Which Gold Coast surf school is for you?
Guide
By Sophia McMeekin
If your daydreams are all salty hair, sandy feet, and chasing the perfect wave - then it’s time to learn to surf.
And where better to do it than the Gold Coast? With kilometres of sun-drenched coastline and more surf schools than you can poke a waxed board at, this place was made for learning to surf. Still need a nudge? The Gold Coast is the world’s 8th official surfing reserve—thanks to its legendary point breaks, rich surf culture, and more wave-riding champions than you can count.
Whether you’re keen to paddle out where the locals do, carve it up at Surfers Paradise, or train like a pro, there’s a Gold Coast surf school with your name on it.
Wax up, suit up, and get out there—those waves won’t ride themselves.
Get the whole family involved: Get Wet Surf School
Get Wet Surf School, Gold Coast
Some of the Gold Coast’s best surfing beaches lay beyond the main strip. Make like a local and head to the tip of Southport’s Spit. In fact, this spot is so local that you won’t even find a bus stop here, but, rest assured, once you find the spot, Get Wet Surf School can get you in the water.
Protected by a rock wall on the left and a sandbank in front, the spit has gently rolling waves. You and your fellow beginners won’t have to worry about strong currents or rips and can safely stand in waist-deep water while pushing onto waves.
It’s the perfect spot for families looking to learn to surf together, with instructors and boards to suit all levels and abilities available.
Voted Queensland’s best surf school on TripAdvisor, the guys from Get Wet Surf School have taught over 45,000 surfers how to stand up and ride the Gold Coast’s famous waves. They’re so confident they even promise a full refund if you don’t stand up during your first lesson.
After your morning surf, head to the Fishermen’s Co-op down the road for fresh local seafood straight off the trawlers.
Where: The Spit, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Phone: 1800 438 938
Surf an icon with Go Ride a Wave
Photo by @gorideawave
For iconic Gold Coast scenery and memories you’ll keep with you long after your sun tan has faded, pay a visit to Go Ride A Wave surf school.
You’ll meet your Go Ride A Wave instructors under the iconic Surfers Paradise arch on the beach, surfboard in hand. It’s easy to see why they call this place Surfers Paradise, with its endless stretches of golden sand dotted with colourful beach towels and bronze sun bathers met with turquoise water, and the dazzling city skyline behind you. It’s the ideal spot to learn to surf on the Gold Coast.
Your instructors are qualified lifesavers, and, knowing you’re in safe hands, will have you vertical on your board in no time at all. Sign up for a group or private surf lesson.
Where: Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. With locations in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Kirra.
Phone: 07 5526 7077
Train like a professional: Surfing Services Australia
If you’re keen to catch the sun rise from your surfboard, Surfing Services Australia might be the school for you.
The Gold Coast surf school is run by five-time Australian surf champion Mark ‘Richo’ Richardson who has coached many surfing pros, including Joel Parkinson, Courtney Conlogue and the National Junior Surfing Team. Start off with a beginner lesson and if you catch the surfing bug, Richo can coach you all the way to your first competition.
Classes are held at the gorgeous Currumbin Alley, the perfect training ground for beginners, where you can slowly work your way from surfing the smaller waves near the creek entrance to mastering the right-handers towards the point.
Before you know it, you’ll be upgrading to a shortboard.
Waves not for you? Surfing Services Australia’s two-hour yoga and surf package is blissful.
Where: Cnr of Durrigan Street and Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Phone: 07 5535 5557
Currumbin Alley Surf School
Currumbin, Gold Coast
Hosting lessons in one of the Gold Coast’s most beginner-friendly surfing locations, Currumbin Alley Surf School offers unforgettable moments on the water.
With sunrise surf sessions, classes for grommets (kids), private and group sessions, and ladies-only sessions, the team cater to every experience level and type or surfer, and offer lessons all year round. Your instructor will have your back every step (or splash) of the way, and be in the water with you offering personalised instructions and feedback when you need it.
Where: Pacific Parade Currumbin Gold Coast Qld
Phone: 0411 080 112
One for the girls: Surfing Services Australia
Surfing is a great sport to learn in a group, and what better group then your best mates. One of the Gold Coast’s best surf school's - Surfing Services Australia - offers women only classes. With long waves and gentle conditions, soon you and your crew will be standing up like Stephanie Gilmore.
Surfing Services Australia
Where: Cnr of Durrigan Street and Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Phone: 07 5535 5557
Surf where the pros surf: Coolangatta Learn To Surf
Coolangatta Learn To Surf, Gold Coast
Wedged between the world famous surf breaks of Snapper Rocks and Kirra, you’ll find Rainbow Bay, one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. From the moment your feet hit the sand it’s easy to see why the surf pros love this end of the Gold Coast.
Apart from the obvious factors – this beach has near-perfect waves, including one of the longest point breaks in Australia – the mesmerising blues and greens of the ocean, your feet sinking into white sand beneath you, and the Surfers Paradise skyline glittering in the distance will leave you in awe.
And while it may be a playground for the pros it’s also a great training ground for beginners, thanks to a long sandbar that stretches out right in front of Rainbow Bay. You’ll be protected from strong currents and rips and able to enjoy long rides.
Coolangatta Learn to Surf offers lessons from the Rainbow Bay foreshore. Owner and Head Trainer Dave Davidson is a former professional surfer with more than 15 years’ experience in coaching Australian and international surf teams. It’s fair to say he knows his surf.
During whale season you might even catch a glimpse of humpback whales showing off in the distance.
Where: Rainbow Bay foreshore (next to the playground).
Phone: 0417 191 629
The Zen Surf Retreat: Australian Surfing Adventures
Miami, Gold Coast
If stepping away from the grind and enjoying a few days of mindfulness is as high on your agenda as riding waves, this surf school is well worth a visit.
Australian Surfing Adventures have partnered with Haven for Health to run three-day yoga and surf retreats based in South Stradbroke Island (only minutes from the beach). Surrounded by tranquil rainforest, this immersive camp is the spot to recharge body, mind and soul.
Start your day with a sunrise yoga class and a clean and green organic breakfast before hitting the beach for a surf. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or seasoned surfer, the team will pair you with the right instructor who will know the perfect surf spot for you.
While you’re there, you’ll have plenty of time to go bushwalking, recharge and lose yourself in the natural beauty of the coast.
Where: 74 Chainey Ave, Miami
Phone: 1300 499 617
For fun times: Surf In Paradise
Promising one of the best locations for surfing beginners on the Coast, Surf in Paradise teaches personalised lessons on The Spit, which offers a protective break wall resulting in the ideal wave for first timers.
With small class sizes and a focus on fun, this Gold Coast surf school will have you up and cruising.
Where: 2/25 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
Phone: 1800 22 57 47
If you’re not quite sure you’re ready to surf: Gold Coast Hydrofoils
Gold Coast Hydrofoil Tours
If you’ve always wanted to feel the rush of that first stand up but are not sure you have the skills to master the surf, the Hyrdofoil may be your answer.
With no previous water sports experience needed, and a much faster learning curve than surfing, a ride on the Hydrofoil will boost your confidence when it’s time for the real thing. Gold Coast Hyrdofoils offers two hour lessons on the canals of the Gold Coast.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Marriott Marina, Surfers Paradise
Phone: 0409 340 624
You may also like
