You’ve watched the waves roll in at Scarborough Beach. You’ve seen someone pop up smoothly at Trigg Beach. And you’ve thought... “Hey, that doesn’t look that hard”!
Then you paddle out… and reality (or a wave) hits.
So let’s get into it properly. Are surf schools actually worth it or can you just wing it, teach yourself and save the cash?
Here’s the honest comparison.
If you’ve been googling surf Perth options or wondering whether a surfing WA surf school is the way to go, you’re in the right place.
Here we answer the question once and for all: is a surf school worth the cost?
Teaching yourself to surf
Plenty of surfers started by just grabbing a board and having a crack.
No instructor. No lesson plan. Just saltwater, stubbornness and a few solid wipeouts under the WA sun.
Why people go solo
It feels independent
No lesson price
You can go whenever the waves are on
There’s something cool about figuring it out yourself
It's also worth mentioning that if you’ve got good balance from skateboarding or snowboarding, you might pick things up quicker. Some people do manage to stand up on their own after a few waves. It happens.
But here’s what often gets left out of the story.
The reality of learning alone
Most beginners who go it alone don’t struggle because they can’t stand up. That's actually the part they get right.
No, they struggle because they’re in the wrong spot, catching the wrong waves at the wrong time with the wrong board.
Common problems include:
Sitting too far out or too far in
Choosing waves that are too dumpy or too fat
Paddling too late
Not understanding how rips and sandbanks work
Getting exhausted and completely tired before catching anything decent
You can spend weeks building habits that actually slow your progress. Things like poor pop-up technique, incorrect foot placement or looking down instead of forward.
Once those habits are locked in, they’re harder to fix. And in Western Australia, conditions aren’t always beginner-friendly.
Down south breaks can be powerful. And even metro beaches can turn tricky when the wind swings south. A bank that worked yesterday might not work today. You could spend hours driving around for a surfable wave, only to get skunked and have to return home.
Without guidance, your surfing experience can turn into a long, frustrating paddle and a short, uninspiring ride. And we'd hate to see that!
Learn more about the do's and don'ts of booking surf lessons in Perth.
What a surf school actually gives you
Now let’s talk about what happens when you book in with a proper surfing WA surf school like Go Surf.
It’s not just about someone pushing you into a wave. It’s structured, supportive and a whole lot more efficient (and fun!).
1. Faster progress
One thing that comes up again and again from surfers who eventually take lessons is this:
“I wish I’d done it sooner”.
Why?
Because a good instructor fixes the small things immediately. Your stance. Your timing. Your positioning in the lineup. Instead of guessing for months, you get direct feedback straight away and lesson content tailored to exactly where you’re at.
That means:
More waves caught
More successful pop-ups
Less wasted energy
Quicker confidence
A single lesson can give you a foundation that would otherwise take weeks to piece together. It’s the perfect amount of information without overwhelming you. And it sets you up to surf independently in the future.
2. Safer learning environment
Surfing isn’t just about standing up. It’s about reading the ocean.
At beaches like Brighton Beach and Scarborough, conditions change throughout the day. An experienced instructor understands how to choose the ideal bank for beginners and when to move the group.
Surf instructors also cover:
How to fall safely
How to avoid collisions
Basic surf etiquette
Awareness of other surfers
That’s important not just for your safety but for everyone in the water.
If you’re looking for more info about how sessions are run, you’ll usually find it clearly laid out on the website, including where the school is operating that week, depending on conditions.
3. The right equipment
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is choosing the wrong board.
Too short. Too narrow. Too advanced. The kind of board you’d see someone compete on, not learn on.
A surf school provides equipment suited to your level. Soft boards with plenty of volume. Wetsuits that fit properly. Gear that makes learning smoother instead of harder.
When everything’s dialled in for beginners, you’ve got a much better shot at success. You’ll actually enjoy the session instead of battling your board.
Side-by-side comparison
Let’s break it down clearly.
Teaching yourself
Lower upfront cost
Slower improvement
Trial and error learning
Risk of building bad habits
Harder to read conditions
Can feel frustrating
Going with a surf school
Structured lesson content
Lesson content tailored to your level
Personalised feedback
Safer environment
Correct equipment
Faster skill development
More fun per session
Most beginners aren’t short on motivation. They’re short on guidance.
What about confidence?
Confidence is huge in surfing.
If you spend your first few sessions getting dumped and missing waves, your confidence drops quickly.
That’s when people quit.
With a supportive team, small groups and focused teaching, you’re set up for small wins early on. Standing up. Trimming along the face. Controlling your board. Those wins build momentum and confidence in equal measure.
And once you feel that first proper ride under your feet, you’re hooked!
That feeling becomes part of your mantra. Sun on your back, salt on your skin and that moment where you realise you actually love this pastime. We know we do.
Discover more about learning to surf as a first-timer.
Are surf lessons just for beginners?
Not at all.
While most surf lessons are aimed at beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers also benefit from coaching. Some want to refine turns. Others want to compete. Others just want to clean up their technique so they’re not stuck at the same level forever.
We run classes for kids, teens and adults. Sessions are catered to different ages and abilities, whether it’s a school program, private group lesson or something fun like birthdays.
There are even programs linked with initiatives like Ocean Heroes, an organisation that helps more people access the joy of surfing in a supportive environment.
From first-timers to those chasing bigger goals down south in WA, there’s always something new to learn.
That said, our focus is on beginners and first-timers. For more advanced coaching, hit up our coaches. They'll point you in the right direction.
The social side of surf school
Another thing people don’t expect? The vibe.
Joining a surf school in Perth means you’re learning alongside:
Kids
Teens
Adults
Families
Friends
Corporate groups
Whether it’s a private group lesson, birthdays, a fun gift for mothers who’ve always wanted to try surfing or even the perfect date idea that’s way better than dinner and a movie, the energy’s different when you’re learning together.
You celebrate each other’s waves. You laugh at wipeouts. You share the struggle of peeling off a wetsuit in winter. Yikes!
Surfing might be an individual sport, but learning it doesn’t have to be. You can even join surf Perth Facebook groups and link up with other surfers keen to spread the stoke!
FAQ about learning to surf in Perth with a school
Q. Are surf schools necessary to learn to surf?
No, they’re not strictly necessary. You can teach yourself. But lessons dramatically speed up the learning curve and help you avoid common mistakes that slow progress.
Q. How many lessons do I need?
Some people get huge value from a single lesson to build foundations. Others book a short series to lock in skills and confidence. It depends on your goals and how quickly you want to improve.
Q. Are lessons only for kids?
Not at all. We run classes for different ages, including children, teens and adults, across Perth and WA.
Q. What if I’m nervous about the ocean?
That’s completely normal. A qualified instructor creates a controlled, supportive environment so you feel safe while you learn and enjoy the experience.
Q. Is it worth the price?
If you value your time, safety and enjoyment, most people would say yes. The progress you make in one focused session often outweighs weeks of frustration trying to figure it out alone.
So… are surf schools worth it?
If you’re happy to grind it out solo, learn slowly and don’t mind a few rough sessions, you can absolutely teach yourself.
But if you want safer sessions, more waves and an overall more enjoyable day at the beach, then a surf school’s a smart move.
At Go Surf, we believe surfing’s more than just something you tick off a list. It’s an experience. It’s a community. It’s that perfect summer morning when everything lines up and you can’t wait to get back out there.
Whether you’re booking a gift, planning birthdays, organising a corporate day, setting up the perfect date or just finally ready to try surf Perth properly, there’s an option for you.
Hit the button below to book your surf lesson in Perth today.
