Blog
Surfing in Northern Ireland: 8 Family Wave Adventures to Try This Summer
Surfing in Northern Ireland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of summer holiday adventures. But for those in the know, it’s one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. With rugged coastlines, consistent swells, and a laid-back surf culture, it’s a brilliant destination for families looking to dive into surfing this summer holiday.
And when it comes to gear, North Coast Wetsuits (NCW) have families covered – literally – with cold water wetsuits that are warm, flexible, and affordable.
Click on the paragraph headings below to jump to that section –
Built for Surfing in the North Atlantic: NCW Wetsuits
Northern Ireland’s waves may be epic, but the water is chilly – even in summer. That’s why choosing the right wetsuit is crucial.
Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (backzip)
Price range: £64.95 through £89.95
NCW wetsuits are specifically designed for colder water conditions, making them ideal for surfing around the Antrim Coast, Causeway Coast, and beyond. From their premium neoprene to thoughtful panel designs and fleece-lined interiors, NCW suits keep warmth in and cold out – without restricting movement.
Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (chest zip)
£109.95
What’s even better? Both kids’ and adult wetsuits offer premium construction without the premium price tag. So whether you’re introducing your kids to surfing for the first time or brushing off your own board, NCW wetsuits give your family everything needed to stay warm, safe, and stoked.
NCW 4/3mm Yamamoto neoprene back zip Gulf Stream wetsuit (men).
Original price was: £269.00.£215.00Current price is: £215.00.
And if you’re not ready to buy? NCW also offers wetsuit hire, making cold-water surfing accessible even for first-timers.
NCW 4/3mm Yamamoto neoprene back zip Gulf Stream wetsuit (women).
Original price was: £269.00.£215.00Current price is: £215.00.
1. Family Surfing Sessions – Discover the Magic of the North Coast
The North Coast of Northern Ireland offers some of the most consistent and scenic surfing in the UK. Places like Portrush (East and West Strand), White Rocks Beach, and Benone serve up beginner-friendly beach breaks perfect for family sessions. This article gives more info on specific Norther Irish surfing beaches.
Whether your kids are catching their first wave in waist-high whitewater or you’re carving green waves, surfing in Northern Ireland offers something for every level.
With NCW’s cold-water wetsuits, your family can stay in the lineup longer – even on those brisk mornings or cloudy afternoons.
2. Kids’ Surf Lessons – Build Skills & Confidence
Most surf schools cater to families and children, with fully supervised group or private lessons. Kids as young as six can get started, with fun-focused instruction in safe beach zones.
Pairing lessons with a well-fitting NCW kids’ wetsuit helps children stay warm, happy, and focused – not distracted by the cold. Their suits are built to the same standard as adult suits, meaning proper warmth and protection, not flimsy play gear.
3. Soft-Top Boards for Beginners – Safer Surfing for All Ages
One of the best ways to introduce your family to surfing is with soft-top surfboards. They’re buoyant, stable, and much safer than hard fibreglass boards.
Body Glove 54’er Soft Top Mini Surfboard / bodyboard – Green/Black.
Original price was: £139.95.£99.00Current price is: £99.00.
NCW offers surf accessories and gear advice for beginner setups, making it easy to get your kids on the right board, in the right waves, with the right wetsuit if buying your own equipment is a thing. Their Rubber Shack shop and online store have great family-friendly options to get started.
4. Bodyboarding – An Easy Win for Young Kids
If full-on surfing feels a bit much, bodyboarding is a fantastic alternative. It’s great for young kids who are still building their confidence in the waves.
NCW supplies bodyboard gear, including boards, fins, and warm wetsuits – everything your family needs to have hours of fun without going deep into the lineup. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to develop surf awareness before transitioning to standing on a board.
5. Bellyboarding – Retro Fun for the Whole Family
Bellyboarding is a vintage surf experience that’s seeing a big comeback, especially among families. It’s easy, safe, and doesn’t require lessons or leashes. Just grab your board and slide into the whitewater.
NCW sells durable bellyboards perfect for the Irish coast. Kids love the simplicity, and parents love the low-maintenance vibe. Combine it with an NCW wetsuit and you’ve got a solid couple of hours of fun – no matter the sea temp.
6. Pre-Session Warm-Ups with Surf Skates
Training off the water? That’s where surf skating comes in. Not a watersport, but a perfect dry-land companion to surfing, surf skating mimics the movement of carving and pumping on a wave.
Waterborne Skateboards surf skate adapter fin system (for your front truck)
£70.00
NCW stocks affordable surf skateboards, including Waterborne surf adapters that retrofit to any existing setup, turning it into a surf skate. Surf skates can help kids and adults improve balance, posture, and technique. It’s also a fun and mellow way to introduce younger children to skateboard culture before hitting the pavement.
7. Explore Hidden Breaks as a Family
Northern Ireland is dotted with less-crowded surf spots that are perfect for surf exploration. Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, and Magilligan Point offer opportunities to paddle out without the crowds. These mini surf missions are great for building family surf memories and introducing your kids to the wider surf culture.
Again, having the right wetsuit makes all the difference. Cold water won’t ruin the session when you’re wrapped up in NCW’s quality gear.
8. Post-Surf Chill with Local Vibes
After a session, dry off, warm up, and take in the local surf scene. From beach cafés to walking trails along the cliffs, Northern Ireland’s surf towns are built for low-key family time.
Don’t forget to rinse your gear and hang your NCW wetsuits out to dry – they’re built to last, but looking after your suit means it’ll keep performing season after season.
Why NCW Wetsuits Are Perfect for Irish Surf
North Coast Wetsuits is a UK-based company that designs and builds wetsuits for the cold-water surfer. Unlike mass-market brands that focus on tropical destinations, NCW gear is tailored for UK and Irish conditions.
- Kids and adult suits are made from high-stretch, quick-drying neoprene
- Thermal lining provides extra warmth without extra weight
- Ergonomic fit ensures comfort during long sessions
- Affordable pricing makes it realistic to suit up the whole family
- Wetsuit hire available for holidaymakers or those just trying surfing for the first time
This attention to detail and family-friendly ethos makes NCW the smart choice for any Northern Ireland surf trip.
About North Coast Wetsuits and The Rubber Shack
Whether you’re browsing online or heading south to Cornwall, NCW and The Rubber Shack offer a true surf shop experience – built by surfers, for surfers. Based just 10 minutes from Polzeath, their shop is stocked with wetsuits, surfboards, skateboard gear, and accessories for all conditions and all levels.
Families trust NCW for advice, honest pricing, and quality gear that’s made to last. For cold water surfers across the UK and Northern Ireland, it’s the go-to name in surfing wetsuits and gear.
Final Thoughts: Catch Waves, Make Memories
Surfing in Northern Ireland is a magical experience – rugged cliffs, clean beaches, and consistent waves all summer long. Whether you’re starting your child’s surf journey or rediscovering your own stoke, there’s no better time than now.
With the right locations, the right gear, and a trusted wetsuit brand like North Coast Wetsuits, your family surfing adventures will be safe, warm, and unforgettable this summer holidays.