2-Hour Surf Lesson at Coolangatta Beach on the Gold Coast

Two hours in the water learning to catch waves at one of Australia's most famous breaks

A 2-hour surf lesson at Coolangatta Beach on the Gold Coast pairs instruction from a qualified guide with soft beginner boards, wetsuits or rash shirts, and all gear. You meet at the Learn To Surf truck near Greenmount Surf Club, change into your wetsuit or rash shirt, walk to the beach for safety briefing and basic technique, then spend the bulk of the time in waist-deep water catching small waves with the instructor helping you stand up. Children are welcome from age 8.

The experience

The lesson starts at the Learn To Surf truck in the car park near Greenmount Surf Club, where you change into a long-sleeved rash shirt in summer or a wetsuit in winter. Your soft beginner board and legrope are waiting. A walk to the beach comes next, with your instructor covering safety and the fundamentals before you enter the water.

Most of the two hours happens in waist-deep water. You'll paddle out, catch small waves, and practice standing up on the board: the instructor stays with you, offering hands-on help each time you're ready to try. The pace stays beginner-friendly. The goal is getting you upright and moving, not perfecting technique. Between sets, you'll return to shore for more detailed instruction on stance and balance, then head back out to practice what you've learned.

When the two hours are done, you return to the trailer to drop off the board and gear, then shower and change. The school has been teaching people to surf since 1987, so the routine is smooth and the equipment is built for people learning, not for showing off.

What’s included

• Soft beginner surfboard and legrope.
• wetsuit in winter or long-sleeved rash shirt in summer.
• sunscreen.
• two hours of instruction from a qualified guide.
• shower and change facilities at the trailer.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Go Ride A Wave

Is this one for you?Book this lesson if you want to learn the basics in a controlled setting: waist-deep water and soft boards mean you can focus on technique without fighting the ocean. The two-hour window gives you enough time to move past the first attempt and actually feel what standing up feels like.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

81 verified traveler reviews

5 ★79

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What do I need to bring to my surf lesson at Coolangatta?

Bring a towel and bathers or swimwear. Everything else is provided. The school supplies a soft beginner surfboard, legrope, wetsuit or long-sleeved rash shirt depending on the season, and sunscreen. You'll shower and change at the trailer after the lesson.

How deep is the water where I'll be learning to surf?

The lesson takes place in waist-deep water, so you stay in control and can stand up easily if you fall. The shallow depth is what makes it safe for beginners to practice catching waves and standing up on the board.

What's included in the 2-hour lesson?

The lesson includes a soft beginner surfboard, legrope, wetsuit or rash shirt, sunscreen, and two hours of instruction from a qualified guide. You also get access to the shower and change facilities at the trailer afterward.

Is this lesson suitable if I've never surfed before?

Yes, the lesson is designed for complete beginners. The instructor teaches safety and basic technique on the beach first, then spends most of the time in the water helping you catch waves and stand up. Soft boards and waist-deep water make it manageable for anyone starting out.

How far is Coolangatta Beach from the Gold Coast airport?

Coolangatta Beach is in the southern part of the Gold Coast, close to Coolangatta Airport. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the Learn To Surf truck at Greenmount Surf Club.