Dec

5 of the best beginner surfing spots in Australia

Mark Pawlak Category

australia, learn to surf, Surf Clothing, surf schools, Surfing, surfing holidays, Surfing in Australia

It is all too easy to become a beach bum in Australia. With so many glorious sandy stretches, there are ample opportunities to kick back with a cold brew and enjoy some quality sweet-doing-nothing me time. But watching so many surfers gliding effortlessly out at sea, curiosity might start to get the better of you.

Oz: the place to catch your first wave. Image: Flickr/daveconray

And why not? Surfing is Australia’s national sport and with so many surfing schools dotted around the country, it is one of the best places to learn. So, check out 5 of our favourite places to learn to surf in Australia whether you want to avoid the crowds, need a convenient location close to the city or want to hide your wobbly falls or bikini mishaps from the boys.

Find out how you could win a free surfing lesson for you and 3 friends in Australia below, then visit the HostelBookers blog to get involved!

Bondi, Sydney

Aside from its convenient location to Sydney Bondi is a great learn to surf spot. South-facing, the beach is protected from the northerly winds which can really ruin the waves. And for all the ladies out there, if you feel more comfortable belly-flopping in front of a female teacher, then you’ll be glad to know that over half the instructors at the Let’s Go Surfing school are female and they offer girls-only classes. Yes, it is busy, but at least the other surfers are used to having beginners around and will kindly navigate a way around you.

If you are staying at cheap hotels in Sydney, just ask for directions and advice on accredited surfing schools in Bondi.

Noosa, Sunshine Coast

A lot of the Sunshine Coast can be a tad too challenging for beginners but Noosa is the exception. It is no wonder this place became something of a surfing mecca; the waves are famously easy to ride and have a really long breaking period so just about anyone can pick up a board and give the sport a try. If you are new to watersports Noosa has a desirable semi-tropical climate. Winter months might be too chilly for beginners but the ocean around Noosa remains relatively temperate.

Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

A glorious paradise for surfing it is still a relatively untouched stretch of beach and the closest patrolled surfing beach to Brisbane. A bridge connects the island with the mainland and the beach is set within a national park. For beginners it offers gentle rolling waves, warm water and fewer crowds so you can concentrate on improving your technique and not worry about crashing in to other wave riders.

A board for every beach? You'd need a few! Image: Flickr/ byrononeal

Lennox Head, Byron Bay

Head about 20km south of Byron Bay and you can enjoy the legendary surf without the usual throng, particularly at the Seven Mile Beach. Once you have the knack, this beach is also great for improvers who might want to start tackling more challenging waves in the fairly consistent swell.

Lancelin, Perth

In Western Australia, beginner surfers can enjoy a lesson in bathwater temperatures – it often reaches 28C! The reefs and islands protect the little fishing village of Lancelin from the turbulent waves of the Indian Ocean. Head around the point to Back Beach which has ideal conditions for learning to surf. Once you find your feet, you will have a nice 200m ride to the shoreline.

Win a free surfing lesson for you and 3 friends!

Get creative with the ironing board or pop on your most garish swimming trunks because HostelBookers wants you to send them your best surfing pose. 1^st prize is a free group surfing lesson in Australia valued at €200 and second prize is a bodyboard.

This post is brought to you from the lovely people at HostelBookers.com

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 232 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

5 of the best beginner surfing spots in Australia

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