Gold Coast Surfing
The Gold Coast has some of the best and most consistent waves in the nation, if not the world. It consists of 70km of beaches and four epic point breaks. It would be appropriate to call it a surfers' paradise, and they did.
Getting a wave on the Gold Coast is as easy as heading east to one of the many great point breaks or beach breaks. When the wind is right and the swell is from the east (usually in the morning) the beach breaks light up and surfers are almost guaranteed a wave. Those sorts of conditions happen about once a week on average, with one to two-foot swells the norm throughout the year across most of the beaches.
However, the truly great swells only hit once every couple of months and as the beach breaks only handle up to about four feet of swell, the points get pretty crowded when it's pumping!
Gold Coast Surfing Guide — where to find the best waves
Gold Coast Beach Breaks
There are some great surf spots and beach breaks all along the coast with some of the best banks around The Spit, Main Beach, Narrowneck, Palm Beach and Mermaid Beach. At times these can carry some awesome waves especially when there are cyclones and big storms about.
For the rest of the time they offer reasonable waves without the crowds that usually congregate at the point breaks. It's also a Boogie Boarder's paradise with lots of great waves and even the odd barrel or two to get into, we recommend you get in early before the wind gets up. Once the wind is up around Narrowneck then the Kite Surfers take over.
Gold Coast Point Breaks
Snapper Rocks Superbank
Duranbah Beach (Dbah)
Duranbah Beach, affectionately referred to as D-bah by the locals, stands as one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after surf destinations. While technically situated in Northern New South Wales, we gladly embrace it as our own. Boasting both left and right-hand waves, this spot caters primarily to experienced surfers with a fair few years under their belts (if you're lucky you might even spot surf legends Mick Fanning or Joel Parkinson catching waves). Even during lulls in the swell, D-bah remains inviting, offering enjoyable waves to ride. Beyond its surfing allure, Duranbah serves as an ideal spot to relax and observe skilled surfers in action, making it a great place for those eager to glean some tips.
Burleigh Heads
The grand-daddy of Gold Coast point breaks, Burleigh is an absolute classic right-hander that holds bigger swells than pretty much any other point between Fiji and Bells Beach. When it's small, it's still surfable but when things get going, the wave is legendary. The renowned right-break point off Burleigh Heads is set to be the stage for top-tier surfers from around the world as the Gold Coast Open surfing competition makes its return in February 2024. Witness the skilled surfers in action, join in sunrise yoga with a serene "namaste," or simply unwind in the laid-back chill-out zone. The Gold Coast Open seamlessly combines competitive surfing and coastal enjoyment, offering a free, three-day festival for all to enjoy.
Kirra
Currumbin Alley
Currumbin Alley, where the creek converges with the sea, stands out as a picturesque location on the Gold Coast. Beyond its beauty, it serves as an ideal surf spot, particularly well-suited for beginner surfers and longboard enthusiasts. The waves here are gentle and mellow in surf terms, making it a welcoming space where many beginners, including youngsters, venture into the shallows to give surfing a try. If you're eager to dip your toes into surfing but haven't mustered the courage yet, Currumbin Alley proves to be one of the finest starting points.
South Stradbroke Island (Straddie)
If you're not scared of sharks or ships, South Stradbroke Island is one of the cleanest, most consistent breaks in Queensland. Getting there involves a paddle across the Gold Coast Seaway, but it's worth the effort, especially at sunrise. If the journey across the Seaway scares you then plenty of water taxis operate from different points on the Gold Coast.
Learn to Surf!
Dive into the thrill of the waves with surf lessons catering to all levels of expertise. Whether you're a beginner looking for beginner lessons or an advanced surfer eager to tackle deeper waters, Gold Coast's expert instructors specialise in both group and private lessons. Located in friendly and popular spots, local surf schools provide the perfect environment for surfers of all kinds.
Explore new surfing spots, challenge yourself in deeper waters, and enjoy a friendly location that enhances your surfing experience!
Surfers Paradise Surfing Lessons
Dive in board first and experience surfing on the world famous Surfers Paradise Beach with this fully guided lesson. You'll feel like a pro in no time as you're taught how to paddle, stand and balance to ride that wave back to shore. After a lesson on land you'll take to the waters to put your new skills into action and hopefully nail a few of those waves. The lesson runs for a total of 2 hours and in that time you'll receive all of the necessary instructions to build up your confidence.
Location: Shop 26a Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, QLD
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Private Family Surf Lesson Main Beach
Does your family love the ocean and want to learn how to surf? Book this family Gold Coast surf lesson and enjoy private tuition that will have everyone up on their boards catching their first wave with the pros. All surfing equipment is provided for you and your family during your Gold Coast surf lesson including surfboards, sun shirts and wet suits. All you need to do is bring a willingness to learn how to surf. Book this private Gold Coast surf lesson and learn to surf with the experts now.
Location: 507 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, QLD
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The Spit Surfing Lessons For Beginners
Enjoy a Gold Coast surfing lesson at Main Beach in a lovely natural environment just a few minutes north of Sea World at an area called The Spit. This beautiful spot near Surfers Paradise is one of the last undeveloped areas on the Gold Coast and it is a well known surfing spot for locals! We are known to provide a safe, fun and memorable surfing experience where customer service is our top priority and we guarantee you stand up on your board or your next lesson free!
Location: 507 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, QLD
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Learn To Surf - Surfers Paradise
Dive in board first and experience surfing on the world famous Surfers Paradise Beach with this fully guided lesson from expert surfers. You'll feel like a pro in no time as you're taught how to paddle, stand and balance to ride that wave back to shore. After a lesson on land you'll take to the waters to put your new skills into action and hopefully nail a few of those waves! This 2 hour lessonis incredibly popular, occuring at 10am and 2pm daily.
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Learn To Surf - Main Beach
There’s only one way to get started, and that’s to get in the water! However, a few helpful tips, the right equipment, and heaps of encouragement from your highly qualified and experienced instructor will go a long way to getting you hooked forever. This 2 hour lesson is held at The Spit which provides perfect conditions for both beginners and intermediate surfers. All equipment is provided, just bring your swimmers, a towel and a smile!
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Learn To Surf Experience
Surf the best waves, using the best techniques, with a guarantee that you will stand by the end of your first lesson or we will give you a second lesson for free! In this lesson, you will learn how to identify rips and stay safe in the water, how to handle your board, paddle and negotiate the wave zone, how to choose good waves and how to catch them! This experience is located just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise and will provide an experience you'll never forget!
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Coolangatta Group Surf Lesson
Get ready to hit the waves and learn to surf like a pro during a two-hour group surfing lesson at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. Surf lessons are carried out on the beach first with a lesson in surf safety, ocean awareness and the correct techniques to paddle and stand up on your surfboard. Next, you'll enter waist deep water with professional surf instructors to put your new skills to the test.
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Cheyne Horan School of Surf
Cheyne Horan is a World Champion surfer and competed on the ASP World Champion circuit for more than 20 years. Who better to learn from! With Cheyne Horan's easy-to-learn surf techniques, you'll be up on your board in no time in Surfers Paradise. Book your surf lesson here and learn to surf on the Gold Coast from the experts. Learn how to get more speed and power and do manoeuvres that you have always dreamed of doing!
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Surfers Paradise Surfing Lessons
Dive in board first and experience surfing on the world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach with this fully guided lesson. You'll feel like a pro in no time as you're taught how to paddle, stand and balance to ride that wave back to shore. After a lesson on land, you'll take to the waters to put your new skills into action and hopefully nail a few of those waves. The lesson runs for a total of 2 hours and in that time you'll receive all of the necessary instructions to build up your confidence.
Book OnlineSurfboard Hire
You can hire a board from heaps of different locations close to the beach, from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin and in between.
Try to make sure you can hire a board for the entire length of your visit, so you always have your board on hand to take advantage of any early morning swell. No waiting for the shop to open in the morning so you can hire a board!
More Water Activities!
Kayaking & Snorkelling to Wave Break Island
Embark on a 2.5-hour kayaking tour that takes you from Biggera Waters to lovely Wave Break Island for some snorkelling! Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life as you make your way to Wave Break Island where you can snorkel in the rocky reef and see hundreds of sub-tropical fish and more. All snorkel and kayak equipment is provided on this short tour.
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Morning Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour
Get out on the water on this morning kayak and snorkel adventure! Spot dolphins, turtles and stingrays as you gently paddle across to Wave Break Island where you'll get to snorkel the beautiful waters. See plenty of marine life and enjoy a delicious continental breakfast on the beach. No experience is necessary, and your friendly guides will provide an expert safety briefing with kayaks, snorkel gear and life jackets supplied.
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30 Minute River Run Jetski Tour
Zip around the canals of Surfers Paradise aboard one of Gold Coast Watersports' advanced Yamaha jet skis for an exciting way to see the Gold Coast waterways. On this River Run you and a friend can double on these technologically advanced jet skis for an adventure like no other. With a mix between slow zones and full throttle zones, this is perfect for beginners or those wanting a quick fix.
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1 hour Guided Jet Ski Tour
Discover the fun and excitement of riding a jet ski. This tour has a professional guide leading the way on a thrilling adventure where you get to really open up the skis. Once you get to the purpose-built circuit, the instructor will let you loose to have some fun on your own under supervision and take some great pics. By the time you get back to Surfers Paradise, you will have discovered the fun of racing through the waves on a powerful jet ski. No license required!
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2.5 hour Guided Jet Ski Tour
Following your safety briefing and test laps in the Jet Ski Circuit, your tour commences! The tour travels approximately thirty kilometres to South Stradbroke Island where you get to spend some time relaxing. Then it winds its way back through the Sovereign Islands and past the lavish palaces of the rich and famous. By the time you get back to Main Beach, you will have travelled up to sixty kilometres and discovered the fun of racing through the waves on a powerful jet ski.
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Surfers Paradise Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson
A stand up paddle boarding lesson is a fun way to discover the beautiful waterways of the Gold Coast. Book this 60 minute stand up paddle boarding lesson in Surfers Paradise and you’ll soon discover how easy it is to paddle through the calm waters nestled behind the beaches of the Gold Coast. Stand up paddle boarding is a great family friendly activity located just minutes from central Surfers Paradise.
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Twilight Stand Up Paddle Board Tour
Book this 90 minute stand up paddle boarding tour to enjoy Surfers Paradise under the glow of twilight and finish with a glass of bubbly at sunset. This gentle Gold Coast stand up paddle boarding tour is an easy tour suitable for all fitness levels taking you past the beautiful waterfront mansions and mangroves hidden behind the stunning beaches of Surfers Paradise. Don't delay, book your twilight tour now.
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2 Hour Surfers Paradise Stand Up Paddle Board Tour
Explore the Gold Coast waterways on a relaxing two hour stand up paddle boarding lesson in Surfers Paradise. This guided tour is a fantastic opportunity to marvel at the Gold Coast skyline, hidden islands and mangroves with the comfort of a local guide to help you perfect your technique. Paddle through the calm waters and see the local birds and stunning waterfront mansions. Keep an eye out for the dolphins!
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Wakeboarding & Kneeboarding
This fun and unique experience is perfect for children and first-time wakeboarders. Choose between a 1hr and 2hr session and learn new boarding skills on the lake at Gold Coast Wake Park. There are also floating jump ramps and obstacles for the more experienced riders (you just need to ensure you hire an obstacle-equipped wakeboard and wear a helmet). Perfect for all ages and abilities, book your pass and have a blast riding the lake.
Book OnlineImages courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images
