Surf Schools & Instructors Australia

The following is a list of the best surfing schools and surf instructors in cities around Australia. Find the school that is right for you, begin surfing lessons and start getting barrelled in no time!

“Okay. I get it. This is where you tell me that “locals rule”, and that Yuppie insects like me shouldn’t be surfing the break, right?” “Nope.”
“That would be a waste of time…”
“We’re just gonna f*** you up!”Ah…No matter how many times you watch it, Point Break just never seems to wear thin. Maybe it’s this movie that is largely responsible for so many backpackers from all over the world deciding they have to have a crack at surfing the minute they hit the shores of Australia?

Or maybe it’s the fact that Australia boasts some of the finest beaches and surf breaks anywhere on the planet?

Either way, surfing has now become a hugely popular pastime for locals and travelers alike. Most people new to surfing can pretty much be divided into two main camps.

Firstly, there’s the type who will beg, borrow or steal a board from somewhere and then just paddle out regardless of their abilities. Some of these people may prove to be exceptionally strong swimmers and will pick up the sport pretty easily. But most will discover that it’s far trickier than it looks and may even land themselves in trouble.

The other type, (like me) may not be too overjoyed by the idea of their pale blue corpse being washed up on the rocks and will therefore enlist the services of a surf school. But why bother paying someone to hold your hand when surfing is mainly about practice anyway, you might ask.

It’s true enough that practice is definitely the key to this one, but having someone point out the basics of technique, etiquette and the potential dangers to be aware of is certainly money well spent.

Particularly on busier breaks, like Sydney’s eastern suburbs beaches, a wet behind the ears grommet can all too easily end up staggering out of the surf, choking on salt water and running home to mummy with a bloody nose.

With a school, veteran surfers will save you hours of unnecessary wipeouts by teaching you the basics of stance, positioning, paddling and other essential techniques. They might also save your life by explaining how to paddle out of a rip and by showing you the best areas to stick to or avoid. Learning all this stands you in much better stead to go on and enjoy hours of fun on your own or with mates. The only problem is, once you start getting the hang of it, even remotely, surfing is a sport that can become hopelessly addictive. At least you’ll spend less money at the pub.

Here is a guide to all of the best surfing companies to go with around Australia:

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