Australia’s Best Places to Learn to Surf
Posted by admin on December 20th, 2011Want to learn to carve the waves like a professional? No worries mate! Australia is one of the best places in the world to learn the gnarly art of surfing.
Australia takes its laid back sun-soaked surf culture very seriously, and is the birthplace of a long line of world champion surfers as well as the place of origin of the biggest brands in the sport: Rip Curl, Billabong and Quicksilver. Anyone who wants to learn how to ride the waves is completely welcome, and there are many excellent surf beaches and schools down under.
Keep in mind that surfing is a lot harder than you might imagine, and that your first few lessons will likely involve a lot more falling off your surfboard than standing on it. However, be patient and enjoy yourself because with a good instructor you can eventually get the hang of it and experience the thrill of catching a wave!
If you are ready to take on the challenge of learning to surf, here are some of the best places in Australia to learn:
Bondi Beach
Let’s Go Surfing, (http://letsgosurfing.com.au/) a surf school in Sydney, offers classes on the famous Bondi Beach. A happening hang-out spot for people of all ages and nationalities, Bondi Beach is certainly a hip place to see and be seen. The two hour beginner class promises to get you riding on your first wave by the end of the session. The great thing about these classes are that they are taught in small groups of maximum five people, so that you can get one on one pointers from your instructor. There are courses for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers, and even special classes for kids or families and groups.
Surf Camp
If you are serious about your surfing adventure, why not go on the ultimate experience and stay at surf camp (http://surfcamp.com.au)? This once in a lifetime experience includes a 10 day stay in Yamba and Byron Bay, both Aussie surfing meccas with ideal waves for beginners. You will learn the basics of paddling, standing up, and catching waves, get great tips from local guides and have tons of time to ride the waves every day. Accommodation is at the modern beachside cabins at Surf Camp and after working up an appetite on the ocean you can dig in to delicious Australian BBQ dinners and beer and pizza parties.
Waves Surf School
Another option for learning to surf is to take the day trip from Sydney to Scenic Royal National Park with Waves Surf School (http://www.wavessurfschool.com.au/). The package includes two surfing lessons with professional instructors, buffet lunch, and a fun 4WD ride over the dunes to see the wildlife and scenery of the beautiful National Park. This is a great way to get the full surfing experience in beautiful surroundings only a short distance from the city, and you will get a minimum of 4.5 hours of surf time so make sure that you have lots of energy!
Surfing in Australia is an awesome adventure, and you will never forget the thrill and accomplishment of standing up on your first wave. Go ahead and give it a try!
Simon Grant is a regular contributor to timetowander.com and wrote this on behalf of Etihad Airways who are now operating a variety of flights to Australia.