rock pooling. Meanwhile, Freshwater West remains a favorite among surfers and film enthusiasts—it famously served as the backdrop for Shell Cottage in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Nature lovers are spoiled for choice in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the UK’s only coastal national park. The park features rugged cliffs, rare wildlife, and scenic walking trails, including the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Inland, the Preseli Hills offer panoramic views and a mystical connection to Stonehenge, believed to be the source of its bluestones
Wildlife enthusiasts can venture to Skomer Island, home to puffin colonies and wildflower meadows, or join seal safaris departing from Tenby to spot dolphins and other marine life.
History buffs will find plenty to explore, from the romantic ruins of Carew Castle to the spiritual serenity of Caldey Island, where Cistercian monks maintain a peaceful retreat. Cultural highlights include the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases local history and artistic talent.
Pembrokeshire even had a surprise celebrity in 2021—Wally the Walrus, who became a local icon after lounging on the RNLI Lifeboat Station ramp. His unexpected visit added a quirky chapter to the region’s already vibrant story.
Whether you're drawn by the call of the sea, the thrill of outdoor adventure, or the allure of ancient history, Pembrokeshire offers a rich and unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller.
Accommodation
There is an abundance of accommodation options including camping, backpacker, self catering, B&Bs, hotels - and close to the surf.