Beginners guide to surfing NSW

Surfing tips, best beaches & where to learn to surf

Holidays are the perfect time to pick up some surf skills, slow mornings, salty afternoons and no schedule except the tide. And the good news? Even the littlelies can join in. With NSW’s sprawling coastline offering sandy-bottom beaches, gentle waves and friendly surf schools, it’s one of the best places in Australia for first-timers to give surfing a try.

Whether you're staying at a Reflections Holidays park on the coast or road-tripping between beaches, this guide will help you hit the water with confidence. From staying safe to choosing the right gear and finding learner-friendly waves, here’s everything you need to know.

Top tips for beginner surfers

1. Safety First

Before you grab a board, start with the essentials:

• Wear sunscreen and/or zinc: Apply reef-safe sunscreen generously — especially on the back of your legs, arms, and neck. Zinc is a great alternative for the face as it doesn’t run into and sting your eyes 😉.
• Know the beach symbols:
  • Shark sign: Usually a yellow sign with a shark silhouette — if posted, stay out.
  • Dangerous current sign: Indicates strong rips.
  • Red and yellow flags: If you’re on a fibreglass board (hard board) you’re not allowed to surf within the flags, you can if you’re on a foam board.
• Make sure someone has eyes on you: Let a family member or friend know you’re heading into the surf, especially if you’re a beginner.
• Surf with someone: Try to always have a buddy or a lifeguard present.

Once you’ve ticked off the basics, you’re ready to enjoy the fun part.

2. Find a teacher

Surfing looks easy… until your first attempt at standing up. A qualified instructor or an experienced friend helps you progress faster, stay safe, and avoid common mistakes. They’ll also likely be able to teach you how to read waves, spot hazards and choose the right conditions for your skill level.

3. Get the right gear

Beginner-friendly gear makes a world of difference. If you’re paddling out for the first time you’ll want:

• A soft-top surfboard (8–9ft is ideal)
• A leash (about the same length as your board, so you’re not sprinting up the beach after your board)
• A rashie or wetsuit depending on the season
• Reef-safe sunscreen and/or zinc

Soft-top boards are buoyant, stable and forgiving, perfect for new surfers.

4. Find the right beach and break

Choosing a beginner-friendly beach can mean the difference between catching waves and catching frustration. Look for:

• Small, rolling waves
• A sandy bottom
• Minimal rocks
• Lifeguard patrols in season

When you get the beach, there’ll likely be several different breaks each with its own group of surfers. Watch and analyse which break has waves and other surfers within your skill level. Gentler conditions are key to building confidence.

5. Practise on the sand

Most surf lessons start on shore, and for good reason. You’ll practise your stance, learn where to position yourself on the board, and master the “pop-up” before heading into the water. It’s easier and safer than trying to figure it out mid-wave.

6. Embrace the wipeout

Falling off isn’t a failure, it’s part of the journey. Even experienced surfers wipe out daily.

Safe wipeout tips:

• Fall on your side or back
• Protect your head
• Don’t dive
• Come up calmly

If you’re laughing, you’re learning.

7. Learn basic surf etiquette

Like any great pastime, surfing has its own unwritten rules:

• If someone’s on a wave already or paddling onto one from a deeper point of the wave than you, don’t go for their wave, this is called “dropping in”. Observe the structure of the line-up and know when it’s your turn to go.
• Don’t paddle in front of a surfer riding towards you
• Keep hold of your board when possible
• Share the space and be courteous

Good vibes only.

8. Know the lingo

Surf speak is half the fun. A few handy terms:

• Kook: beginner
• Set: a group of larger waves
• Drop-in: taking another surfer’s wave
• Frothing: being overly excited (common among surfers)

9. Bend your knees, not your back

Standing up? Love that for you. Now keep your knees bent — not your back hunched. This lowers your centre of gravity and helps with balance and control. You’ll look more confident, too.

10. Start small

Save the big, powerful waves for later. Beginners should stick to whitewash close to shore until they’re consistently standing up and steering the board. You’ll progress faster and stay much safer.

11. Have fun

The whole point of surfing is joy, being outdoors, feeling the ocean’s rhythm and chasing that unbeatable moment when everything clicks and you glide across a wave. If you're smiling, you’re doing it right.

Best beginner surf beaches in NSW

These NSW beaches offer gentle conditions perfect for first-timers, and many are located near Reflections Holidays parks.

Seal Rocks – Number One Beach

Number One Beach, Seal Rocks is one of NSW’s most iconic beginner surf spots, thanks to friendly conditions and postcard-worthy scenery.

Why surf here:

• Sheltered on many days
• Sandy-bottom waves ideal for learners
• Clean, clear and uncrowded

Where to stay: Reflections Seal Rocks

Lennox Head – Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is close to town and consistently mellow, a dream for new surfers.

Why surf here:

• Long, rolling waves great for practising
• Ideal for beginners and improvers
• Plenty of space to spread out

Where to stay: Reflections Lennox Head

Bermagui & the Sapphire Coast – Camel Rock Surf Beach

The Sapphire Coast is famous for its clear water, relaxed surf culture and beginner-friendly waves and we suggest Haywards Beach (Camel Rock Surf Beach).

Why surf here:

• Gentle southern swells
• Wide sandy beaches
• Calm, welcoming atmosphere

Where to stay: Within easy reach of Reflections Bermagui, Reflections Eden & Reflections Pambula.

Surf schools NSW

Start strong with a lesson at one of these beginner-focused surf schools.

Scotts Head

• Scotts Head Surf School
  Ideal for for group and private lessons for all levels. All lessons are held at the Main Beach; a fantastic location to learn how to surf, right next to Scotts Head Holiday Park.

Seal Rocks

• Gary Hughes Surface School of Surf
  Boutique-style lessons with an emphasis on fun, safety and confidence-building. Stay at Reflections Seal Rocks.

Lennox Head / Ballina

• Let’s Go Surfing – Ballina & Lennox
  Patient instructors, quality gear and ideal lesson beaches. Convenient for guests at Reflections Lennox Head.

Bermagui / Sapphire Coast

• Camel Rock Surf School
  Beginner-friendly lessons at Camel Rock, Haywards Beach and beyond. An easy adventure for travellers staying at Reflections Bermagui

Eden

• Coastlife Adventures
  Quiet beaches, calm coaching and supportive sessions for all ages. Close to Reflections Eden and Reflections Pambula.

Surf events in NSW

NSW also features some must-do, annual, surf events. Check out the new Surf Reflections, Surfest Newcastle and Surfing NSW for all the latest dates and events.

Catch your first wave with Reflections Holidays

With so many Reflections parks sitting along NSW’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, you’re always just a few sandy steps from your next surf session. Whether you’re catching your first wave or building confidence day by day, surfing is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy a beach holiday.

Pack your board, grab your wetsuit and dive into a salty, sun-soaked adventure you’ll never forget.