A NORTH Pembrokeshire surf club is helping youngsters ride the waves of success.

Cool Water Surf Academy is a mobile surf school set up by Ryan Thomas in April 2013, with the aim of providing fun professional coaching sessions for all abilities.

The team is made up of Ryan, himself a former surfing champion, fully qualified instructors and a handful of beach lifeguards.

Ryan, who lives in Pen y Cwm, said: “I knew it was never going to be your normal, everyday surf school. I first realised this over the May bank holiday when my dad started offering mega discounts and free ice creams with every lesson.”

The junior coaching sessions have been a particular success, taking place either at Whitesands, Newgale or Broad Haven, depending on the conditions.

The junior surfers come from all corners of Pembrokeshire, with a handful travelling down from Swansea. The current group includes British and Welsh champions, as well as British and Welsh junior team members.

Ryan said: “The last eight months have been truly awesome, life changing in a way.

The best thing about the surf school would have to be working with the kids. We set up a kids club which ran two nights a week for the local children; we also worked with community groups, youth centres, care homes and young offenders.

“More than anything it's about getting the youngsters together and having fun, as well as building new friendships.”

To find out more about Cool Water Surf Academy, visit www.coolwatersurf.co.uk