Surf Lesson Gold Coast: Learn to Ride at Locals' Beach

You'll stand up on the board in your first hour.

A surf lesson on the Gold Coast at Doug Jennings Park teaches you to ride waves with a 1-to-5 instructor ratio, the safest setup compared to most schools. The lesson runs 2 hours and includes wetsuit, surfboard, rashguard, and use of change rooms and showers. You bring swimwear and arrive 10 minutes early to check in. Ages 14 and up, all fitness levels, no swimming ability required.

The experience

You arrive at The Spit, Doug Jennings Park, and find the office behind the Seaway Cafe. Check in, collect your wetsuit and surfboard, then walk down to the beach with your group. The instructors run through safety and technique on the sand before you paddle out. The 1-to-5 ratio means you get real attention, not a crowd of twenty waiting for a turn. The lesson is built so anyone can get up and riding. Fitness and swimming ability don't matter because the location is shallow and safe.

Once in the water, the instructors focus on getting you standing and moving forward. They'll try to snap photos during the session, though they won't risk your safety for the shot: follow their cues and you'll have images to take home. After the lesson, you head back to the shack to see the photos, then you're done. The whole thing takes 2 hours from arrival to departure.

Bring your own swimwear and arrive on time. If you're more than 10 minutes late, the group will have started without you and you won't get equipment. Leave valuables at home. The beach is not the place for them. Arrange your own transport to Doug Jennings Park. Public transport stops 3 km away at Seaworld. You get free all-day parking, freshwater showers, change rooms, and storage for your belongings while you're in the water.

What’s included

• Wetsuit, surfboard and rashguard.
• storage for your belongings.
• free all-day parking.
• freshwater outdoor showers and change rooms.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 1 Jan 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Youth (14 to 16 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Get Wet Surf School

Is this one for you?Book this lesson if you're 14 or older and have a free 2-hour window during your Gold Coast visit: the shallow location and 1-to-5 instructor ratio mean you'll stand up on the board without swimming ability or prior experience, and you'll walk out with photos and a clear sense of what you can do on a surfboard.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 16 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to swim before I take a surf lesson on the Gold Coast?

No. The lesson is held in a safe, shallow location and swimming ability is not required. The instructors will guide you through the water and the technique.

What's included in the surf lesson at Doug Jennings Park?

The lesson includes wetsuit, surfboard, rashguard, storage for your belongings, free parking, freshwater showers and change rooms. You bring your own swimwear.

How many people are in each surf lesson group?

The instructor-to-participant ratio is 1 to 5, which is the safest setup compared to most other surf schools on the Gold Coast.

What happens if I arrive late to my surf lesson?

If you arrive more than 10 minutes past the meeting time, the class will have started without you and you won't be able to join. Arrive on time so you have time to check in and get your equipment before heading to the beach.

Can I buy photos from my surf lesson?

Photos are available to purchase after the lesson. The instructors will capture images during your session on the water.

What's the age requirement for a surf lesson at the Gold Coast?

The minimum age for the group lesson is 14 years old. Dedicated children's lessons are available during school holidays. Contact the supplier directly for details.