Business Details
12 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Learn to Surf in Westport, WA
BigFoot Surf has been guiding surfers of all skill levels in Westport, Washington for over a decade. Our team of experienced instructors brings 40 combined years of surfing expertise and specialized training in child and adult learning methodologies. We operate under a unique Gradual Release of Responsibility teaching model, ensuring students develop into safe, independent surfers. As the only WA State Parks Permitted Surf School since 2014, we maintain rigorous safety standards with certified First Responders and comprehensive emergency training.Our commitment to community extends through personalized instruction that respects local surf culture while introducing students to lifelong ocean stewardship. We provide top-quality equipment and prioritize safety through thorough gear inspections and weather monitoring. Our instructors' global experience across surf schools in Australia, Indonesia, Hawaii, and California informs our tailored approach to each student's goals.
Services
Surf Lessons
Private Lessons
Semi-Private Lessons
Surfboard Rentals
Wetsuit Rentals
Group Lessons
Surf Coaching
Beginner Lessons
Intermediate Lessons
Advanced Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- 40+ years combined surfing and coaching experience in Westport
- Certified instructors with First Aid, CPR, and trauma training
- Personalized lessons using proven Gradual Release teaching methodology
- Only WA State Parks Permitted Surf School since 2014
- Comprehensive safety protocols with equipment inspections and weather monitoring
Associations and certifications
- WA State Parks Permitted Surf School
- First Aid Certified
- CPR & AED Certified
- Trauma Response Certified
What people say
Top notch instruction
Amazing experience
Professional and fun
Excellent wetsuits
Safe and organized
Services
Surf Lessons
BigFoot Surf offers comprehensive surf lessons for all skill levels in Westport, WA. Our Gradual Release of Responsibility teaching model ensures students progress safely from basic techniques to independent surfing. With 40+ years of combined instructor experience and WA State Parks permitting since 2014, we provide personalized instruction that prioritizes safety and ocean awareness while developing lifelong surfing skills.
Private Lessons
Private surf lessons provide individualized attention with dedicated instructors for accelerated learning. These sessions allow complete customization to personal goals and ability levels, with flexible scheduling options. Our certified instructors adapt teaching methods to each student's learning style while maintaining rigorous safety standards and equipment inspections.
Semi-Private Lessons
Semi-private lessons accommodate two students with one instructor, balancing personalized attention with shared learning experiences. Ideal for friends or family members learning together, these sessions maintain our safety-focused curriculum while offering cost-effective options. Instructors tailor instruction to accommodate both participants' skill levels and learning paces.
Surfboard Rentals
We provide high-quality surfboard rentals specifically suited for Westport's conditions. Our demo fleet includes stable longboards (minimum 8') for beginners through advanced riders. While we don't rent gear directly, we maintain partnerships with local shops and conduct thorough equipment inspections to ensure safety and performance standards for lesson participants.
Wetsuit Rentals
Wetsuit rental options include 5/4ml and 4/3ml suits designed for Westport's 47-53F water temperatures. Our recommended rental partners provide properly fitting thermal protection that maintains flexibility for surfing movements. We inspect all rental wetsuits for functionality and safety before lesson participation to ensure comfort and performance.
People
Shaun
Instructor
Shaun specializes in personalized surf instruction, adapting lessons to individual goals and ability levels. With extensive experience teaching beginners through advanced surfers, he emphasizes safety and technique development while maintaining an engaging learning environment that builds lifelong surfing skills.
Sean
Instructor
Sean focuses on safety-first instruction with expertise in cold-water surfing preparation. He ensures proper wetsuit selection and equipment readiness while creating enjoyable learning experiences. His teaching approach balances technical instruction with environmental awareness for Westport's unique conditions.
Amanda
Instructor
Amanda delivers professional, communicative instruction tailored to family groups and young adventurers. She specializes in making surfing accessible and enjoyable for youth participants while maintaining strict safety protocols. Her patient approach helps build confidence and technical proficiency in beginner surfers.
Brian
Instructor
Brian provides expert coaching that demystifies surfing techniques for new participants. He focuses on foundational skills development while creating an engaging atmosphere that reduces intimidation factors. His instruction emphasizes proper form and ocean safety awareness for lasting surfing capability.
Shawn
Instructor
Shawn specializes in accelerated learning techniques for active individuals. He simplifies complex surfing concepts into manageable progressions, enabling rapid skill acquisition. His experience with snowboard-to-surf transitions informs adaptive teaching methods that benefit physically active beginners.
Questions
What types of surf lessons do you offer?
We offer private lessons (1 student/1 instructor) and semi-private lessons (2 students/1 instructor) for ages 7+. Group lessons accommodate up to 9 people with multiple instructors.
What's included in the surf lesson?
Lessons include surfboard use, professional instruction, safety equipment checks, and personalized coaching. Wetsuits are available through local rental partners if needed.
What experience levels do you teach?
We teach all levels from complete beginners to advanced surfers. Our Gradual Release teaching model adapts to each student's current ability and learning pace.
What safety measures do you have?
All instructors are certified in First Aid, CPR, and trauma response. We conduct equipment inspections, monitor weather conditions, and maintain strict safety protocols during lessons.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel 5+ days ahead for $20 refund fee. Less than 5 days notice results in full charge. We reschedule lessons canceled due to dangerous weather conditions.
What should I bring for my lesson?
Bring warm clothing, a towel, and water. Wetsuits and surfboards can be rented locally. We provide all necessary safety equipment and instructional materials.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Michael H.
Jun 13, 2021
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Had my first lesson with Cotton and Joe today and it was amazing. I've been trying to self teach for months and was getting nowhere fast. In one day with these guys I learned more than i ever imagined possible in such a short period of time. It's like I just jumped ahead a year in a day. Can't wait to take more lessons and finally make this surfing dream a reality! Great instructors, great equipment, great day. Book a lesson or two you won't be disappointed!
Erik B.
Sep 28, 2017
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Shaun was an incredible teacher. So glad I decided to work with bigfoot. Highly recommend and I'll be back for more lessons in the future! Thanks!
Michael H.
Aug 31, 2016
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Excellent experience. I'm a novice surfer and needed a beginner lesson. My buddy and I found this outfit online and we were not disappointed. Sean is amazing. He paid attention to every detail. Wetsuits. Surfboards. Water bottles. Protein bars. He was fully prepared. He emphasized safety at all costs. He kept all promises and communicated clearly and efficiently as we set up the lesson. By the end of the lesson I was standing up and surfing. Crazy! Highly recommended. I will we back.
