Business Details
21 Years
experience
Learn to Surf in Barbados with Barry's Surf School Barbados
Barry's Surf School Barbados was founded in 2005 by lifelong Barbadian resident Barry Banfield, who sought to share his passion for surfing with visitors and locals alike. Our team of experienced instructors has spent decades mastering Barbados' waves, offering personalized instruction that ensures 99% of beginners stand up during their first lesson. We combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of local surf conditions, providing equipment rentals and accommodations to create a holistic surfing experience. Our Epic Cafe and Epic Loft properties serve as hubs for travelers seeking authentic coastal adventures. With small group lessons limited to six students per instructor, we prioritize safety and individual attention while fostering a welcoming community.Our commitment to quality has made us a trusted name in Barbados tourism for nearly two decades. We emphasize sustainable practices that protect our marine environment while helping guests discover the island's diverse surf spots. From first-time wave riders to seasoned professionals, our services cater to all skill levels across the island's south, east, and west coasts. Our operations manager Christie Banfield, a former Barbados Surfer of the Year, ensures every guest receives expert guidance and personalized recommendations. Through continuous improvement and a focus on creating life-changing experiences, we remain dedicated to sharing Barbados' surfing culture with the world.
Services
Surf Lessons
Surfboard Rentals
Epic Loft Accommodation
Surfing in Barbados
Surf Info & Guidance
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Experienced instructors with decades of local surf knowledge
- Small group lessons (max 6 students) for personalized attention
- 99% success rate for beginners standing up first lesson
- Epic Loft accommodations directly across from training beach
- Expert guidance to Barbados' best surf spots for all levels
What people say
Life-changing experience
Amazing instructors
Perfect beach location
Great value
Memorable first wave
Services
Surf Lessons
Barry's Surf School Barbados offers expert-led surf lessons for all skill levels. Our 2-hour beginner sessions include 15-20 minutes of beach instruction followed by 105 minutes of water training. With a maximum 6:1 student-instructor ratio, we guarantee personalized attention. Our certified instructors teach proper techniques for paddling, balancing, and wave selection while ensuring safety in Barbados' dynamic surf conditions.
Surfboard Rentals
We provide high-quality surfboard rentals for travelers and locals. Our fleet includes fun boards and longboards suitable for all skill levels. Professional surfers can find performance equipment while beginners benefit from stable, durable options. Rentals include rash vests and come with expert advice about local surf conditions. Our shop at Epic Surf Cafe offers convenient access to Barbados' best surf spots.
Epic Loft Accommodation
Epic Loft offers modern one-bedroom accommodations in Christ Church. Located directly across from Sea Breeze Beach, our $150US/night apartment features air conditioning, kitchen facilities, and ocean views. Guests enjoy proximity to surf spots, local restaurants, and public transportation. The property includes exclusive access to Epic Cafe's amenities and serves as an ideal base for exploring Barbados' surf coasts.
Surfing in Barbados
Barry's Surf School Barbados guides guests to Barbados' premier surf locations. We specialize in south coast breaks like South Point and Freights Bay, east coast's Soup Bowl, and west coast gems including Maycocks. Our experts provide real-time conditions updates and transportation advice. With 8 months of consistent swells annually, we help guests maximize their time on Barbados' world-class waves.
Surf Info & Guidance
Our team offers comprehensive surf guidance services for Barbados visitors. From tide charts to equipment selection, we provide critical information for safe surfing. Guests receive personalized recommendations for surf spots matching their skill level and real-time updates on conditions. Our operations manager Christie Banfield, a former Barbados Surfer of the Year, ensures expert advice for optimal surf experiences.
People
Barry Banfield
Founder & Owner
Barry Banfield founded Barry's Surf School Barbados in 2005 after growing up surfing Barbados' waves. With decades of local experience, he developed a teaching system that helps 99% of beginners stand up during their first lesson. He oversees all surf operations and maintains quality standards across the business.
Christie Banfield
Operations Manager
Christie Banfield, Barbados 2005 Surfer of the Year, serves as Operations Manager. She handles bookings, accounting, and guest relations while providing expert surf guidance. With extensive local knowledge and a background in tourism management, she ensures smooth operations across Barry's Surf School Barbados and Epic Loft properties.
Questions
What's included in the surf lesson price?
The $75US lesson includes 2 hours of instruction (15-20 mins land, 105 mins water), surfboard, rash vest, and expert guidance for up to 6 participants.
How much are surfboard rentals?
Surfboard rentals cost $150US per day plus tax. We offer fun boards and longboards for all skill levels at our Epic Surf Cafe location.
What accommodation options do you offer?
Epic Loft provides a modern one-bedroom apartment for $150US/night with minimum 5-night stay. Located across from Sea Breeze Beach with kitchen, AC, and ocean views.
When is the best surfing season in Barbados?
Barbados offers consistent waves November-June with south-east swells. The south coast has optimal conditions during these months, while west coast spots work December-April.
Are lessons suitable for complete beginners?
Yes! Our lessons cater specifically to first-time surfers. 99% of beginners stand up during their first 2-hour session with our small group instruction format.
Reviews (7)
MikeGaunt
Dec 08, 2021
Report
We had a great morning with Barrys surf school. Lots of great tips and support to catch waves. Perfect balance between relaxed friendly atmosphere whilst also learning, would highly recommend.
Anthony Rhind
Nov 16, 2021
Report
I had an excellent series of surf lessons with the Barrys team. Matt & Erin were brilliant coaches. They ensured we maximised time in the water. All advice was constructive. They were also fun. I strongly recommend Barrys Surf School.
Emmanuel Grinda
Sep 28, 2021
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Spent the month of August in Barbados and hired a board through Barry's surf camp. Would definitely recommend! They have a nice selection of boards and it was easy to come in and swap whenever the conditions required different ones. Very friendly and helpful in pointing out the spots etc
Spent the month of August in Barbados and hired a board through Barry's surf camp. Would definitely recommend! They have a nice selection of boards and it was easy to come in and swap whenever the conditions required different ones. Very friendly and helpful in pointing out the spots etc
Ganan Radhakrishnan
Jul 02, 2021
Report
Great place to learn how to surf. I had no prior experience to surfing and had some apprehensions to being out in the water. I contacted Barry's after some friends who were locals recommended the surf shop. I had a very quick response with prices and availability. I had my surf lessons with Matt who was brilliant. He was amazing at teaching me the technique to surf and also had great feedback. He reassured me when the waves looked a bit daunting and always made me feel safe. After 2 lessons I was confidently standing and riding waves. I would definitely recommend going to Barry's if you're in the
E. S.
Jun 01, 2021
Report
I've been in Barbados for the past five months and have been taking lessons at Barry's throughout that time to improve my surfing. The instructors are both helpful and friendly and you'll find your surfing improving in no time. The local beach is a great spot, but if the waves are better elsewhere youll jump in the truck to another of the south coasts breaks. I cant recommend it higher than to say that I have kept going back!
William Pollock
May 25, 2021
Report
Barrys was my first time surfing and I ended up doing a mix of classes and board rentals over a few weeks. The team was super professional, thoughtful and easy to work with. The beach out back is the perfect spot to learn and theyll also take you around the island in a vintage Defender. Cant recommend this place enough!
Diana Pittet
May 24, 2021
Report
One of the main reasons that I wanted to return to Barbados, after my first trip there seven years ago, was so that I could have more lessons with Barrys Surf School. Theyre that good. What makes them so great? Its a combination of things--a mix of expert surf instruction along with a good dose of easy-going fun. Its such a treat to be in the water with the instructors, Matt and Andrew. We always have a good laugh, along with some awesome waves, and we sustained this for five weeks! On the practical front, whats also great about Barrys, especially for me as an intermediate surfer
