Learning to surf after 40 is more achievable than most people think. Research published in npj Ocean Sustainability (2024) found that in a study of surfers with a median age of 40 years, over 96% reported that the ocean increased their life satisfaction and happiness — and decreased their stress levels (Nature, 2024). At Go Surf Perth, we’ve been teaching adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s at Brighton Beach, Scarborough, and Leighton Beach for years. Age isn’t the barrier — technique, the right board, and a good instructor are what matter.
Can I learn to surf after 40?
Yes — and you might be surprised how quickly it clicks. Learning to surf after 40 is completely achievable, particularly in Perth where conditions genuinely favour beginners. The Indian Ocean off Brighton Beach and Scarborough delivers consistent, mellow white water in the mornings — before the Fremantle Doctor kicks in — which is exactly what adult learners need to build confidence. We start everyone on land, get the technique sorted, then progress into the water at a pace that suits your fitness and comfort level.
One of our long-time students, Lisa, started surfing in her 50s. She describes it as “one of the most amazing journeys of self-improvement and self-discovery” she’s ever had — and she’s still surfing with us today. She’s not the exception. She’s the rule.
Lisa is a regular in our sessions. And with over five decades of life experience under her belt, she proves that age really is just a number. Lisa also tells us that she has heaps of friends and colleagues who want to give surfing a try. Maybe you’ve been thinking about learning to surf late in life too?
Why Perth is a great place to learn to surf as an adult
Perth’s surf conditions are genuinely well-suited to older beginners, and that’s not marketing spin — it’s geography.
The Indian Ocean off Perth’s metro beaches produces clean, predictable swell. Morning sessions before the Fremantle Doctor (the afternoon sea breeze) are typically calm and glassy — ideal for learning basic pop-ups and wave-reading without getting smashed by choppy conditions. Compared to east coast beaches, the water temperature is also more forgiving year-round, with wetsuits only really needed through the cooler Leighton Beach winter season (May–September).
Our three locations each have something different to offer adult learners:
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Brighton Beach, Scarborough — summer home, more open ocean, step up when you’re ready for more energy
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Leighton Beach, North Fremantle — beautiful winter spot, consistent swell, quieter than Scarborough
The health benefits of surfing after 40 (backed by research)
Surfing is one of the best physical activities for adults over 40, and the research backs this up.
Key physical benefits of surfing for adults over 40:
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Full-body workout with lower joint impact than running or gym training
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Core strength and stabiliser muscle development
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Improved balance, coordination and posture
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Light cardiovascular exercise that can reduce heart disease risk
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Ocean swimming fitness that translates to paddleboarding, kayaking and more
A 2025 study published in Frontiers (PMC, 2025) found that surfing plays a pivotal role in preventing musculoskeletal injuries by strengthening core and stabilising muscles — exactly what most people in their 40s need more of. As a full-body workout in water, surfing uses hydrostatic resistance that’s gentler on joints than land-based exercise, while still building strength, balance, and coordination.
The mental health case is equally strong. A 2024 PhD research program at the University of Bristol found that surfing supports measurably better mental health, including reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. The present-moment focus required to read waves and ride them naturally cultivates mindfulness — which is why so many of our adult students tell us that their lesson is the one hour in the week where they don’t think about anything else.
Key physical benefits of surfing for adults over 40:
-
Full-body workout with lower joint impact than running or gym training
-
Core strength and stabiliser muscle development
-
Improved balance, coordination and posture
-
Light cardiovascular exercise that can reduce heart disease risk
-
Ocean swimming fitness that translates to paddleboarding, kayaking and more
Mental and social benefits:
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Stress reduction and improved mood (96%+ of surfers report increased life satisfaction, Nature 2024)
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Mindfulness through wave-reading and present-moment focus
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Social connection — many of our adult students end up surfing together long after their lessons finish
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A genuine sense of achievement that’s hard to replicate in a gym
Common myths about learning to surf over 40 — debunked
“My body can’t handle it.”
The reality: learning to surf is far more accessible than most adults expect. We start with land-based training — getting the pop-up technique right before you ever hit the water — and build up progressively. Our beginner sessions use large, stable softboards (foam boards) that do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. You don’t need to be super fit to get started; the fitness comes naturally as you keep going.
That said, if you have specific injuries or health concerns, let us know before your lesson. We adjust our coaching approach for individual needs all the time.
“Surfing is a young person’s sport.”
This one frustrates us. There’s no upper age limit in the ocean. The skills that actually matter for surfing — ocean awareness, patience, reading conditions, body control — often improve with age and life experience. We see adults in their 60s catching waves at Scarborough on a regular basis.
What has changed is the equipment. The softboard revolution has made learning genuinely easier for adult bodies. Modern foam boards are light, buoyant, and stable — they do things old-school fibreglass boards never could for beginners.
“There are no surf schools in Perth that cater to adults.”
There aren’t many, but we’re one of them. We run specific adult group lessons where you won’t be the only over-40 in the water. We also offer private lessons and private group lessons — perfect if you’d rather learn with friends your own age at your own pace. Just reach out and we’ll find the format that works for you.
Tips for learning to surf after 40 in Perth
These come straight from coaching adults at Brighton Beach and Scarborough over the years:
1. Choose the right surf school. Not all surf schools are set up for adult learners. Look for schools that offer adult-specific sessions, use quality foam boards, and have instructors experienced with mature-age students. (We’re biased, but this matters.)
2. Start on a big softboard. Resist the urge to get on a smaller board to look the part. A longer, high-volume foam board gives you the stability and buoyancy you need to actually stand up and enjoy the experience. You can progress to shorter boards later — and many adult surfers never want to.
3. Book a morning session. In Perth, morning conditions before around 10am are typically the calmest. The Fremantle Doctor picks up in the afternoon and makes learning harder. We run lessons in the morning specifically for this reason.
4. Bring a mate. Learning alongside someone you know makes the whole thing more fun and less intimidating. We often have couples, friends groups, and family members learning together.
5. Set realistic expectations — and enjoy the process. You’re not trying to compete. You’re trying to catch a wave, stand up, and have the time of your life. The first time that happens, you’ll be hooked.
6. Go regularly. The difference between surfers who progress and those who stall is usually time in the water. Even once a week makes a big difference over a season.
7. Be kind to yourself. Surfing has a learning curve. There will be sessions where you eat it more than you stand. That’s normal — even for people half your age.
Ready to paddle out?
If you’ve been thinking about learning to surf in Perth, don’t wait for the perfect moment — it doesn’t exist. The best time to start is your next available Saturday morning.
We run adult group surf lessons at Brighton Beach and Scarborough year-round, as well as private lessons if you’d prefer a more personal experience. Gift certificates are also available if you want to give someone the experience of their life.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there’s no age limit to surfing.
A person learning to surf at 40 shouldn’t feel any more self-conscious than someone learning to surf at 15. And thanks to advancements in surfboards and coaching techniques, anyone can enjoy this exciting pastime and the healthy lifestyle that comes with it.
Success is more about attitude than anything else. And with a positive mindset, you can surf your very first wave at 40, 50, 60 or beyond!
About the author: Tom “Bomber” Johnston is the owner and head coach at Go Surf Perth. A passionate surf coach since 2015, Tom has taught hundreds of adult learners to surf at Brighton Beach, Scarborough, and Leighton Beach. He’s also a co-founder of Ocean Heroes and holds ASI (Australian Surf Instructors) certification. Tom’s take: if you’ve been putting it off, stop. The water’s fine.
