Ever wanted to get into surfing but never really knew where to start? The Gold Coast in sunny Queensland is one of the best spots to take up a surf lesson and get out on the waves. There is much to learn before you take the mighty plunge into surfing alone – from the swells, the tide and ever changing waves to having the right equipment and knowing the best beaches. Want to know the best surf schools the Gold Coast has to offer? Keep on scrolling.
You’ll also like:
72 Hours in the Snowy Mountains – Ford Everest Road Trip
Exploring the Central Coast’s Best Hidden Lookouts With Land Rover Defender 90
How To Fold A Dress Shirt For Travel
1. Get Wet Surf School
Get Wet Surf School is rated as one of the Gold Coast’s best and will give you a comprehensive break down of all the surfing do’s and don’ts. Experienced coaches take students out to the best Gold Coast locations for first time surfers and provide all the equipment so all you have to do is show up. Take advantage of morning or afternoon group lessons and private sessions all year round.
Address: The Spit, Seaworld Dr Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4217
Phone: +61 1800 438 938
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30am-6pm
2. Cheyne Horan School of Surf
Learn to surf at Cheyne Horan School of Surf where you’re guaranteed to learn the best techniques and be standing up within your first lesson. Head instructor and world champion surfer, Cheyne Horan, has perfected these coaching programs over 35 years and include beginner surfing lessons, lessons for the intermediate level and private lessons for that extra bit of attention.
Address: 3 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Phone: +6140308048, 1 800 22 SURF
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-2pm
3. Surf in Paradise
Want to get the basics right and up on your feet? Surf in Paradise can help you with that. Located just 10mins from Surfers Paradise, The Spit is an ideal location for your first rumble on the waves. As with other surf schools in the Gold Coast, the knowledgeable instructors guarantee you’ll be standing for your first lesson or you’ll get a second lesson for free. But best of all they want you to have fun and give individual attention, which is why they keep a small class size.
Address: Blue Trailer opposite the Sea Way Kiosk Nothern end of Sea World Drive The Spit, Main Beach QLD 4217
Phone: 1800 22 57 47, 0410 722 034
4. Currumbin Alley Surf School
Currumbin Alley might be one of the best locations on the Gold Coast for the novice surfer because of its learner friendly waves. One of the best schools in the Gold Coast to learn is Currumbin Alley Surf School, run by Sam Chilcott, the son of Tracey Chilcott who founded the school in 1993. Operating year round, Currumbin Alley Surf School teaches all ages, shapes and ability levels and group and private lessons.
Address: Duringan St Currumbin, QLD, Australia 4223
Phone: +61 411 080 112
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-5pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2pm
5. Gold Coast Surf Academy
The surfing coaches at Gold Coast Surf Academy will have you up on a board in no time, with their endless positivity and expert skills. Choose from 3 day course, family classes, private group classes and public classes. You’ll learn all about surfing, from the equipment, tides and more from their step by step structured lessons. Spend the day out on the surf then head to the nearby Kurrawa Surf Club for a relaxing drink or two.
Address: Kurrawa Surf Club Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4218
Phone: +61 415 572 775
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
6. Surf Easy
One of the best surf schools the Gold Coast has to offer is Surf Easy, run by Garry and his wife Kandy since 1994. Small sized classes ensure you won’t spend your lesson trying not to bump into 40 other people, and allows for plenty of individual instruction. You’ll learn all about paddling, wave catching, various prone to feet methods, surfboard design and surf safety. All equipment is provided all you need is pair of togs and a towel.
Address: Corner of Pacific Parade and Duringan Street Currumbin, QLD, 4223
Phone: 1300 TRY SURF, 0413 333 602
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-4pm
7. Walkin’ on Water
This Gold Coast surf school offers an experience you won’t soon forget. The Walkin’ on Water team will take you out to Greenmount Beach, a great place for your first time on the waves. Take your pick of beginner group lessons, intermediate lessons and private lessons. Want something more in depth? Take a look at their week long surf camp including accommodation, meals and lots more.
Address: Next to the Greenmount SLSC, Marine Parade – Car Park, Coolangatta Queensland, 4225
Phone: (07) 5534 1886, 0418 780 311
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-6pm
8. Go Ride a Wave
Established in 1987, Go Ride a Wave has been doing their thing for a long time and is one of the best surf schools the Gold Coast has to offer. Go ride a wave specialises in beginners, and will be with you every step of the way till you’re finally standing on that board and catching waves. Whether you’re 8 or 80, all are welcome to learn how to catch the waves. All surf lessons include all the equipment including wet suits and soft surfboards.
Address: Beach End, Thornton St, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Phone: 1300 132 441
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
9. 1st Wave Surfing
Experience the thrill of riding your first wave with the help of 1st Wave Surfing, one of the Gold Coasts best surf schools. Try the ‘give it a go lesson’ for just $60, where you’ll spend the morning learning to surf on Main beach near Surfers Paradise. Get to know the basic surfing techniques, paddling, catching waves and standing up.
Address: Southport Surf Lifesaving Club, MacArthur Parade, Main Beach QLD 4217
Phone: +61 401 400 148
10. Surfing Services Australia
One of the best surf schools the Gold Coast has to offer, Surfing Services Australia is run by Mark Richardson and wife Bianca. Lessons run early morning and in the afternoon, all you have to do is show up with your swimmers and a towel. You can opt for private or group lessons. You’ll be glad to know an impressive 98% of participants were standing on their first lesson, so you’re in good hands.
Address: Currumbin Alley, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
Phone: (07) 5535 5557, 0411 235 080
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-6pm
11. Broadbeach Surf School
Experience surfing and the beach lifestyle and soak up the sunshine at the gold coast. Broadbeach Surf School is smack bang in the middle of the action near Surfers Paradise. Take a private lesson if you want to get those techniques down pat in the least amount of time. Or perhaps a group lesson is more your thing. The small class size still ensures a personalised experience where you’ll learn all the basics like standing up and catching waves.
Address: Corner Chelsea Ave and Broadbeach Boulevard Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4218
Phone: 0415 742 040, +61 4 1574 2040
12. Godfathers of the Ocean
Since 2001, former world pro surfer Michael ‘Munga Barry and his wife Krista have been teaching Gold Coast locals the way of the surf. Godfathers of the Ocean, based out of Burleigh Heads, offers comprehensive surf lessons for all ages and levels of ability. Try the group lessons for beginners if you’re a rookie, or if you’re just looking to sharpen those skills, opt for a private lesson.
Address: Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4217
Phone: +61 402 911 146
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-6pm
You’ll also like:
10 Best Fishing Spots in Melbourne
12 Reasons to Add Papua New Guinea to Your 2021 Bucket List
Jimmy Niggles Putting His Platinum Card To The Test
General FAQ
Some great surf schools on the Gold Coast are Surfing Services Australia, Surf Easy, Walkin' on Water, and Gold Coast Surf Academy.
A few of the great beaches for surfing on the Gold Coast are South Stradbroke Island, Burleigh Point, ad Currumbin Alley.
