The Cribbar Pathway
Six Months. One Surfer.
The Cribbar is Newquay’s legendary big wave; a deep-water reef off Towan Headland that breaks only on the heaviest Atlantic swells. When it comes to Cribbar surfing, preparation is everything. This programme is a six-month, one-to-one apprenticeship designed to build the fitness, skills and mindset needed for serious paddle-in waves.
What You’ll Train
Physical preparation
Tailored big wave fitness training for paddle endurance, explosive take offs and resilience in heavy water.
Functional breathing drills; CO₂ tolerance, recovery techniques, composure under pressure.
Mobility and injury proofing for shoulders, hips and spine.
Surfing progression
Step up exposure; moving through heavy Fistral, surrounding reefs and deeper water take offs.
Paddle-in surfing only; no tow-ins, no shortcuts.
Board control, positioning and decision making in turbulent water.
Psychological tools
Stress inoculation methods I have developed for police, athletes and surfers; staying composed when threat levels spike.
Fear management strategies; turning adrenaline into clarity and control.
Scenario visualisation and reset techniques for wipeouts and long hold downs.
Ocean knowledge
How to read swell charts and predict when the Cribbar will break.
Tides, currents and wind conditions unique to Towan Headland.
First-hand scientific and surfing insight into the Cribbar reef and its hazards.
How and Where
The Cribbar Pathway is coached personally by me, Dom Moore. I founded Surf Sanctuary here in Newquay, and have arguably surfed the Cribbar more than anyone else. I am a qualified surf coach, lifeguard and personal trainer, combining big-wave experience with scientific understanding of the ocean.
Most training is based at Surf Sanctuary overlooking the Cribbar reef. Sessions take place at Fistral Beach, nearby reefs and the wider coastal environment, alongside structured gym, pool and classroom work. This mix of locations ensures practical progression in the water, combined with focused big wave surf coaching on land.
Why One Surfer Only
This is not a course for groups. Every element is tailored to you; surf training, water sessions, fitness, analysis and progression. Big-wave surfing in the UK is rare, demanding and unforgiving. One-to-one coaching is the only way to prepare properly.
The Outcome
The pathway does not guarantee that you will surf the Cribbar. Conditions may not align, and my decision on readiness is final. What it does guarantee is that you will become stronger, calmer and more resilient; equipped with the skills and knowledge to surf serious waves anywhere. For the right surfer, this journey may culminate in a first Cribbar paddle-out.
Investment
Six month intensive programme: £7,500
Includes one-to-one coaching, gym and water sessions, video analysis, safety cover, and use of specialised equipment.
Apply
The Cribbar Pathway is offered to one surfer only. It requires weekly commitment, flexibility when swells arrive, and the ability to train in surf, gym, pool and classroom environments. If you believe you are ready for this challenge, contact me directly to request an initial conversation. We will talk through your current surfing, fitness and goals to decide whether this pathway is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is the Cribbar compared to Fistral?
The Cribbar breaks much further out and over deep reefs, so wipeouts are longer and rips are stronger. A six-foot day at the Cribbar feels far heavier than the same size at Fistral.
How rare is it to catch the Cribbar?
It only breaks a handful of times each year when long-period Atlantic swells hit at the right tide and wind. That rarity is part of what makes it so special.
What does a wipeout feel like out there?
It is colder, darker and far more violent than anything at the beach. You may be held under for two waves. Training in breath control and stress management is what makes it survivable.
Do I need to move to Newquay for six months?
Not necessarily. Many sessions can be scheduled around travel, but you will need to be flexible when big swells arrive, as those windows cannot be predicted far in advance.
What happens if the Cribbar doesn’t break during the programme?
The skills you gain — fitness, paddle power, breath control, decision-making — are transferable to serious surf anywhere in the world. The Cribbar is the focus, but the training is global in its value.
Can you train me to tow-in surf the Cribbar?
No. This pathway is for paddle-in surfing only. Tow-ins are a different discipline with different equipment and risks.
What’s the biggest wave I might surf during training?
That depends on conditions, but sessions are staged progressively. Expect to work through double overhead surf at Fistral and the reefs, before ever approaching a true Cribbar day.
What if the surf doesn’t get big?
Big-wave training is not dependent on constant big surf. No one can control the swell, here or anywhere else in the world. Conditioning, breath work, resilience and stress inoculation drills all run regardless of wave size. Even in smaller surf, riding a big board teaches the same lines, positioning and focus you will need when the waves do arrive.
What if I tap out after three months?
If you withdraw part-way through, a pro-rata refund is available. £2,500 is non-refundable in Month 1. From Month 2 onwards, £1,000 per unused month is refunded.
What’s included in the £7,500?
All one-to-one coaching, gym and pool training, water safety cover, video analysis, and access to boards and fins. Travel, accommodation and personal kit are not included.
Why only one surfer?
Because the Cribbar demands total focus. Safety, analysis and progression can only be tailored to a single individual at this level.
Disclaimer and Terms
The Cribbar Pathway is an intensive, one-to-one programme for a single surfer who is serious about preparing for big-wave, paddle-in surfing at Newquay’s Cribbar. It is not a casual surf course. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
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Commitment: This is a six-month programme that requires regular participation and flexibility around swell conditions. Enrolling means committing fully to the duration.
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Risk: Big wave surfing carries unavoidable risks, including the possibility of injury or worse. Every precaution is taken and safety is built into the training, but the risk cannot be removed.
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Progression: Readiness for the Cribbar, or any heavy surf session, will always be decided by the coach. Surfing the Cribbar cannot be guaranteed, as the wave itself may not break during your programme window.
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Cancellations: If you cannot attend a scheduled session, please provide as much notice as possible. Missed sessions without notice may be forfeited and not rescheduled. Repeated non-attendance may result in removal from the programme without refund.
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Refunds: The programme fee is £7,500. Refunds are structured as follows:
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If you withdraw during Month 1, £2,500 is retained to cover initial planning, setup and delivery.
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From Month 2 onwards, a pro-rata refund of £1,000 per unused month is available. Example: withdraw after three months → £2,500 is retained, £3,000 is refunded.
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Equipment: Boards and fins are supplied. You will need your own wetsuits, and standard gym/swim kit for land-based sessions.
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Safety: The final call on whether a session is safe to run, and whether you are ready for it, rests with the coach.
By applying, you confirm that you understand these terms and accept them as the conditions of enrolment.