Our review of the “Learn to Surf at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast” tour offers a clear look at what makes this activity a standout for first-time surfers and visitors eager to catch their first wave. For just over $60, you’ll get two hours of professional instruction right on the scenic sands of Broadbeach, one of the most popular surf spots on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re traveling with family, kids, or just the desire to try something exciting and new, this experience promises a mix of fun, safety, and the joy of riding waves.
Two things we particularly appreciate about this surf lesson are the small group setting, which ensures personalized attention, and the quality of equipment provided. The instructors are praised for their patience and knowledge, making beginners feel comfortable and confident. The only caveat? Finding the meeting point can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the area, since the bus isn’t immediately visible from the main road. Still, that small hassle is well worth it for the quality of instruction and the laid-back atmosphere.
This tour is tailored for those new to surfing or anyone wanting a relaxed, supportive environment to get their feet wet. It’s especially suitable for families and kids, thanks to the safe equipment and friendly guides. If you’re after a quick, affordable, and authentic introduction to Australia’s iconic sport, this lesson hits all the right notes.
Key Points

- Ideal for beginners and first-time visitors to the Gold Coast.
- Small group instruction ensures personalized coaching.
- Supplied equipment includes a soft beginner surfboard and wetsuit or rash shirt.
- Flexible timing with lessons available at 10am and 2pm daily.
- Location at Kurrawa Beach, a popular and accessible spot.
- High customer satisfaction with a 5.0 rating from 118 reviews.
What Makes This Surf Lesson Stand Out?
The essence of a good beginner surf experience lies in the quality of instruction, the safety measures, and the overall vibe. Here, you’ll find all three in spades. The tour is run by Go Ride A Wave, a company with a solid reputation and a commitment to fun, safe learning. The lessons last for about two hours, a length that offers enough time to learn the basics without feeling rushed or exhausted.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Brisbane.
The Location: Kurrawa Beach
Your surf adventure begins at Kurrawa Beach, which is known for its gentle, manageable waves perfect for newcomers. The meeting point is straightforward—beside the Kurrawa Surf Saving Club—though a heads-up from reviews suggests the bus might be a little hard to spot at first. Once there, you’re in a lively area with nearby toilets and showers, making post-surf cleanup straightforward. The scenic setting, combined with the lively beach atmosphere, makes for an enjoyable start and end to your lesson.
The Itinerary: What Happens During the Lesson?
The lesson kicks off with a safety briefing and some basic instructions on land. This phase is crucial, especially for first-time surfers, as it sets the tone for safety and confidence. The instructors are praised for their patience and clear explanations—one reviewer mentioned that their instructor was both “patient and knowledgeable,” which really helps nervous beginners feel at ease.
After some sand-based practice, it’s into the water with your provided soft beginner surfboard and a long-sleeve rash shirt or wetsuit suited to the season. The focus here is on giving everyone ample time to practice what they’ve learned, with plenty of encouragement along the way. Several reviews highlight how much fun it is to stand up on the board, with one reviewer noting that by the end of the lesson, they could even stand—an achievement that keeps beginners motivated.
The Equipment: Why It Matters
Having the right gear makes all the difference, especially for beginners. The soft, lightweight surfboards are ideal for learning, reducing the risk of injury, and increasing confidence. The wetsuits or rash shirts provided help keep you comfortable and protected from the sun and cold water, which can be unexpectedly chilly even in the Aussie summer.
The Instruction: Personal and Supportive
Small class sizes—capped at seven participants—are a major plus, according to reviews. This allows instructors to give individual attention and tailor tips to each surfer’s needs. Several guests complimented their guides for being friendly, patient, and professional, making the whole experience more about having fun than feeling overwhelmed.
Post-Lesson Comforts and Extras
After your lesson, you can rinse off in nearby showers and change in facilities close to the meeting point. If you wish, the team can arrange photos of your surf moments—helpful for sharing your success or just remembering a fun day. The overall vibe is relaxed and encouraging, ensuring even complete novices leave with a sense of accomplishment.
Is It Worth the Price?

At $60.25 per person for two hours, this lesson offers solid value. It includes qualified guidance, surfboard, wetsuit, and safety gear—things you’d pay extra for if booking individually. The small group setting and personalized feedback add to the value, making it an accessible and worthwhile introduction to surfing. For families or first-timers, this is a budget-friendly way to dip your toes into the sport without the commitment or expense of longer courses.
Real Feedback from Participants
Many reviews echo the high value of the experience. Ebba_W called it “great fun for everyone” and appreciated the friendly instructors. Mikhail_F noted how everything was “easy to understand and repeat,” emphasizing the clarity of instruction. Joshua_W praised the patience and knowledge of the guide, and Jia_S appreciated that they could stand on the board by the end of the lesson. These insights show how well the program caters to beginners and ensures a memorable, achievable goal.
The Overall Experience: What You Should Expect

Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where safety and fun are the top priorities. The instructors are enthusiastic and skilled, breaking down the basics in a way that makes the sport accessible. The location at Kurrawa Beach is ideal—known for its gentle surf and lively vibe—making it perfect for first-timers.
The small group size means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the focus on individual attention helps build confidence quickly. If you’re traveling with children or family, this is a great way to introduce everyone to the thrill of surfing without demanding prior experience or fitness.
Accessibility and Practical Details
- Meeting Point: Kurrawa Surf Club, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Times: Daily at 10am and 2pm
- Group Size: Max 7 travelers
- Inclusions: Surfboard, rash shirt or wetsuit, safety briefing, instruction
- Not Included: Food, drinks, hotel pickup/drop-off
- Booking: Mobile tickets available; free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Who Will Love This Experience?

This surf lesson is perfect for anyone who’s never tried surfing before or looking for a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Families with kids will appreciate the safety measures and small groups. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a quick, fun introduction to Australian surf culture without a hefty price tag. If you’re someone who prefers personalized coaching and a relaxed pace, this experience will fit the bill.
Final Thoughts

For a modest investment, you gain much more than just a lesson—you get a taste of the laid-back beach lifestyle that makes the Gold Coast famous. The combination of friendly, knowledgeable guides, accessible equipment, and the stunning setting at Kurrawa Beach makes this a top pick for first-time surfers.
While the initial meeting point may pose a tiny challenge, the overall experience more than compensates. It’s a low-pressure, high-fun activity that leaves most participants smiling and ready to return. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a small group, this lesson offers a real shot at standing on your board and catching some waves.
Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s a great activity for families and kids, especially because of the safety gear and small group size.
Do I need prior surfing experience? Not at all. This lesson is designed for complete beginners.
What should I wear? A long-sleeve rash shirt or wetsuit is provided, so just bring swimwear underneath and a towel.
Where exactly do we meet? The meeting point is at Kurrawa Surf Club, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach, with clear instructions.
How long is the lesson? About two hours, including safety briefing, land instruction, and water practice.
Can I get photos of my surfing? Yes, photos can be arranged to prove you stood up on your board.
Are the surfboards suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The soft, lightweight boards are specifically chosen for safety and ease of learning.
Is transportation provided? No, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off; you meet at the designated location.
What if I want to cancel? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the session.
How many people are in each group? A maximum of seven, ensuring personalized attention.
In essence, this beginner surf lesson on the Gold Coast offers a friendly, supportive environment for anyone curious about riding waves. It’s an affordable, practical way to step into the world of surfing while soaking up some of Australia’s most iconic beach scenery.
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