How to learn to surf in a weekend on the Gold Coast

Hit the road and head to the Southern Gold Coast. Home to world-class breaks, consistent swell and spectacular beaches, you’ll quickly discover why this 16km stretch of coastline from Burleigh to Coolangatta was named the 8^th World Surfing Reserve.

Park up at Rainbow Bay, a small beach wedged in between Snapper Rocks and Kirra, and watch the surfers carve it up on Australia’s longest point break, the Superbank. Pro surfers from around the world flock to this part of the Gold Coast to compete here.

Wander around the headland and up to Point Danger where you’ll find long-time local favourite, Café Dbar, serving modern café fare alongside some pretty stunning views. 

2PM

Fueled up, it’s time to get wet. Make sure you’ve booked the right surf school for you, and let the fun begin.

After a quick warm up on the beach, beach safety 101 and swell conditions briefing, your instructor will take you through the basics. Lying belly-down on your board, learn how to position your body, paddle and stand up. After a few dry rounds on the sand, put theory into practice and hit the waves. At this stage, you’ll likely be surfing in waist-deep white water with your coach by your side, gently pushing you onto the waves.

Nothing beats the feeling of the first time you stand up on your board. 

6PM

Steer those sandy feet toward the local’s favourite post-surf hangout: Tupe-Aloha. Step through the doors of this heaving Mexican den and take a moment to adjust your eyes to the ’70s quirk and kitsch scattered around the place: it’s Hawaii meets Mexico, meets Kirra.

Work your way through the taco offering, and wash it down with a flaming cocktail or craft beer tinnies. There’s plenty of vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options too.

Base yourself nearby for the weekend: try Iconic Kirra Beach Resort, book a cabin or campsite at Kirra Beach Tourist Park, or check into retro The Pink Hotel – it’s a destination in its own right. 

Saturday

6AM

Start your day the best way possible: back on your board for a sunrise session (Currumbin Alley Surf School runs daily classes during summer from 6-7:30am).

Your second surf lesson will focus on perfecting your moves with a whole lot more practice in the water. Feel the wave roll in and learn when to paddle for it and how to stand up in one smooth motion. Surfing is a morning ritual here; you’ll feel like a local in no time. 

9AM

Settle in for a well-earnt breakfast at Kirramisu Café, just steps from Kirra Beach. This is a classic Aussie beach café breakfast: egg benedict, sweet corn fritters, haloumi stacks and brekky wraps alongside great coffee, frappes and fresh juices.

If this is a two-coffee kind of recovery, make your way to nearby Café 28. Part of the Boardriders concept store by Quiksilver, you can marvel over the surfboards and browse the surf fashion while you wait for your brew. 

1PM

Already hooked on surfing and ready to get your own gear? Find the right surfboard for your shape at Mt Woodgee Surfboards where you’ll meet some of the world’s most experienced surfboard shapers who have been crafting boards for professionals and weekend warriors since 1974.

These guys are experts in matching your bod to the right board and will spend hours getting to know you and your surf style. That means, going for a surf together is mandatory when signing up to get a surfboard fit to your favourite wave.

Give your board the extra edge and make an appointment with Mt Woodgee’s Willy Nicholls, one of the world’s most talented spray surfboard artists with some mind-blowing, unique designs.

Then it’s time to head back to the beach for a swim, a lounge, and lunch at another local institution: Rainbow Bay Surf Club. 

6PM

Soak up sunset from your headland lookout of choice, then head out for a bite to eat. Baskk is a casual, charming Italian eatery along the main strip that will satiate any appetite, especially if you like beachy cocktails served up with your primi and secondi.  

If this is a group getaway, consider heading a little further north to Palm Beach to dine at a place that combines five restaurants into one: The Collective. Nab a table on the rooftop then work your way through the massive Mexican, Italian, American and Asian-influenced menus, from pizza to dumplings and sticky lamb ribs. 

Sunday

8AM

Grab a takeaway coffee and a pastry from Kirra Beach Bakery and enjoy it with your toes in the sand. This might not be much of a sleep-in for a Sunday, but the best surfers start early – and you’ve got one more lesson to squeeze into your learning to surf on the Gold Coast weekender.

Meet your coach, get a quick technique refresher, then head out into the surf. You’ll be chasing waves like a pro by now, watching the set roll in and giving it your all as you paddle onto the wave, stand up and strike a pose as you ride the green water. If you’re not quite there yet, remember practice makes perfect – and we can’t think of a better place to practice. 

11AM

You’ve got the moves down – and maybe even the board – so don’t head home without getting a little bit of the Gold Coast’s surf style either.

The Gold Coast’s biggest surf shop, Kirra Surf, is right here near your accommodation – or head into Burleigh Heads to shop along boutique-lined James Street. You’ll find everything from locally designed swimwear to handcrafted sunnies – as well as local photographer Sean Scott’s Art Gallery which is well worth a browse.

If it’s the first or third Sunday of the month, stop in at The Village Markets for one-of-a-kind treasures, local designers and sustainable goods alongside street food and live music. 

1PM

Take a little time out on Burleigh Beach, or take a coastal stroll over the headland of Burleigh Head National Park to the quieter shores of Tallebudgera Creek.

Once you’re hungry, make your way to your last Gold Coast lunch with a view: breezy Burleigh Pavilion is the perfect casual spot for post-swim bites and beers, while adjoining The Tropic has an upmarket offering created by Michelin-starred chef Guillaume Zika. Of course, right downstairs is Rick Shores – it’s big reputation is unquestionably deserving, which you’ll realise once you tuck into Moreton Bay bug rolls, South-East Asian curries and wine so close to the beach you can almost feel the waves lapping at your feet.  

4PM

Got time for one last round before you leave? While there are plenty of craft breweries up and down the Gold Coast, Balter Brewing Co. is the place to hang. Sit back, ponder over the weekend’s waves and wash the salt off your tongue with a refreshing XPA.

Never want the weekend to end? Continue the dream of an endless summer with this local’s guide to the Southern Gold Coast, or stick around a little longer with these guides to Kirra and Coolangatta.