9 things to know before booking a surf school in Perth

Perth Go Surf charging therouh a hot summer down at Scarborough Beach. Smiles, waves and good vibes!

Many people don't know this, but Perth is actually one of the few places in the world that's absolutely perfect for surf lessons. 

Think about it. 

Not only are we one of the sunniest places in the world, but we also have some ridiculously beautiful beaches AND lots of beginner-friendly waves (thanks, Rottnest). Of course, it's not all sunshine, crystal clear water and post-surf libations. 

If you're serious about learning to surf, and we mean really keen, there are a few things you should know before you book a surf school in Perth.

Literally, anyone and everyone can book a surf lesson

Yes, you read that correctly. Age, race, and religion aren’t hindrances to surfing. 

Our school provides lessons for people of all beliefs and backgrounds. Our professional instructors are experienced in teaching all ages and they'll ensure your safety while making the lessons fun and enjoyable. 

So whether you're a youngster looking to start an exciting new hobby or a senior wanting to try something different, rest assured... surfing is a sport that embraces all.

Learn how to find the right surf school for you here.

It’s OK to be nervous about learning to surf

We understand that you might be apprehensive about hitting the water and surfing waves for the first time. It's totally natural! 

To ensure you feel comfortable though, we prioritise the safety of our students above all else. Here are some of the measures we take to ensure a safe surfing environment:

  • Experienced team: Our instructors are highly trained and experienced in water safety and rescue operations. They are equipped to handle any situation that may arise during the lesson.

  • Beginner-friendly boards: We provide all necessary safety equipment, including surfboards suitable for beginners, leashes and wetsuits.

  • First-aid training: Our team is trained in first aid and CPR, ready to spring into action if deemed necessary.

  • Wave watch: We always check the weather and surf conditions before any lesson and will reschedule if the conditions are potentially unsafe.

  • Safety briefings: Before every lesson, we conduct a safety briefing explaining the do's and don'ts on the water, the use of equipment and how to handle different situations.

  • Small classes: We maintain a low student to instructor ratio, ensuring personalised attention and close supervision.

We're not drill sergeants

Does learning a new sport or activity conjure to mind images of a stern instructor barking orders at you? At our surf school, we assure you that's not the case. 

We believe learning should be fun and relaxed, especially when it comes to surfing! Our instructors are friendly, enthusiastic and patient, making sure you feel comfortable and confident in the water. 

There's no pressure to perform or keep up with anyone else in your class; we want you to have a good time while learning. 

It's all about enjoying the ocean and catching some waves!

You don't need to be super fit to pick up surfing

Look, we're all adults here, so let's be honest. It's possible that learning to surf with a surf school in Perth is going to be easier if you're fit, but in our experience, your mindset is what's really important. 

If you're willing to give it your all and trust the process, that's half the battle right there. Surfing is a full-body workout, but don't worry, we won't push you too hard. 

Our lessons are tailored to your abilities and fitness level, so you can progress at your own pace. After all, you shouldn't let physical limitations stop you from trying something new. 

We even have beginner surfers who are over 40!

Surf lessons aren't just for kids and tourists

Plenty of grommets enjoy our surf school lessons in Perth (as you can read about here). Heaps of tourists do too. The truth is though that even Perth locals who may have never thought of surfing before have come to us and loved it. 

Surprising, we know. You'd think that most Aussies who live near the water have tried surfing... but that's not the case. So when we take groups of friends or birthday parties for a learn-to-surf session, it's always extra satisfying when the attendees are Perth or West Oz locals. 

It's never too late to try something new, and we guarantee you'll love it!

All your equipment is provided for you

One of the beauties of learning how to surf with a surf school is that you needn't front for expensive equipment right away. 

All you need to do is book your lesson in Perth and show up with some sun protection and water--we'll do the rest! For every student, we provide:

Falling off is half the fun

There's not a lot of give in concrete. The same can be said about Australian snow and ice. 

This means that learning how to skateboard or snowboard comes with an added fear factor; the fear of getting hurt that can hold you back from learning. But surfing around Perth doesn't come with the same level of stress about injuries because…

You're landing in water! Which is nice at any speed, actually. When you fall off a wave, which will happen a lot when learning how to surf, it's more fun than anything else. In fact, it may just be the most fun you'll have while surfing. 

If and when you do fall off your board, our instructors will be there to guide and help you get back up and try again. We can't promise your friends won't chuckle/post your wipeout photos though.

Not all surf schools are created equal

There are surf schools, and then there are surf schools. We're ASI accredited and run by a father and son team with decades of experience. 

We do regular rescue, first-aid, working with children and surf coaching retraining, and our sole purpose is to run private and group surf lessons in Perth for people wanting to learn how to surf or improve their surfing. 

We're passionate about sharing our love for the ocean and creating a safe, fun and educational environment for all our students. We're also community minded, with Go Surf also founding Ocean Heroes to introduce individuals with autism to the joy of surfing and help them build self-confidence in a safe, supportive and fun environment.

Blowing our own horn here, to be sure, but the point we're making is that we're not just another surf school looking to make a quick buck. 

This is our life... and we love what we do!

Your life will most likely change forever

Last but not least, anyone looking to try surfing for the first time should be warned: your life won't ever be the same again.

Surfing has a transformative power, offering an exhilarating ride that can lead to a lifelong passion. It's not just about catching waves; it's about embracing a lifestyle, a connection with nature and a sense of freedom. 

Once you start surfing, you'll find yourself yearning for the rhythm of the waves, the thrill of the ride and the peace that comes from being one with the ocean. 

It's a journey that begins with a single lesson, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.