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I don’t think you could get an any more Australian experience then learning to surf at Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous beach.
Surfing at Bondi Beach is the perfect place for both beginners and experienced surfers to get out on the waves in this famous Aussie past-time. Not only does it provide an exhilarating and unique workout, but it also has numerous positive effects on the mind, body, and soul.
The sense of achievement and joy that comes from catching a wave is euphoric. You don’t realise how much of a work out surfing is, and you feel great after.
Surfing at Bondi Beach allows you to connect with Australia’s vibrant surfing community. Bondi Beach attracts surfers from all around the world, providing opportunities to socialize, make new friends, and share the love for the sport.
But if you’ve never surfed before and you need lessons, this guide will tell you all you need to know about learning to surf at Bondi Beach with Let’s Go Surfing, Bondi’s only surf school.
Our Experience Surfing at Bondi Beach
This wasn’t my first attempt at surfing, but this time I was at that famous beach.
The fact that I had just signed a waiver to say I was okay with the possibility that I could be bitten by a shark, didn’t bother me.
I wasn’t even on the lookout for them.
All I cared about was watching the sets roll in and preparing myself to ride the next wave.
My first swim of the summer season, the blue skies and beating sun giving no indication of the rotten weather we had experienced in Sydney all season long.
It was a cracker of a day. The water crystal clear and the waves breaking perfectly for a group of beginning surfers who are keen to blog about it.
We had all admitted that morning over our breakfast at Swells Cafe, Bronte, that we were a little daunted by the idea of learning to surf at Bondi, and would have been okay if there were no waves.
And then after it, over our nutritious salad lunch, we admitted how glad we were that the lesson went ahead.
We were surfers now. Pumped up and ready for the following day’s Australian Open of Surfing at Manly.
We owe it all to Shelly and Aiden, our instructors from Let’s Go Surfing, the only surfing school on Bondi Beach, who patiently instructed and encouraged us.
What is a Surf Lesson at Bondi Beach Like?
We started off introducing our goals for the day: to stand up for at least 4 seconds. I was aiming to beat my previous record of 2 seconds surfing at D Bar on the Gold Coast.
The surf at Bondi was much cleaner and easier to surf than at that beach on the Gold Coast where Quiksilver pro surfing contests were held.
“Oh yeah, it’s way more powerful up there and harder to read the waves,” Aiden confirmed for me just why I was doing so much better this time and why Bondi is the perfect beach for any beginner to learn.
“Bondi faces south so we are really protected here; the surf is not so wild.”
And so the sets gently rolled in.
Shelley and Aiden reminded us of our stand up moves and to take them really slow.
Deceived by the one-second-fluid stand up motion of professional surfers, you think that this is the way you have to stand up.
“Slow it down Caz. I want you to really slow every move down.”
It wasn’t until I took at least a second to do each of the four steps that my body finally understood what it was meant to do and before you knew it, viola, I was up and surfing.
A few rides in and I had beaten my 4 second goal.
And from them on it was up, down, wipe out.
We were having so much fun that I was shocked at the speed of time when last waves were called.
By the end of it all our goals were reached. Gary stood up on the board, Abby had a true surfer girl vibe coming off her and killed the lesson, and Megan thoroughly enjoyed herself catching a wave that freaked Aiden out with her bravery and barrel riding skills.
Not only is Bondi Beach an easy place to learn, but the scenery as you bob about in the ocean in anticipation for the next wave is simply something to write home about.
Let’s Go Surfing is the only learn to surf company in Bondi Beach, and tight restrictions are placed on them to ensure they don’t overtake this very popular Sydney beach.
It didn’t matter how many times they had to tell me to keep my eyes to the front so I would stop wiping out, they always did it with a smile and a “Lets Go, you can do it.”
FAQs About Surfing at Bondi Beach
Here’s what people usually ask me about surfing at Bondi…
When is the best time to surf at Bondi?
The best time of year is the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, and also has warm waters.
The average water temperature ranges from 22°C – 25°C in the summer, and 16°C to 20°C in the winter, so you may need wetsuits if you are visiting in the winter. There is a wetsuit rental in the town.
January to June is the rainy season in Sydney and so you may find some days are not good this time of year.
Let’s Go Surfing plan their lessons around low tide so you will only be taken out during the best conditions.
What is the best spot for first-time surfers?
You’ll find the larger swells at North Bondi, and there are also some rocky areas in South Bondi, so for beginner surfers you’ll find the best spot is by the Ben Buckler headland, which is protected by northshore winds.
Are there jellyfish in Bondi?
Yes, Bondi Beach is home to the blue box jellyfish, one of the world’s most dangerous jellyfish. They usually visit the waters between November and May but can be seen year-round.
Final Thoughts
Surfers are such passionate people about the sport, they don’t care how many times they have to tell you the same thing, as long as eventually you get it and fist pump the air, because you have learned to surf.
Fist is pumping!! Limbs are sore, but I’m happy to sign a waiver for that one.
Learning to surf at Bondi was one of life’s major highlights and a great way to experience one of the best of Sydney’s beaches.
Have you ever tried surfing? What would be your surfing goal? Let us know in the comments!
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Many thanks to Destination NSW and Let’s Go Surfing for hosting our stay in Sydney and our surfing lesson.
