From first wipeouts to triumphant, fist-pumping rides. Here's what you’ll really learn when you start your surfing journey with us!
So, you’ve decided to learn to surf in Perth? Amazing choice!
Whether you’re dreaming of riding clean waves at Scarborough Beach or just curious about what surf lessons actually feel like, we’ve got your back.
Here at Go Surf Perth, we’ve taught thousands of beginners—kids, adults, total first-timers—and we hear a lot of the same things after their first surf lesson. So, we asked our crew of legends (AKA our students) what they wish they’d known before paddling out.
Here are 12 things to know before you kick off your surfing journey.
12. You’re going to fall in love with it (even if you fall off first try)
Once you catch your first wave, something changes.
Suddenly, you’re studying surf forecast charts and figuring out how to sneak in a session before work.
Learning to surf in Perth has a way of getting under your skin—in the best possible way. Be warned... you're going to fall in love with surfing and most likely be hooked for life.
11. Good vibes > good balance
When you’re having this much fun, balance is just a bonus.
You don’t need to be super fit or super coordinated to enjoy surfing.
What you do need is a sense of humour, a bit of patience and a willingness to give it a red hot crack.
Our instructors love working with beginners and know how to build your confidence in small groups or private lessons.
Trust us. As cliche as it sounds, the best surfer is the one having the most fun.
10. There’s a code to the waves. Learn it early
Surf etiquette is real and in WA, we respect it.
During our group surf lessons or private lessons, you’ll learn the unspoken rules of surf etiquette, like not dropping in on someone else’s wave and taking turns.
It keeps everyone safe and makes the beach a better place to be.
9. You don’t have to catch every wave
A huge part of surfing is knowing which waves to go for... and which to let roll by.
That’s something we teach you in every lesson, especially during beginner sessions at beaches like Brighton Beach or Trigg Beach where learning wave selection can make or break your session.
8. Start with the right board. It makes ALL the difference
You might dream of ripping on a tiny shortboard, but trust us...
A big, soft foam board is your best friend when you’re starting out.
At Go Surf, all our surf lessons include beginner-friendly boards that help you catch more waves and fine-tune your skills faster. Not keen on riding a foamie or softtop board?
Check out this article about softtop boards for beginners.
7. Wetsuits might look uncool, but they're essential
Perth’s weather might be hot, but the water is kinda chilly during winter months.
A wetsuit keeps you warm and makes lying on the board much more comfortable, giving you extra cushioning while you learn.
Cool or not, a wetsuit means you can stay out longer and have way more fun.
At our surf school, we provide wetsuits so you can stay cozy and focus on mastering your skills. All wetsuits are washed and sanitised after every use to ensure cleanliness for our students.
6. Your pop-up will feel weird at first... and that’s normal
Going from lying down to standing on a moving board feels awkward at first.
During our lessons in Perth, we break it down in a way that makes sense for your body and your pace.
Some kids get it fast, some adults take a little longer, but everyone gets there in the end with our coaches on your side.
5. Falling is part of the fun
You will fall. A lot. But here’s the secret: every fall is teaching you something.
Our instructors create a supportive space—especially in small groups—so you’re not embarrassed.
You'll quickly see that everyone’s wiping out together, laughing and learning.
4. You’ll work muscles you didn’t know you had
Surfing is sneaky exercise.
Paddling, popping up, staying balanced—it’s a full-body workout.
You’ll feel it the next day (hello, shoulders!), but don’t worry. Every session builds strength and confidence.
3. Perth’s ocean is a bit moody and that’s okay
Some days it’s calm, some days it’s wild—Perth’s ocean likes to keep surfers on their toes.
The surf conditions in Perth change daily. Wind, swell, tides. They all play a part.
We’ll show you how to read the conditions, so you’re not heading to Trigg Beach on a day it’s closing out or missing perfect peelers at Leighton Beach.
Morning sessions usually offer cleaner waves, especially in summer. Here's why we love waking up early to go surfing in Perth.
2. You’ve got options. More than you think
Trigg might be the poster child for Perth surfing, but beginners thrive at spots like Brighton Beach, Leighton and even further down at Secret Harbour when the conditions are right.
Our surfing WA surf school chooses the beach that suits the day, the swell and the level of the group. This way you're not getting pumped by shorebreaks or struggling to pop up in big scary waves.
1. You don’t need to “get good”. You just need to get started
The biggest thing our students say?
“I wish I started sooner".
Whether you’re joining group surf lessons with mates or diving into private lessons for focused feedback, your surfing journey doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to start.
Bonus tip: Safety is always part of the session
At Go Surf Perth, all our instructors are qualified with surf rescue and first aid training, so you’re always in good hands. Safety and support are at the core of every session, especially for kids and nervous adults.
Your learn-to-surf-Perth journey starts here
At Go Surf Perth, we offer surf lessons for all levels, with small groups or private options so you can learn at your own pace. Whether you’re heading out at Scarborough Beach, soaking up sun at Leighton or chasing clean winter waves at our secret spots, our experienced instructors are here to help you build confidence, improve your skills and ultimately enjoy the ride.
Let’s get you standing up and smiling. Your first wave starts when you hit the button below.