Gold Coast: 2-Hour Private Surf Lesson with Photo Package

Trying to pick a surf lesson on the Gold Coast can feel overwhelming—there are so many options, and everyone claims to be the best. Having looked into this particular 2-hour private surf lesson offered by Australian Surfing Adventures, I can say it seems like a solid choice if you’re after a personalized, fun, and memorable surf experience. It’s especially appealing for those who want a more tailored approach rather than a crowded group class.

What caught our eye are two things: the guaranteed chance to stand up on your first lesson and the inclusion of a photo package that captures your surf highlights. These perks make it stand out from more standard group lessons. But, a consideration to keep in mind is that the lesson is weather-dependent, and the best beach for learning will be selected on the day, which can sometimes mean a slightly different vibe or scenery from what you might expect.

This experience is best suited for beginners and those looking to boost their confidence or refine their skills in a private setting. If you’re traveling with friends or a small group, it’s a wonderful way to share a memorable adventure without feeling lost in a crowd. Unfortunately, pregnant women aren’t recommended, but otherwise, it’s accessible to most.

Key Points

• Personalized attention: With a max of five students per instructor, you get lots of tailored coaching.
• Guaranteed to stand: The lesson is designed so that everyone will get up on a surfboard during the session.
• Professional guides: All instructors are fully accredited, passionate, and experienced.
• Photo package included: You’ll get photos of your surfing highlights, making it easy to remember the day.
• Weather flexibility: The lesson runs rain or shine, based on safety.
• Suitable for all levels: From complete beginners to those wanting to improve skills, with customization based on your ability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Surf Lesson

When you book this private surf lesson, you’re signing up for a fairly relaxed but focused introduction to surfing in a stunning location. The experience lasts about 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to learn, practice, and have fun. You’ll meet at the Tallebudgera Surf Club, 15 minutes early, and look for the parked surf van outside the entrance.

The Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point is straightforward—just arrive at the Tallebudgera Surf Club about 15 minutes before your scheduled time. The provided coordinates will help you find the exact spot. Once there, you’ll meet your instructor, who is an experienced, fully accredited professional. You can expect to be greeted warmly and given some quick instruction before heading out to the surf.

The Beach Choice

The actual beach for your lesson will be chosen on the day, depending on current sea and weather conditions. This makes sense because it ensures safety and the best possible surf for beginners. You might find yourself on a sandy stretch with gentle waves ideal for learning or more sheltered spots if the weather is a little rougher.

The Learning Experience

What makes this lesson stand out is the focus on getting everyone on a board early. As one review put it, “guaranteed to stand on a surfboard in your first lesson,” which is an excellent confidence booster. The instructors teach core techniques, including paddling, balancing, and popping up onto the board, all tailored to your ability level.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Atmosphere and Instruction

The vibe is friendly and supportive, with small groups ensuring personalized attention. The instructors are not only qualified but genuinely passionate about surfing and sharing it with newcomers. Expect lots of encouragement, constructive feedback, and plenty of laughs—surfing is as much about fun as it is about skill.

The Photos and Memories

A standout feature is the included photo package. During the session, your instructor will take photos of you catching waves and riding the surf. This is a huge plus for many, as it allows you to relive your surf adventure without having to rush to capture photos yourself. Many reviews mention the photos as “top-notch” and “a great souvenir.”

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is designed to be flexible, with options to reserve without immediate payment, and cancellation up to 24 hours before. It’s suitable for beginners to advanced surfers wanting a private session—so even if you have some experience, the instructor can tailor the lesson to help you progress.

Participants are asked to bring swimwear, a towel, water, and comfortable clothes. The activity runs rain or shine, which means you should be prepared for different weather conditions. Pregnant women are advised not to participate, and the lesson’s suitability for children isn’t explicitly stated, so consider that if traveling with young kids.

Why People Love This Surf Lesson

Reviews highlight several reasons why travelers find this experience worthwhile. Many mention the personalized coaching as a key strength, with one saying, “the instructor explained very well,” making all the difference for first-timers. Others loved the positive environment and the friendly vibe, with one noting the instructor’s “very positive feedback,” which really helped them learn quickly.

The inclusion of photos was also a favorite. Multiple reviews praise the quality and the fact that they could take home professional snapshots of their surfing moments—perfect for sharing or keeping as souvenirs.

Real User Feedback

• “Fantastisk, virkelig lærerig” (Really educational) from Danish travelers.
• “Loved it! Ted and Alex are wonderful,” from Chinese guests who appreciated the instructor’s coaching.
• “Un vrai suivi personnalisé,” (A real personalized follow-up) from French-speaking visitors.
• “The instructor was so lovely and made it so simple,” one Australian reviewer said, highlighting the approachable teaching style.

Downsides and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that the weather can affect your experience since the lesson runs rain or shine. Also, as it’s tailored for beginners and small groups, those with advanced skills might find it less challenging. The lesson is also only 2 hours long, so if you’re after a full-day surf adventure, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

The Value Proposition

Looking at the cost, this private lesson offers quite a bit of value—personalized attention, guaranteed success, and professional photos—especially for beginners or small groups. It’s a great way to dip your toes into surfing without the pressure of large classes or crowds. The flexible booking options and cancellation policies also add peace of mind.

For anyone wanting to learn in a supportive environment, this lesson can be a stepping stone into the surfing world or a unique memory from your trip to the Gold Coast. It’s best suited to those who appreciate a more intimate, customized approach and want photos to remember the experience.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your surf skills with expert guidance, this private lesson is a good fit. Small groups ensure personalized coaching, and the guaranteed chance to stand up on your board makes it rewarding. It’s ideal for travelers who want a memorable, photo-ready moment of their holiday and prefer a flexible, weather-dependent schedule.

While not suitable for pregnant women, most other travelers—young or old, solo or in small groups—will find this experience enjoyable and worthwhile. If you’re after a fun, relaxed introduction to the surf with professional support, this is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous surfing experience?
No, this lesson is designed for beginners to advanced levels, with the instructor customizing the session based on your ability.

Will I get to stand on a surfboard during the lesson?
Yes, the lesson guarantees that everyone will stand up on their board during the session.

What should I bring?
Pack swimwear, a towel, water, and comfortable clothes. The activity runs rain or shine, so dress appropriately.

Where do I meet for the lesson?
At the Tallebudgera Surf Club, 15 minutes before your scheduled start. The meeting point is at the surf van parked outside the club.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later.

Is this suitable for children?
The information doesn’t specify children’s suitability, so it’s best for older kids or teens who are comfortable in the water. Pregnant women should not participate.

What weather conditions are expected?
The lesson runs rain or shine, as long as conditions are safe. The beach for the lesson will be chosen based on sea and weather conditions on the day.

Are the instructors qualified?
Absolutely, all coaches and surf instructors are fully accredited and passionate about teaching.

If you’re considering a surf lesson on the Gold Coast, this private session with Australian Surfing Adventures looks like a well-rounded, friendly, and rewarding option—perfect for starting your surf journey or just enjoying a fun day by the sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: