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Surfing Surfers Paradise

By Bobbi Lee Hitchon // 2 April 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: Review, Surfing, Things to do

Traveling to Australia, many envision long beaches, bare bodies and great surf. Most tourists come down under with an open mind about taking surf lessons, but end up feeling a bit intimidated when they see the strength of the country’s oceans.

There’s no need to let the size of Australia’s waves scare you into just lounging on its shores. With the right instructor and company, most first time surfers will stand up at least once and the thrill of that ride is worth all the nose dives and wipe outs.

I took my first official surf lesson at Go Ride a Wave in Surfers Paradise. Located on the corner of Centro Centre and Cavill Avenue, patrons walk through the famous Surfers Paradise entree onto the beach for an array of offered lessons. Its attentive and enthusiastic staff will have new surfers running to near by surf shops to buy a board and rash guard, gearing up to do it again and again.

Difficulty

It all depends on the day and tides, but it is doable for most. During their first lesson patrons stay close to shore taking advantage of smaller, but still strong waves. People in somewhat good shape will find it easier as standing up requires some upper arm strength.

Safety

Surprisingly, the waves do not toss people around too much, this of course depends on the time of day as well. Between the instructors guidance on how best to approach waves and staying in close, people can manage it. Still, patrons should expect to be tossed around a bit. It is the ocean so anyone with a fear of water might want to sit it out.

Staff

The only part that can be controlled during a lesson and the best part of my lesson. Dev, my instructor, was knowledgeable and explained instructions very well. He went slow enough to make sure everyone got it, but fast enough to get us in the water right away. In the water he paid close attention to everyone and spent some personal time with each student. Once people did manage to stand up, he was just as excited as them. Back of the center, people were all smiles and interested as to how the lesson went.

Price

A two-hour surf lesson costs $45 for people purchasing at the shop, but check with your hostel or hotel first. Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort, where I stayed, sells two-hour lessons at the center for $40 to people staying there. This includes the lesson, plus longboard and rash guard rental. Surf lessons generally cost the same around Surfers Paradise.

Overall

Do it! I wasn’t nervous about getting my feet wet, but pushed off a lesson because I thought there was no way I would ever catch a wave in a two-hour lesson. Almost everyone catches something. It may be a small wave and your balance may not last for too long, but it’s still invigorating. Surfing is a huge part of Australia’s culture, so to not do it while you’re here would be a huge mistake. It’s like going to Italy and not trying gelato. Not possible.