Itinerary
Pre-Lesson: Please arrive 15 minutes early to help your child get fitted and changed into a wetsuit.
0:00 – 0:10: Meet your instructor for a fun introduction, surfboard chat and walk down to the beach.
0:10 – 0:25: Ice-breaker games and beach activities to help students get comfortable, followed by important surf safety and ocean awareness instruction.
0:25 – 0:45: The surfers hit the water and start surfing! Instructors provide hands-on guidance to help students catch their first waves and build confidence.
0:45 – 0:55: Mid-session group chat with personalised coaching, technique tips and feedback to help improve skills.
0:55 – 1:20: More time in the water to practise, progress and have fun catching waves.
1:20 – 1:30: Return to the surf school, rinse off and wrap up the session.
Each day will progress and build upon knowledge regarding ocean awareness, safety, surf theory and personalised coaching.
Restrictions
Learning to surf with Go Ride A Wave is an accessible and inclusive experience. No matter your ability level or water skills, we have a lesson perfect for everyone. If you are nervous about your ability level or have a special need, get in touch with us to see if a private lesson may be more appropriate for you.
Learning to surf with Go Ride A Wave is extremely safe with our highly trained and fully qualified lifeguard staff. We use safe, soft surfboards.
When learning, we stay in waist deep water where we can always stand. Surfing is so safe that we don't require a minimum swimming ability!
Extras
Hire wetsuit and surfboard for 2 hours or a full day; upgrade to a 3-lesson progressive Surf Course with online modules; book 1:1 private lessons.
Disclaimers
All lessons require payment in advance to secure booking. Lessons run in rain but may be cancelled for dangerous conditions or if surf is too small. Minimum participant numbers apply; if not met, provider may offer an alternative time/date, refund or credit. Refunds given for provider cancellations. Customer cancellations require at least 24 hours notice for a refund; same-day cancellations or no-shows forfeit payment. Gift vouchers are requested to be redeemed within one year but provider does not impose strict expiration. All customers must sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form.
FAQ
I'm keen to learn to surf; which lesson is for me?
We offer a range of lessons for the general public.
- The Surf Experience. Our most popular option, the 2-hour Surf Experience, covers all the basics of surfing, including ocean awareness and safety, board control, and standing.
- The Surf Course. This value-packed progressive course provides all the information and confidence you need to go from a complete beginner to an intermediate level. After completing the 3-lesson course (with a bonus free online Surf Theory component), you'll be able to continue surfing on your own.
- Private Lessons. The best way to take your surfing to the next level quickly and safely. Our instructors will give you one-on-one attention to teach you the skills you need to advance, regardless of your skill level. We recommend private lessons for surfers who have already started learning the basics and want to improve more quickly and focus on a particular skill, or for those who want personalised attention.
- Children Only Lessons. Children are more than welcome to attend any session! But for little groms wanting to learn in the company of peers, they can choose between two alternative class options: Kids Only Surf Lessons. Available in the school holidays, these 90-minute classes are designed to introduce young beginner surfers aged 5 to 14 to the ocean in a fun, safe and inclusive way. Surf Groms. Surfing Australia's National Surf Program for Children 6-12 years consists of 4 x 1.5-hour progressive sessions with a strong focus on fun, ocean awareness and surfing development.
Pre-booking lessons is essential. We recommend booking 3+ days in advance to avoid disappointment during peak season (December to February).
Is Surfing Safe? How deep do you go?
Yes, learning to surf is extremely safe with our highly trained and fully qualified lifeguard staff. We use safe, soft surfboards.
When learning, we stay in waist-deep water where we can always stand. Surfing is so safe that we don't require a minimum swimming ability!
What ages do you cater to?
We offer lessons for ages 5 and up. To determine if your child is ready to learn to surf, we suggest they are confident putting their head under a wave and enjoy being in the ocean.
What days and weather conditions are best to learn to surf?
Fortunately, most days of the year are terrific to learn to surf! If the surf is small, we use large boards that make catching waves easy. If the surf is large, we will stay closer to shore where the waves are smaller or change location to a more sheltered beach. We recommend avoiding strong-wind days, as this can increase the challenge. We also recommend avoiding the extremely popular beach days, such as peak season public holidays and perfect weather beach days, due to increased beach crowds. Instead, we suggest opting for an overcast weather day to enjoy a smaller lesson and a quieter beach experience.
I'm part of a Group (over 10 pax); how do I book?
At Go Ride A Wave, we are the group activity specialists. We offer a full range of coastal activities for groups of all types, from schools and corporate groups to community groups and birthday parties. Visit our Group Page for more information and to see our full range of activities.
To customise your experience, group bookings are made on request. To request our Discounted Group Prices and availability, please email [email protected] with your group information, date and time preference, activity and location preference or give us a call on 1300 132 441.
I want to hire a surfboard; do I need to pre-book?
No, we don't take bookings for surf hire as we have plenty of boards in stock. You are welcome to call to check availability on the day or iust pop in to one of our locations. Please take note of our seasonal hire trading hours.
- Torquay, VIC. Open 7 days a week, year-round. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Anglesea, VIC. Open 7 days a week from September School Holidays to Easter School Holidays. Closed on Weekends over Winter and Christmas Dav.
- Ocean Grove, VIC. Beachfront surf hire is available during the Summer School Holidays. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Surfers Paradise, QLD. Open 7 days a week, year-round.
Closed on Christmas Day.
- Noosa, QLD. Beachfront surf hire is available during School Holiday periods. Closed on Christmas Day.
Does Go Ride A Wave have insurance?
Yes, Go Ride A Wave have $20m Public Liability insurance $5m Professional indemnity. If you are wanting personal accidental cover, we suggest to take out personal travel insurance.
