Which Sunshine Coast surf school is for you?
Guide
By Danielle Reckless
When the sun’s shining, the water’s clear, and the morning is just rising out of the glassy surface out back, nothing compares with paddling onto a wave.
It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe; equal parts calming and exhilarating. But if your surfing prowess stops short at watching Blue Crush, tackling Queensland’s break can be a little nerve-wracking.
With World Surf League announcing Coolum as the first future Kelly Slater Surfing Ranch outside of the USA, Noosa’s recent designation as a World Surfing Reserve, and miles of coastline to explore; if you’re looking to build your confidence or transform your kids into surf grommets, the Sunshine Coast is the place to do it.
Keen to wax up a (foam) board, strap on a legrope and give surfing a go? Get in touch with one of these Sunshine Coast surf schools.
To capture your first ride: Coolum Surf School
Photo by @coolumsurfschool
Being able to stand up on your own wave and see the beach from an entirely new perspective blows everything else out of the water.
With a maximum instructor-to-surfer ratio of 1:8, Coolum Surf School is ready to take you from complete amateur to fluid surfer; and they offer classes for those who’ve never stepped on a surfboard to advanced skills. Long-time locals Chris and Genevieve Kendall have been running lessons on Coolum Beach since 2001, starting with just two surfboards and a big dream.
Try a two-hour beginner’s lesson – they run from 10am-12pm all year long – or go for total one-on-one attention with a private lesson. All your gear will be provided so all you need to do is rock up with a positive attitude and be ready to get well acquainted with the whitewash (don’t worry, you’ll graduate to the ‘green room’ in no time). They even have a professional photographer on hand to snap your shining stand-up moment.
To start your surfing journey in one of the most picturesque spots on earth: Go Ride A Wave Noosa
Photo by Go Ride a Wave via FB
There’s many things to love about Noosa. Its pristine national park, a plethora of cafes and restaurants, and well, its ridiculous beauty. But once you embrace the full Noosa lifestyle on a longboard, you’ll be hooked for life.
Designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2019 due to its wave quality, its sacredness to the local community, and the long-term use of the beach, it’s a pretty incredible place to learn.
Go Ride a Wave Noosa runs daily two-hour beginner surf lessons every day with packages for adults and kids, plus additional classes during busy school holiday times. Group and private lessons are also available on request.
If you’re here with the kids, check out these things to do after your lesson.
For grommets in-the-making: North Caloundra Surf School
It was on the beaches of Caloundra that pro surfer Joel Parkinson honed his early skills, and North Caloundra Surf School is all about doing that for the next wave of potential pros.
Operating on four of the best beaches on the southern end of the coast – Kings, Dicky, Happy Valley and Currimundi – you’re guaranteed excellent learner conditions regardless of what the wind is doing. When summer’s northeasterlies turn most beaches on the Sunshine Coast into a washing machine, Kings Beach will usually stay smooth and clean.
Sign up for private lessons, join the popular weekend and holiday group classes, or bring your own group. Either way, the team of instructors will help bring your surfing dreams to life.
When you can’t resist Noosa’s perfect little peelers: Noosa Learn to Surf
Photo by @noosalearntosurf
There’s no risk of performance anxiety here; the guys at Noosa Learn to Surf guarantee you’ll be standing by the end of your first lesson.
Noosa’s protected bay and consistent wave action make it an ideal spot for beginners. But before you step foot in the surf, you’ll be taught how to identify currents and rips, wave understanding and other surf safety tips so you’ll be well prepped for anything the ocean wants to throw at you.
Run by former World Champ, Merrick Davis, lessons happen at 8.45am and 1.15pm all year round, or you can arrange a one-hour private lesson at 11:15am daily. And if you decide that maybe surfing isn’t quite your jam, they also offer kayak tours and stand-up paddleboarding lessons too.
If you want to feel like a pro: Robbie Sherwell’s XL Surfing Academy
Photo by XL Surfing Academy via FB
With a few lessons, some conscious mindfulness, and a lot of practice, anyone can strive for that feeling of freedom on the water.
Former pro surfer, Robbie Sherwell, leads an all-star cast of coaches teaching groms through to mature-age wannabe pros and elite surfers ready for the competitive circuit. And their tried-and-tested training method will have you standing on your first lesson.
With summer intensives through to surf-and-skate classes, and a weekly membership that lets you join regular surf sessions, there’s no easier way to move from professional sunbather to serious surfer than lessons with XL Surfing Academy in Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands.
Once you’ve got the skills, get ready to drop in on these Queensland breaks – or catch the pros at these annual surfing events.
