Aussies and surfing go together like beads on a bleach-blonde dreadlock, so if you want to master the art of riding the waves, you’re in the right country. Don’t know where to start? No worries! Oz has thousands of surf beaches, each with a school attached with instructors well-versed in getting people of all ages and fitness levels confidant on a surfboard.
1. Get lessons!
A short beginners’ course with a reputable surf school is your best and safest bet for learning the basics. Search sites like Lets Go Surfing for a surf school in your area of choice – Bondi and the Sunshine Coast and are all packed with great schools for beginners.
2. Know the ocean
Swimming in the ocean is nothing like taking a dip in your local pool. Rip tides, undertows and unexpected big waves all contribute to the unpredictable nature of ocean swimming – and some people can feel squeamish about not being able to see to the bottom, or of sharing the waters with jellyfish and sharks. These are all things you need to be aware of, and get a master of your reactions towards, before you get your hands on a board. Hesitation or fear while learning to surf will make your progress go slower and can even lead to you making dangerous mistakes.
3. Practise
Look for a sandy beach with stretches of small waves (around 2ft tall) with a break that looks slow and crumbly – these are the ideal conditions for beginners’ surfing practise. The biggest challenge will be learning to balance upright on the board – you’ll find this easier to do on whitewater (the foamy water that spreads to the shore, after the wave has broken) than on a ‘clean’ wave (when the wave is still forming). Weather conditions should be mild, with little wind – otherwise the waves will slam, rather than gently break. Always make sure you go out with a buddy, in case you get into difficulty and need help, and keep in mind that any informal learning at the start should always be supplemented with proper lessons.
4. Choose the right board
It’s easiest to learn on a longboard, but from there, choosing the right board is as individual to you as finding a glove that fits. Go into the local surf shop and get some help deciding, taking into consideration your height, weight and the typical conditions of your locality. Now you’re all set to go surfing…
Where to Catch the Best Waves in Oz
Manly Beach, Sydney, New South Wales
Yes, there’s Bondi – but if you want to escape the crowds or the slight ‘tourist cliché’ stamp that learning at Oz&r’s most famous beach will earn you, head to Manly Beach seven miles from the city. Here’s a more local crowd, but instructors are still well-used to taking on high volumes of absolute beginners. Surf School: Manly Surf Schooland check out cheap hotels in Sydney for a place to stay.
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Bells Beach, Torquay, Victoria
Bells Beach’s Rincon reef section has waves of 2-4ft, fantastic for new learners. Once you master these, you can progress to the headier breaks of ‘the Bowl’, where waves creep up to 15ft! Surf School: West Coast Adventure
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Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Famously easy to ride waves – check; extra-long breaks – check; sub-tropical climate that keeps the sea warm even in winter – check! Noosa on the surfers’ golden land that is Queensland’s sunshine coast seems especially-designed for eager beginners. Surf School: Noosa Surf Lessons
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Pirate’s Bay, Eagle Hawk Neck, Tasmania
Tasmania – not the first destination that trips of a surfer dude’s lips when he’s telling you where to catch a sweet break, but this unfairly overlooked island has some quality surf spots. Best is Pirate’s Bay at Eagle Hawk Neck, which is famed among local surfers for its long, smooth breaks – ideal for beginners! Surf School: Island Surf School
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Clare Reynolds is a London-based travel writer who writes for HostelBookers.com. She spent a year after uni working and travelling round Australia, where her love of surfing began.
Author: Clare Reynolds