Surf Lessons Byron Bay: Group Classes at Clarkes Beach

Catch waves, learn ocean safety, get tips between sets

Group surf lessons at Clarkes Beach in Byron Bay teach you to read the waves, paddle out and stand up, with a live guide, all equipment and free photos included. You meet at the car park, get fitted with a board and wetsuit, and spend three hours in the water learning surfing rules and ocean awareness while the instructor watches your progress on every wave.

The experience

Clarkes Beach in Byron Bay is one of only four spots in the area where group lessons happen in the actual surf, not in a pool or on sand. You bring swimmers, a towel and a water bottle. Everything else (surfboard, wetsuit if you need one, rash shirt, sunscreen and wax) comes with the lesson. Meet at the car park at 2 Massinger Street and text or WhatsApp Gaz when you book so he can confirm the exact meeting spot.

The three-hour session starts on the beach with instruction on surf safety, the rules of the water and ocean awareness before you paddle out. Once in the surf, you get non-stop tips and stories between catching waves, with the guide helping you the whole time. The pace is built around what you actually do (paddling, positioning, standing) not around watching a demonstration or waiting for your turn.

Gaz has been teaching surfing in Byron Bay since the 1980s and has run Style Surfing Byron Bay since 1999, so the school knows the break, the conditions and how to read who needs what in the water. You'll get free photos of yourself on the beach to take home.

What’s included

• Three-hour group surf lesson with live guide in English.
• surfboard, wetsuit, rash shirt, sunscreen and wax.
• free beach photos.
• hotel pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Senior (86 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Style Surfing School Byron Bay

Is this one for you?Group lessons work best if you're comfortable learning alongside other beginners in the open ocean, since Clarkes Beach is an active break where the instructor watches the whole group and gives tips between waves rather than one-on-one attention.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (under 1).

What do I need to bring to the surf lesson at Clarkes Beach?

Bring swimmers, a towel and a water bottle. The lesson provides a surfboard, wetsuit if you need one, rash shirt, sunscreen and wax.

How do I know where to meet for the lesson?

Meet at Clarkes Beach Car Park at 2 Massinger Street in Byron Bay. Text or WhatsApp Gaz through the booking platform when you book and he'll confirm the exact location.

What happens during the three hours in the water?

You start on the beach learning surf safety, ocean rules and awareness, then paddle out and spend the session catching waves with the guide giving tips and stories between sets.

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

Yes. The lesson is built for all fitness levels and covers the basics of paddling, positioning and standing up, with the guide helping you through each wave.

Do I get photos from the lesson?

Yes, free photos of you on the beach are included with the lesson.