Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: Learn to Stand Up

Learn to surf in 3.5 hours, or come back free

A 3.5-hour group surf lesson in Byron Bay where coaches teach you to stand up on a board, with all equipment, wetsuits and return transport to the beach included. The instructor-to-student ratio stays at 1:7, so you get personal attention. If you don't stand up on your first lesson, you can return for free. Minimum age is 12 for group classes.

The experience

The coaches check the surf conditions before every lesson and take you to whichever beach suits your level: The Pass for beginners, or Tallow Beach if you're ready for something different. You'll learn the basic techniques that make getting up easier, and if you're a quick learner, you can move on to steering. All the coaches are qualified lifeguards with Level 1 Surfing Coach Accreditation and Senior 1st Aid Certificates. Blackdog Surf School has been running lessons on Byron Bay's beaches since 2001 and is ASI approved.

Equipment, wetsuits (rash vests or spring suits in summer, steamers in winter), sunscreen and return transport to the beach are all included. You bring swimmers, a towel and yourself. Small groups mean every participant gets the help they need to catch a wave. Light refreshments are provided, and if you want professional photography, that's available for an additional charge. A 15% Rip Curl voucher comes with the lesson.

What’s included

• 3.5-hour group lesson with expert coaches.
• all surfing equipment and wetsuits (rash vests or spring suits in summer, steamers in winter).
• sunscreen.
• return transport to the beach.
• light refreshments.
• 15% Rip Curl voucher.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Dutch and Swedish

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.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Blackdog Surfing Pty Ltd

Is this one for you?The 3.5-hour lesson fits a morning or afternoon without eating the whole day, leaving time to explore Byron Bay's town or beaches afterward. Groups stay small at seven students per coach, so you're not lost in a crowd learning to stand up.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Swedish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if I don't manage to stand up on my first lesson?

You can return for a free lesson. The school guarantees you'll stand up or you get another shot at no cost.

What's the instructor-to-student ratio in the group lessons?

One instructor teaches up to seven students, so you get personal attention without the class feeling crowded.

Which beach will I surf at?

The coaches pick the beach based on the day's conditions and your level. The Pass is popular for beginners with waves suited to learning. Tallow Beach offers more challenge and is known for dolphin sightings.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit and board?

No. All surfing equipment, wetsuits and sunscreen are included. You only need to bring swimmers, a towel and meet at the shop 15 minutes before your lesson starts.