Arranged by our Concierge team
At Perfect Stays, making the most of Cornwall’s incredible coastline is a must for our guests. Whether it’s your first time in a wetsuit or you’re a seasoned surfer, spending time in the waves is something to look forward to. That’s why private surf coaching is always a popular experience arranged by our Concierge team.
One of our highly recommended contacts is George’s Surf School. Ranked in the top 10 surf schools in the world and based in Polzeath, they specialise in tailored lessons for individuals, children, and families. We recently caught up with George Stoy to find out more about his passion for surfing, the benefits of the ocean, and what makes Cornwall such a special place to learn.
We’ve been recommending you for over 10 years, but how did George’s Surf School come to be?
I wanted to feel the same confidence in the water as I did in the mountains and was looking for someone to coach me. Back in the late 90s, there wasn’t the same access to high-quality surf instruction that I was used to in skiing, so I worked with some of the top coaches in the world and started building the coaching programme that we're still growing and evolving today.
Talk us through your relationship with Perfect Stays. How has our Concierge team impacted your business?
It’s always a pleasure. You take the time to really understand what we do and there’s a shared vision in how we believe guests deserve to be looked after. You’ll find out exactly what’s needed out of the lesson which means we can personalise each session to align with guests’ needs and skill level, making sure they get the most out of their time in the water.
We’ve worked together for many years now, and it’s great to have that rapport with your team. We share ideas and feedback, and I know there’ll always be a friendly voice at the end of the phone.
"It’s basically a happiness factory – and being a part of that is a wonderful thing."
Why does George’s Surf School specialise in private lessons? What is it about teaching that you still enjoy today?
The surf school industry was mainly focused on volume, not quality, and I wanted to build something based on high-quality, personal interactions. It was really about creating choice for people who wanted to learn and progress while developing long-term coaching relationships. Teaching is something I still love because I get to see people grow in confidence and ability, often surprising themselves with what they can achieve.
How do you cater for different ages and families?
For children, we take a play-based approach – we incorporate games and little challenges, which makes learning fun while also helping them grow in confidence in and around the water. We also introduce ocean safety in a way that’s easy for them to understand. For adults, we tailor sessions to their ability and experience, whether they’re complete beginners or looking to refine their technique.
When did you catch your first wave? What was it that you loved so much?
I was 16 years old. I had been studying Spanish and spent a week in the Basque Country. I had a go at surfing and was instantly hooked – I was awful at first, but I loved how challenging it was!
Because I’d been skiing since I was young, surfing became the perfect complement. It was lower impact on my body and mostly non-competitive, allowing me to enjoy the ocean in a way that felt both exhilarating and meditative.
What do you gain from your surf school? What stands out day-to-day?
Everyone who surfs is at different stages of the same journey, and it’s a joy to mentor a brilliant coaching team while growing trust and a following of surfers of all ages. Seeing people build confidence in the water, experience those ‘best-ever’ moments, and leave with a smile is hard to beat.
What draws you to Polzeath and Cornwall?
Polzeath and the surrounding area is stunning. The beach access is easy, and you can surf all year round. We also coach at Harlyn and Constantine Bay, allowing us to match surfers with the best conditions on any given day.
Talk us through the health and wellbeing benefits of being in the water.
This was the thing that really hooked me. There’s now lots of data to explain what surfers have always known – that being in the ocean and riding waves provides a huge mental and physical boost. Exercising in nature is one of the best ways to improve overall well-being. Learning new skills engages neuroplasticity, and the combination of endorphins, immersion, and focus makes surfing a fantastic way to reset the mind. I often see people leave the water feeling completely different from when they started a session – it’s always a pleasure to witness.
Tell us how you ensure you’re passing on good messaging around sustainability and being a conscious surfer.
Shared custodianship of our natural environment is an essential part of our culture. Staying informed and passing on knowledge that helps our surfers make better, more conscious decisions is an important part of what we do.
We scrutinise our business and have policies in place to minimise our environmental impact. The best way to encourage engagement with sustainability is by getting people into the ocean, helping them understand how interconnected everything is, and fostering a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet. Surfing provides a great opportunity to have these important conversations in a meaningful way.
What’s the most rewarding part of running George’s Surf School?
A love of riding waves has taken me to incredible places where I’ve met wonderful people. But most of all, it’s set me on a lifelong learning journey, which, for someone inherently curious, has been amazing. Passing this on in the right way and sparking that same passion in others is incredibly rewarding.
It’s basically a happiness factory – and being a part of that is a wonderful thing.
Good to know: George and his team are happy to make any adjustments for mobility and access needs - please include these details when booking through our Concierge team.
Watch George's video case study or visit his website for more details on lessons, courses and private tuition.
Find out more about our Concierge team
Our concierge service goes far beyond private surf lessons. With a wealth of local knowledge, our team are on hand to curate unforgettable moments throughout your stay. Whether it's private chef experiences, in-house spa treatments, or restaurant reservations, we take care of the details so you can relax knowing all the finer details are taken of.
With our brand new concierge hub now live, you can explore the full range of services we offer, watch exclusive concierge case study videos and browse our FAQs to begin planning your perfect getaway. Or enquire directly with our Concierge team by emailing us on info@perfectstays.co.uk.
Image credits: all images are our own.
Posted by Bethany Walton
Beth can usually be found on a Cornish beach or enjoying a swim in the sea. She has great insight about where to visit across the county, plus plenty of recommendations for finding the best Cornish ice cream.
