If you’ve ever watched someone wakesurfing across the water and thought, “That looks brilliant… but I’d never be able to do that,” you’re definitely not alone.
Most first-time surfers arriving at Windermere Wakesurfing feel exactly the same. A mix of excitement, nerves and curiosity about whether they’ll actually manage to get up on the board.
And honestly, feeling nervous is completely normal.
While around 95% of our guests get up and surf during their very first session, everyone learns at their own pace. Some people stand up quickly, while others simply enjoy building confidence and trying something new on the water for the first time.
What sets Windermere Wakesurfing apart is our combination of fully BWSW-accredited coaches, premium Nautique wakesurf boats, real-time headset coaching, personalised tuition in small groups and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that helps beginners feel at ease from the moment they step on board.
From families trying something new together to couples celebrating birthdays and complete novices stepping onto a board for the very first time, many people leave their session wondering why they didn’t try it sooner.
With hundreds of five-star reviews across Google and Tripadvisor, beginner surfers regularly mention our patient coaching, relaxed atmosphere and how quickly they felt confident on the water.
“I never thought I’d actually get up!”
One of the biggest surprises for beginners is how quickly things start to click with the right coaching.
Many guests arrive convinced they’ll spend the whole session falling into the water, only to find themselves surfing behind the boat much sooner than expected.
As one reviewer put it:
I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to stand up, but within the first session I was surfing without the rope. The coaching made such a difference.
Another guest said:
We had two 1 hr sessions and by the end we were both surfing. My little girl is only 10 and she was up very quickly, I suppose that’s kids for you! But, the truth is, that it was down to the quality of coaching. Ed’s style is easy going, he made it fun and interesting, providing simple instructions that helped our understanding of what we were trying to do. Overall very pleased, we will be back soon.
Unlike crowded beaches or unpredictable surf conditions, wakesurfing gives beginners a much more controlled environment to learn in.
That means:
- Calm water
- Clear instruction
- One-to-one coaching
- Encouragement throughout
- No pressure to “get it right” straight away
Ready to try wakesurfing for yourself?
Whether you’re booking for yourself, planning a family activity or looking for something different to do in the Lake District, our beginner wakesurf sessions are designed to help you feel confident from the very first surf.
Explore our wakesurfing page to find out more.
What happens during your first wakesurf session?
One of the biggest concerns beginners have is not knowing what to expect. You’ll be greeted by either Edd or Tony and given a warm welcome at the dock. This is where you can ask any questions you may have and leave everything to us to help you get settled in.
Before you get in the water, we’ll go through:
- How to position yourself on the board
- How the rope works
- What to expect when the boat pulls away
- Simple techniques to help you stand up
- How to stay balanced once you’re surfing
Once you’re out on Lake Windermere, your coach will continue coaching you through our onboard communication headsets, giving you real-time feedback and encouragement while you’re in the water. Find out everything you can expect during your first wakesurf session here.
Learning at your own pace
Beginners mention time and time again how relaxed and personal the sessions feel. Some people get up quickly, while others take a little longer and that’s completely normal.
The focus is on enjoying the experience rather than trying to be perfect.
One guest said:
52 years old, first time on the water doing any kind of surfing. Ed the brilliant instructor had me up on the board within 5 mins, then he had me surfing within 20 minutes. His concise clear instructions gave me confidence. Can’t thank him enough for a brilliant morning. Family came on the beautiful boat to watch too. Would highly recommend.
One thing guests often say afterwards is how quickly the session flies by once everyone’s having fun on the water. Many people end up wishing they’d booked a little longer, especially larger groups where more people on the boat naturally means less individual surf time.
If you’re booking as a group and want plenty of time on the water, it’s worth considering a longer session so everyone gets the most out of the experience.
“I was nervous before getting in the water”
Honestly, it’s probably the most common thing beginners say before their first session. And that’s completely understandable.
Trying something new on the water can feel daunting at first, but many reviews mention how quickly those nerves disappear once the session gets going.
One first-time surfer wrote:
Great guys, very friendly and knowledgeable. Gave me a lot of confidence on the water.
Another family shared:
Great experience, very fun day out. Great tuition, open and friendly staff.
For most people, the hardest part is simply giving it a go and booking it! Once they do, they’re always so glad they did. Claire was the perfect example of this. Read all about how she decided to try wakesurfing for the first time for her 40th birthday.
The Lake District setting makes it even better
One of the things that makes wakesurfing on Windermere so unique is the setting itself. Unlike coastal surfing, you’re surrounded by the stunning Lake District landscape, with calm water and spectacular views in every direction.
Being out on Lake Windermere, surrounded by the Lake District scenery, turns the whole experience into something far more memorable than your average activity day.
Even non-surfers enjoy being out on the boat:
- Watching friends and family progress
- Taking in the views
- Listening to music
- Sharing the laughs after the inevitable wipeouts
- Enjoying time out on the lake together – especially in the sun!
It’s part watersport, part unforgettable day out.
Ready to give wakesurfing a go?
Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, spend quality time with family and friends or simply experience Windermere from a different perspective, we’d love to welcome you onto the lake.
With BWSW-accredited coaches, premium Nautique boats and a relaxed, beginner-friendly approach, we’ll help you feel comfortable from the moment you step on board.
