SOUTH AFRICA SURF LESSONS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who has never stood on a board: 12 south africa surf lessons worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Meet your private coach at Surf Emporium on Muizenberg’s Surfers Corner for 90 minutes of one-to-one instruction. You’ll use a board and wetsuit, practice ocean safety and etiquette, and work at your own level, from first-timer to advanced surfer. Lockers, changing rooms, and warm showers are included.
“Had never surfed before, and this was a great first time! Experienced teacher and a truly beautiful beach!!”
Let Stoked Surf School choose Cape Town’s best beach conditions for your private lesson. Your coach collects you by surf van, supplies a board, leash, 4:3mm wetsuit, changing towel, and photos, then teaches beginner basics in the water. Sam and Michelle are named guides connected with the school.
“Well organized, great first time surfing, fantastic instructor. The water and waves were just right. The pick up was on time. Try surfing in Cape Town....it's a don't miss experience.”
Spend two hours learning to surf at Jeffreys Bay’s oldest surf school with a private English-speaking coach. You’ll practice on the beach and in waist-deep water, then work on paddling, catching waves, standing, and riding toward shore. Boards, wetsuits, changing rooms, storage, and session photos are included. Coach Ernie receives special praise for helping beginners stand up.
“Heel leuke eerste surfervaring! Onze begeleider Ernie heeft ervoor gezorgd dat we tegen het einde konden rechtstaan. Goede tips van hem, leuke sfeer! Een echte aanrader! Bedankt Ernie”
Meet your English-speaking coach at Lifestyle Surf Shop for a private or group lesson at Muizenberg Beach. You’ll learn ocean safety, popping up, paddling, and wave selection before receiving hands-on coaching in the water. Tammy and Alphonso have earned special praise for their calm, upbeat instruction.
“Der Surfkurs hat mir sehr gut gefallen! Ich würde ihn wieder buchen.”
Meet at Jeffrey’s Bay Surf School for a beginner lesson led in English by coaches such as Lorenzo and Angelo. You’ll learn on the beach, practice in waist-deep water, then return to the waves to paddle, catch, stand, and ride. Boards, wetsuits, changing rooms, and storage are included.
“It was amazing! Lorenzo is super nice and such a great teacher. Highly recommend for anyone who would like to learn surfing, would definitely come back for next trip to Jeffreys Bay :)”
Meet the Wavecrest Surf School team on Ferreira Street for a two-hour beginner lesson at Jeffreys Bay. Your instructor covers water safety, basic surfing technique, and wave catching while supplying the surfboard and wetsuit. Groups are limited to 10 people, and the session ends back at the school.
“This was an amazing experience. Will definitely recommend it! We took our kids between 5 and 10 and they loved it. Going back tomorrow!”
Meet Surfends at New Wave Village in Victoria Bay for a 75-minute beginner-friendly lesson in the bay. Instructors such as Martyn and Dylan cover water safety, waves, popping up, and board control before you practice in the Indian Ocean. Boards and wetsuits are supplied, and groups are limited to eight.
“Brilliant surfing lesson in a beautiful bay, we got taught the basics and then spent the remainder of the time in the water practicing! Would highly recommend! You will sleep well after!”
Meet Surf Life Surf School at Eden on the Bay for a 90-minute group lesson in Big Bay. You’ll learn board handling, wave reading, paddle technique, steering, surf safety, and a reliable pop-up. Instructor Cornel is among the named coaches, and groups are limited to six, with boards and 4/3mm wetsuits supplied.
“We had great fun and the instructions given was excellent, they really know how to teach. The waves on the spot were very good. 1.5hours was long enough for us as we were a bit exhausted from all the waves.”
Meet instructor Giovanni at the beach for a 2-hour Plettenberg Bay surf lesson with a wetsuit and board included. You’ll learn ocean safety, paddling, balance, and standing up, then practice in the water with personal guidance. Groups of five help keep the session friendly and manageable.
“Sadly, the conditions were not right for surfing so we did a kayaking session instead. Giovanni was very thorough with safety. It was just on the ocean so out and back. Sadly, the dolphins did not show themselves. Shower facilities were good.”
Meet Atlantic Surf School at 2 Coral Rd in Table View for a 1.5 to 2-hour lesson shaped around your ability and ocean confidence. Your board and wetsuit are included. Beginners learn timing and wave-catching, while stronger surfers work on positioning. Instructors such as Jesse and Jarrod may lead your session.
“Ive always wanted to learn how to surf and this experience exceeded my expectations. Thanks to Jesse from Atlantic Surf Collective who helped me with my first attempts at this! He was very supportive and instructed me well. Would definitely do it again!”
Meet your English-speaking instructor at Dolphin Beach, a few kilometres from Supertubes, for a two-hour beginner-friendly surf lesson. You’ll spend about 20 minutes on beach theory, then practise paddling, balance, and catching waves with a board and wetsuit included. Instructor Lungani has helped first-timers ride within minutes, but you should be able to swim.
“instructor Lungani was great. I never surfed before only skateboarded and I was riding a few waves within minutes. instructions were clear and conscise. would definitely go back only thing is surfing is very tiring so be prepared”
Meet Wavecrest Surf School on Ferreira Street in Jeffreys Bay for a two-hour beginner lesson built around safety, practice, and encouragement. Waseem is praised for patient coaching, while Libby and surfer photographer Sheldon have also helped create a warm, family-friendly setting. The small group is capped at six.
“We had two great beginner lessons with our kids (8, 10, 12) with Waseem and we all really enjoyed the lessons and the whole surrounding with Libby, Waseem and the surfer photographer Sheldon. Waseem took a lot of time for everyone and gave us great tips. We learned a lot and had even more fun on the surf and body boards. Thank you very much!”
Pick a coast, a level or a week of it.
