If you’re craving a taste of the surf life but don’t know where to start, a 2-hour beginner surf lesson at Broadbeach might just be your perfect introduction. This experience, operated by Go Ride A Wave, is designed to get you standing on a surfboard and catching waves in no time, all in a friendly and supportive environment.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert coaching ensures you’ll learn the basics safely and efficiently. Second, the beautiful Broadbeach location offers a scenic backdrop that’s both iconic and less crowded than some other spots. Lastly, the positive reviews from hundreds of travelers confirm that this is a top-notch, value-packed way to dip your toes into surfing.
One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is best suited for those over 8 years old and with a basic level of comfort in the water—so if you’re a young adventurer or a nervous swimmer, it’s worth considering the specifics. If you’re after a friendly introduction to surfing with qualified guides and a chance to enjoy stunning ocean views, this tour is well worth considering.
- Good To Know
- An In-Depth Look at the 2-Hour Surf Experience
- What to Expect from the Surf Lesson
- The Learning Process
- Catching Waves and Developing Technique
- Equipment and Facilities
- Continuing the Surfing Journey
- The Guides and Customer Experience
- Safety and Comfort
- Accessibility and Group Size
- The Practical Details
- Location & Meeting Point
- Duration & Flexibility
- Gear & What to Bring
- Cost & Value
- Suitable for Families and Beginners
- Authentic Experiences & Tips from Reviewers
- The Sum Up: Is This Surf Tour Worth It?
- FAQs
- The Best Of Gold Coast!
- More 2-Hour Experiences in Gold Coast
- More Tour Reviews in Gold Coast
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Gold Coast we have reviewed
Good To Know

- Qualified Instructors: Learn from experienced, friendly guides who prioritize safety and fun.
- Beautiful Location: Broadbeach offers scenic, less crowded waters perfect for beginners.
- Learner-Focused: Equipment and instructions tailored for those new to surfing.
- Flexible Duration: Options to extend your session or continue learning.
- Great Value: Numerous reviews highlight the quality of instruction and overall experience.
- Family Friendly: Suitable for children 9 and above, with some considerations for younger kids.
👉 See our pick of the Best 3 Day Tours In Gold Coast
An In-Depth Look at the 2-Hour Surf Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gold Coast
What to Expect from the Surf Lesson
This 2-hour session begins with a relaxed meet-up at the Kurrawa Surf Club car park, where you’ll hop onto a minibus heading to the beach. Once there, you’ll be fitted with a rash or sun shirt, wetsuit, and a soft beginner surfboard—all included in the price, which many reviewers feel offers excellent value.
The first part of the lesson is a safety briefing, where your instructor will go over ocean safety, proper positioning, and how to control your board. This foundation is crucial, especially in the sometimes powerful waves at Gold Coast. Many comments from guests mention how their guides “spent time with each person,” making sure everyone understood the basics before hitting the water.
The Learning Process
The lesson is structured to maximize your time in the water. You’ll start by catching your first waves in waist-deep water, with your instructor providing hands-on help. One recurring theme in the reviews is how patient and attentive the guides are—“Damo” and “Blake” frequently get praised for their encouraging and clear instructions.
Once comfortable, you’ll practice standing up on your board, with the instructor helping you find your balance. As one reviewer put it, “The waves were very powerful, but thanks to Mr. Damien’s safe and careful instruction, even as a beginner I was able to take the lesson with peace of mind.” The focus is on building confidence so that you can enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.
Catching Waves and Developing Technique
The core of the session is time spent riding waves, with instructors moving around to assist and give tips. Many reviewers highlight how they managed to stand multiple times, sometimes even riding several waves. This is a key indicator that, despite the short duration, the lessons are highly effective.
Some guests mention that the guides are very good at rotating through the group, ensuring everyone has a chance to paddle out, catch a wave, and get pointers. The small group sizes and personal attention contribute significantly to the positive outcomes.
More Great Tours NearbyEquipment and Facilities
All necessary gear, including soft boards and rash shirts, are provided on-site. After your session, you’ll head back to the trailer, return the equipment, and enjoy a refreshing shower to rinse off salt and sand—an appreciated touch, especially after a full water session.
Continuing the Surfing Journey
If you find yourself hooked after just two hours, there’s the option to book further lessons or rent equipment independently. Several reviews mention how eager guests are to keep practicing once they’ve caught their first waves, making this a fantastic starting point for beginners.
The Guides and Customer Experience

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly instructors. Guests mention guides like Kal, Blake, Damien, Tommy, and Damo, all of whom are noted for their patience, clear instructions, and enthusiasm.
One review from Japan states, “Kal was our instructor and he was amazing! Clear instructions, great demonstrations, and very funny!” It’s clear that these guides not only teach but also create a welcoming environment that helps nervous beginners relax.
Guests also note the guides’ attentiveness, with many explicitly appreciating how they ensure everyone gets individual feedback. For example, “He spent time with each person and gave them great instruction,” says a reviewer from Australia.
Safety and Comfort
Safety is a top priority, and reviewers mention how guides are very careful, especially given the sometimes strong waves. One guest from the UK said, “Mr. Damien’s careful instruction made me feel completely at ease in the powerful waves.” This focus on safety combined with friendly coaching creates a supportive atmosphere that encourages learning.
Accessibility and Group Size
The group size tends to be small, which means more personalized attention. Children over 8 can participate, but younger kids need an accompanying adult who can assist in the water. Several reviews mention that even first-timers who are nervous about swimming had a positive experience thanks to the guides’ patience and professionalism.
The Practical Details

Location & Meeting Point
The tour departs from the Kurrawa Surf Club in central Broadbeach. The meeting point is straightforward to find, with the minibus waiting in the car park. Coordinates are provided for easy navigation.
Duration & Flexibility
While the basic package lasts 2 hours, availability extends up to 6 hours if you want to book a longer session or multiple lessons. You can reserve your spot with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for travel plans.
Gear & What to Bring
You’ll need to bring swimwear and a towel, but all surfing equipment is provided. This includes wetsuits and beginner-friendly soft boards, designed to give you the best shot at standing up quickly.
Cost & Value
Guests generally find the price reasonable considering the instruction quality, equipment, and location. The option to reserve now and pay later offers added flexibility, especially for those finalizing trip plans.
Suitable for Families and Beginners
Children aged 9 and above are welcome, but children under 9 are not suited for this activity. Many reviews highlight how kids felt safe, confident, and had fun, making it a popular choice for families seeking a shared adventure.
Authentic Experiences & Tips from Reviewers

Multiple reviews praise the enthusiasm and professionalism of the guides. One from Kazakhstan mentions, “Daniel was a great instructor to assist me and my family members,” while a UK guest states, “Kal made sure everyone got to try and stand up and rotated around seamlessly.”
Guests also highlight the scenic beauty of Broadbeach—the less crowded environment provides plenty of space to learn and practice without feeling overwhelmed. Several mention that even in slightly challenging conditions, their guides kept safety front and center, which helped first-timers relax and enjoy.
The Sum Up: Is This Surf Tour Worth It?

If you’re looking for a friendly, well-organized introduction to surfing, this tour ticks most boxes. The focus on safety, personalized instruction, and beautiful location makes it ideal for beginners and families alike. You’ll leave with a sense of achievement, having stood on a surfboard and caught your first waves.
While the activity is relatively short, many find it to be a powerful confidence booster. Plus, the option to extend your experience or rent equipment means you can keep practicing without needing to look elsewhere.
This is a great value experience that combines expert coaching, stunning scenery, and friendly vibes—perfect if you want a fun, memorable introduction to surfing on the Gold Coast.
FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, children over 9 are welcome to participate. Children under 9 require an accompanying adult who can assist them in the water.
Do I need prior swimming skills?
Not necessarily. Many reviews mention that classes take place in waist-deep water, making it accessible even for those who are not confident swimmers, as long as they’re comfortable in the water.
What should I wear?
Bring swimwear and a towel. Wetsuits and rash shirts are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reservations are flexible with the ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.
Is the tour weather-dependent?
While weather can influence surfing conditions, many guests mention that even in less-than-ideal weather, guides keep safety and fun a priority. It’s best to check your booking details for updates closer to your planned date.
What if I want to do more surfing after the lesson?
You can book additional lessons, private sessions, or rent equipment to continue practicing on your own.
How crowded is the tour?
The small group sizes ensure personalized attention, and the location at Broadbeach tends to be less crowded than other popular surf spots.
Whether you’re a first-time surfer or just want to try a new activity in Queensland, this 2-hour surf experience at Broadbeach offers a fantastic balance of fun, safety, and scenic beauty. With highly praised instructors and excellent reviews, it promises a memorable introduction to the surfing world—something you’ll be talking about long after your waves have rolled in.
You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby


























