Intro to Surfing at Jeffrey's Bay: Learn with 20-Year Instructor

Catch waves with an instructor who's taught surfing here for two decades.

An introductory surf lesson at Jeffrey's Bay taught by Libby and the Wavecrest Surf School team, who prioritize water safety and the fundamentals over performance. Two hours with a professional instructor, surfboard and wetsuit provided. Live instruction in English for ages 6 and up. Morning and afternoon departures available daily.

The experience

Libby founded Wavecrest Surf School after 30 years in the water and 20 years teaching here in Jeffrey's Bay. The lesson centers on water safety and the basic steps of surfing, with instructors focused on maximizing the fun of catching waves rather than pushing toward advanced technique. You'll spend two hours in the water with a professional guide who creates what the school describes as a warm, friendly atmosphere: the kind of introduction designed to show you the ocean and the sport itself, not to turn you into a pro.

The lesson includes a surfboard and wetsuit, so you arrive ready to paddle out. Departures run at 10am, 12pm or 2pm, giving you flexibility to fit the session into the rest of your day. The school welcomes children from age 6, and the instruction happens in English. Public transportation options are available near the school if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Professional instruction in water safety and surfing fundamentals.
• surfboard and wetsuit for the full two hours.
• live guide in English.

Options for this experience

4 options

Beginner Surf LessonGuide in English · 07:30

10:00amGuide in English · 10:0010:00am

12:00pmGuide in English · 12:0012:00pm

14:00pmGuide in English · 14:0014:00pm

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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 2 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Wavecrest Surf School

Is this one for you?The fixed two-hour window and midday departures suit travelers fitting a lesson into a single day without an early start. If you want to learn the basics in a small-group setting with an instructor who has spent two decades teaching in Jeffrey's Bay, this is the foundation. If you're already surfing and looking to refine technique, a different level would serve you better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What will I actually learn in a two-hour beginner lesson?

Water safety and the basic steps of surfing, with the instructor focused on helping you catch waves and enjoy the ocean rather than perfecting technique. The lesson maximizes time in the water on the best waves available that day.

Do I need to bring my own surfboard and wetsuit?

No. Both the surfboard and wetsuit are included with the lesson, so you only need to bring yourself and arrive ready to get in the water.

What time options are available for the lesson?

Wavecrest Surf School offers departures at 10am, 12pm and 2pm daily, so you can choose the slot that works with the rest of your schedule.

How do I get to Jeffrey's Bay for the lesson?

Public transportation options are available near the school. If you're renting a car or using a ride service, the school can provide directions to the meeting point.