Learning to Surf on the Gold Coast

There is no better way to appreciate the natural beauty of the Gold Coast than by getting out in the waves, and if you don’t yet know how to surf, there is no better place to learn than right here on some of the world’s most consistent and best waves. The following is all you need to know if you want to learn to surf on the Gold Coast.

Where to stay?

Wherever your Gold Coast accommodation ends up being you are sure to be within walking distance of the beach, and the entire strip of beaches is extremely beautiful. However, some consider the north end of the Gold Coast strip, around the area known as ‘The Spit’, to contain the best waves for learning to surf. If you want to be extremely close to some good beginner’s waves, look for Gold Coast accommodation deals on the north end of the strip.

When to come?

Any time of year is a good time to learn how to surf on the Gold Coast, but if you want to do it in the summer you will have to be prepared for crowds, because a lot of other people will have the same idea. However, if you don’t want to battle crowds in and out of the surf, consider coming during the shoulder seasons instead, as the crowds will be far smaller and the weather will usually still be pretty good.

Where to get lessons?

There are a lot of people offering surfing lessons on the Gold Coast, and obviously some are better than others, so the best way to research your options is to go online, compare prices, and most importantly read the reviews.

What does it cost for lessons?

The cost of your surf lessons will depend on which instructor you choose, whether it is a group or private lesson and perhaps even the time of year you come. Generally, group lessons will cost adults around $50 for a two-hour lesson, (and slightly less for kids), and these lessons will often have between six and 10 people in them. Private lessons are also available and will cost around $100 for an hour and a half.

Do you need your own board?

You are usually provided with a board and a wetsuit to use during the lesson, but you might want to have something to practise on afterwards, and for this you can always rent from any of the local surf shops. However, if you own a board and want to use it for the lesson, you most certainly can.

Why do it?

Apart from being a fantastic way to learn one of the world’s best sports, taking surf lessons is also a good excuse to learn more about reading surf conditions, such as rips and currents. Surfing is a wonderful way to keep in shape as well, and once you find yourself faced with those gorgeous Gold Coast beaches you are going to want to grab a board and go play.