Meet Sam Smart

Professional Surfer | Founder of Smart Surf School | Head Surf Coach | Sennen Cove, Cornwall.

Learn to surf with someone who has spent a lifetime mastering the waves — and nearly three decades helping others discover the magic of surfing.

Born and raised around the spectacular coastline of West Cornwall, Sam Smart is much more than your average surf instructor. A former professional surfer, England surf team representative and British Surfing Championships runner-up, Sam has dedicated his life to the ocean.

As the founder of Smart Surf School in Sennen Cove, Sam brings nearly 30 years of surf coaching experience, combining elite-level surfing knowledge with a genuine passion for helping people of all ages and abilities experience the thrill of catching their first wave.

Sam, the oldest Smart brother competes on the UK pro surfing tour and has represented team England, twice finishing second in the Nationals.

Outside of surfing, Sam likes to keep fit and boasts an unbeaten record as an ex professional boxer!

A Great Surfer. An Even Better Teacher.

Sam believes that being an exceptional surfer doesn’t automatically make someone an exceptional surf coach.

The real skill lies in understanding people.

Whether you’re a complete beginner feeling nervous about entering the ocean, a child taking your first steps into surfing, or an experienced surfer looking to improve your technique, Sam’s approach is personal, patient, encouraging and, above all, fun.

With a background as a professional beach lifeguard, Sam places ocean awareness, safety and confidence at the heart of every lesson.

He understands that for many people, learning to surf isn’t just about standing on a board. It’s about overcoming fears, building confidence, challenging yourself and discovering a connection with the ocean that can last a lifetime.

Smart Surf School Group Lesson in Sennen, Cornwall

Experience You Can’t Buy. Passion You Can’t Teach.

From competing at the highest levels of British surfing to coaching thousands of people in the waters of Sennen Cove, Sam has spent his life doing what he loves.

His extensive experience as a professional boxer, boxing coach and former lifeguard also gives him a unique understanding of movement, balance, physical fitness, mental resilience and how to bring out the very best in people.

But what really sets Sam apart is his personality.

Approachable, enthusiastic, down-to-earth and always ready with a smile, Sam has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable, capable and excited to learn.

No egos. No pressure. No intimidating surf culture. Just exceptional coaching, encouragement and a whole lot of fun.

Why Choose Sam Smart?

Former professional surfer with experience representing England and competing at national level.
Nearly 30 years of surf coaching experience at one of Cornwall’s most iconic surfing beaches.
Former professional beach lifeguard, bringing extensive ocean safety knowledge.
Personalised coaching tailored to your confidence, ability and individual goals.
A proven ability to teach complete beginners, including those who may be nervous around the sea.
A lifetime of local knowledge of Sennen Cove’s waves, tides and changing conditions.
Friendly, inspiring and confidence-building lessons that make surfing accessible to everyone.

More Than a Surf Lesson. An Experience You’ll Never Forget.

For Sam, the greatest reward isn’t catching the biggest wave himself.

It’s watching someone who arrived feeling nervous, uncertain or convinced they couldn’t surf suddenly stand up on their first wave — and seeing the enormous smile that follows.

That moment is what makes nearly three decades of teaching so worthwhile.

“You don’t have to be a great surfer to be a great surf coach. You have to understand people, build their confidence and help them fall in love with the ocean. That’s what it’s all about.” — Sam Smart

Ready to Catch Your First Wave?

Whether you’re 6 or 66, a complete beginner or looking to take your surfing to the next level, experience Sennen Cove with one of Cornwall’s most experienced and passionate surf coaches.

Learn from a professional. Build your confidence. Discover the ocean.

Book your surf lesson with Sam Smart at Smart Surf School, Sennen Cove.

BOOK TODAY