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Learn to Surf in Perth: Beaches, Prices and Schools

Quick answer

Perth is one of the better value cities to learn to surf. Expect about $55 to $61 for a group lesson and $120 to $130 for a private lesson for one, based on three schools. Beachsafe rates Cottesloe 3 out of 10, but surfing is prohibited from its groyne to 100 m north of it from 1 October to 31 March. Prices were checked on 17 October 2026.

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Perth doesn't always get talked about as a learn to surf city, but it should. Group lessons here were some of the best value we found, and we list schools from Scarborough and Trigg down to Secret Harbour. Here's what we found, from Surf Life Saving's Beachsafe pages and school websites checked on 17 October 2026.

The beaches

Beachsafe gives every beach a hazard rating out of 10 (higher means more hazardous). Here's how Perth's popular spots compare:

  • Cottesloe: 3 out of 10. Note the local rule: Beachsafe says surfing is prohibited north of the Cottesloe groyne to 100 m north of that point from 1 October to 31 March. So in summer, don't take a board into the swimming area.
  • City Beach: 4 out of 10.
  • Leighton Beach: 4 out of 10.
  • Scarborough: 5 out of 10. Go Surf Perth lists its address at Brighton Beach, Scarborough.
  • Trigg Island: 5 out of 10.
  • Secret Harbour: 6 out of 10. Beachsafe says rips are regularly spaced along the beach and the southern section has the most energy, with waves averaging up to 1.5 m.

Lower ratings don't guarantee easy surf on the day, which is why schools pick the beach based on conditions. But it's a handy guide if you want to get in the water before or after your lesson.

What lessons cost

Perth came out as one of the better value cities in this series.

  • Go Surf Perth (Scarborough): $55 per person for a 1.5 hour adult group lesson, with three to six people per instructor. A three day course is $150 and a five day course is $235. A one hour private lesson is $120.
  • Salt and Mantra (Secret Harbour): $60.50 per person for a 1.5 hour group lesson, including GST. Private lessons are $121 one on one, $165 for two and $198 for three.
  • Greenwave Surf Co.: private sessions, $130 for one adult (75 minutes) or $180 for two.

So expect around $55 to $61 for a group lesson and $120 to $130 for a private lesson for one.

Kids vs adults

Kids: Go Surf Perth runs school holiday lessons at $55 for 1.5 hours with a maximum of six kids per coach, plus an eight week term program at $320. Greenwave has a 60 minute session for one grom under 16 at $120, and a 90 minute family session for two adults and two kids at $300.

Adults: Go Surf Perth's three and five day courses are good value if you want to actually learn rather than just try it once. Salt and Mantra's group lessons run 1.5 hours.

Small groups: Go Surf Perth's small ratio (three to six per instructor) is worth noting. It's one of the few schools we checked that publishes its ratio.

What's included, and what to bring

Go Surf Perth says its group lessons include a wetsuit, board and qualified coach, and it offers an extra hour of surfboard hire after your lesson for $10 per person, which is a smart way to practise while it's fresh. Greenwave says its prices cover the session, and adds $50 for an extra surfer.

Bring swimmers, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and water.

Your first session. Expect a safety briefing, sand practice, then time in the white water on a soft board. With Go Surf Perth's three to six people per instructor, you'll get plenty of attention, and most beginners stand up on the white water in the first lesson or two.

Tips

  • Check the Cottesloe summer surfing rule if you're heading there with a board.
  • Ask your school which beach it uses. Scarborough and Secret Harbour are a long way apart.
  • Book a multi-day course if you can. That's where the price per lesson drops.

Quick answers

How much is a surf lesson in Perth? About $55 to $61 for a group lesson and $120 to $130 for a private lesson for one, based on three schools.

Can I surf at Cottesloe? Not north of the groyne (to 100 m north of it) from 1 October to 31 March, according to Beachsafe.

Perth surf schools on Tydal Surf

See Go Surf Perth, Greenwave Surf Co., Surfing WA, Salt and Mantra and Gone Surfin Surf School, or browse all WA surf schools.

Sources