Start shredding like a pro.
Start shredding like a pro.
Thinking about levelling up your surfing this summer? Good call. The days are long, the weather’s warm, and the ocean is practically begging you to paddle out.
Surfing might look cool and cruisy, but it’s one of the few sports where no matter how long you’ve been doing it, you’re still a student of the sea.
Not sure where to start? Don’t stress. Below are five ways to build your surf skills, and all the Gold Coast legends who can help get you there.
If you’re keen to fast-track your progress, jump into a surf school. Coaches can spot things you’ll never notice on your own and give you the exact tweaks you need to catch more waves. Group lessons are great for staying motivated, but if you prefer surfing solo, book a couple of private sessions so you’ve got personalised tips to work on.
Some of our fave surf schools are Currumbin Alley Surf School and Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley, Hang Ten Surf Co and Kirra Point Surf School in Kirra, Go Ride A Wave at Coolangatta, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.
Can’t make it to the beach during the work week? Skating is the next-best thing. The muscle memory and movement patterns translate directly to surfing, so when you finally hit the water again, you haven’t gone backwards. Pizzey Park Skate Park and Pump Track in Miami has 4800 square metres of skateable surface to get you pumping like a pro, or for something more surf-focused, get involved with Surf Lab in Currumbin Waters. Their custom surf-skate bowl, one-on-one coaching and weekend retreats are designed specifically to help you become a more confident surfer in and out of the water.
A bit of land-based training makes a massive difference in-between salty sessions. Strength, flexibility and balance are the holy trinity for surfers. Rhythm Wellness Surfers Yoga in Currumbin Waters is perfect for targeted surf conditioning, while Aqua Sculpt at the JW Marriott Resort is a full-body, on-water workout performed on floating platforms. If you want to build power, stability or pop-up speed, this is your chance.
If you haven’t already added all your surf mates into a group chat, get onto it. Half the battle is showing up and having friends in the water makes every surf session better. Plan weekend missions, celebrate each other’s progress and make it a priority to keep the stoke high. Want an instant community? OneWave is a non-profit surf movement using saltwater therapy and fluro to boost mental health. Their Greenmount crew paddles out every Saturday morning, perfect for anyone who needs accountability with a side of good vibes.
The ocean is always changing, and your surfing will too. The best way to progress is to embrace every session, small waves, big waves, wind, rain, the lot. The more time you spend in the water, the more confident you’ll feel not just in summer, but every season.
Words by Lisette Drew
Time to seas the day.
Is there anything more quintessentially Queensland than kicking back on the deck of a great surf club with an ice-cold drink, ocean breeze in your hair, and uninterrupted ocean views? Not really! It sounds like a holiday fantasy, but it’s really just a standard afternoon on the Gold Coast. How lucky are we?! Sometimes, we do forget it.
Our shoreline is scattered with surf clubs and you could pretty much stumble into any one and score relaxed vibes and a solid feed. But as always, we want the best for you, so we’ve rounded up the very best surf clubs from south to north. Grab a seat, order something cold, and settle in.
With a front row seat to one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks, Rainbow Bay Surf Club gives world-class surf views, classic pub eats, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of the best spots on the Coast for sunset drinks after an ocean swim on a balmy summer’s afternoon. Salty hair? You’ll fit right in. There’s always a crowd here, so it’s always a good time. This surf club is nothing if not iconic.
Where: 2 Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta
Quite literally built out over the ocean, “The Vikings” is one of the most iconic surf-club spots on the entire coastline. You’ll feel like you’re sitting above the waves while enjoying huge plates of classic favourites, weekend entertainment, and a buzzing crowd of both locals and visitors. The views alone are worth the trip, but their stacked menu and friendly staff seal the deal. You’ll hear everyone recommend this surf club, and for good reason.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Positioned at the heart of Palm Beach, the award-winning Palm Beach Surf Club offers more than just a stellar upbeat atmosphere and sweeping ocean views, but a tasty menu (with weekly specials worth planning your visit around) and live music! Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, enjoying a drink with friends, or having dinner with the family, there’s a range of meals, snacks, and beverages to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Where: 117 Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach
Perched between the beaches of Burleigh and Palm Beach, Tallebudgera Surf Club is the go-to for families and perfect for long lunches and locals who love a chilled waterfront vibe. You’ll find generous portions, vibrant cocktails, breezy open-air seating, and an epic playground for pre- or post-feed kid antics. You’ve also got Bean Surfing Cafe to enjoy from 5.30am-2pm daily, serving all your favourite beachside eats and epic coffee.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Overlooking one of the most famous beaches in Queensland, Burleigh Heads SLSC is where you’ll find old-school surf-club vibes. With sweeping views of the ocean and city skyline, hearty meals, and a prime position beside the iconic Burleigh Hill, it’s a natural choice for pre- or post-day-at-the-beach feeds.
Where: Goodwin Terrace & Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Situated at the quieter, more relaxed end of Burleigh, North Burleigh Surf Club is a top pick for families, groups, or anyone wanting beach views without the crazy crowds. You’ll get that gorgeous ocean breeze on the deck, reliable menu favourites, and a chilled atmosphere for an ideal arvo by the beach. There are weekly specials and regular entertainment top it all off.
Where: 293 The Esplanade, Miami
A true neighbourhood favourite since 1954, Nobby’s has entered an exciting new era after joining The Bears Group in late 2025. The partnership brings a refreshed hospitality focus while keeping the relaxed, community-first surf club vibe locals love. Expect updated menus with coastal-inspired flavours, classic club staples and the same welcoming atmosphere, with a major renovation planned for 2027 to further elevate the space.
Where: 25 Albatross Ave, Nobby Beach
Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Club remains a humble favourite among locals, striking the perfect balance between relaxed and lively. The club offers a kids’ playroom, heaps of weekly specials (the Tuesday Steak Night and Sunday International Food Night are local legends), plus trivia, members’ promos and plenty of big-screen sport. It’s friendly, consistent, and very easy to make a habit of.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Kurrawa Surf Club is one of the Gold Coast’s largest and most polished surf-club spaces, think sun-filled dining rooms, breathtaking beach views, a ‘something for everyone’ menu including pizzas and Spanish charcoal oven dishes, and a seriously popular brekkie menu. This surf club is fit for every occasion, from post-beach hangs to laid-back lunches to special occasions. They’ve also got live music and big screens to catch all the sports action. Its central location makes it one of the easiest clubs to access without a car.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Not only are you getting all the perks of classic surf club- uninterrupted ocean views and unbeatable atmosphere- you’re also getting fed from an award-winning restaurant. Who says you can’t have it all? You’re getting everything from classic club staples to gourmet salads and asian dishes, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have spacious, light-filled dining spaces and offer one of the best beachfront outlooks in central Surfers.
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Sitting beachfront in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this iconic surf club is a welcome escape from the buzz of the strip. Following a major renovation, the space feels fresh and open, with sweeping ocean views that make any meal better. The bistro serves up elevated surf club classics (the Outback Parma still reigns supreme), ice-cold drinks and that easy, friendly atmosphere surf clubs do best. A top spot for sunset sessions, and whale watching if the time is right.
Where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Stop the surf hangries in their tracks.
Surfers up and down the coast know the raging hunger after a surf. Be it 30 minutes or three hours in the water, those post-surf cravings get us every time.
Here are some of our go-to spots to refuel after a salty sesh. And even if you haven’t been in the water, this list works just as well for anyone chasing a laid-back, post-beach hang feed!
After a morning of chaos surfing the Superbank, you want something to shake off all the drop-ins. Drop in for a feed at long-time local favourite corner tuck shop Little Mali in Rainbow Bay. With all-day brekkie, smoothie bowls, next-level shakes and now an evening taqueria with tacos and nachos, Little Mali is sure to turn any surf into a better one.
Where: 237 Boundary St, Coolangatta
A nook for a quick coffee and pastry to go, Switchfoot in Rainbow Bay is for those on the run after their morning surf. Stocking surf essentials like sunscreen, surf wax, leashes and traction pads, Switchfoot will have you covered in and out of the water.
Where: 237 Boundary St, Coolangatta
A cafe, surf shop and art gallery all rolled into one, Love Street Store in Kirra will have you falling head over bare feet for a post-surf feed. With smoothie bowls and epic toasties for sustenance, you’ll be thinking about breakfast here before you get in the water. If the Superbank sweep is in play, you’ll be able to ride a long wave all the way there.
Where: 1 Churchill St, Coolangatta
As busy as the line-up at the Alley on a weekend, and for good reason, The Salt Mill in Currumbin has continued to delight both locals and out-of-towners for over a decade with their takeaway treats and acai bowls overflowing with wholesomeness. The lines may be long but the coffee is quick which is why surfers keep coming back.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
For a sit-down feast, Barefoot Barista has found its place in Currumbin with plenty of seating so you can enjoy the food and the view. Serving sweet and savoury eats, there’s something for every surfer including a great post-sunset option, with the cafe transforming into bar Bruce Thursday to Sunday evenings.
Where: Shop 1/794 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Right on the Burleigh Headland, as close to the take-off point as you can get, The Kiosk crew work hard to keep the locals happy and the out-of-towners dropping in at this hole-in-the-wall espresso bar.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
When an epic surf calls for an epic feed, it’s worth the walk to Tarte for freshly baked treats. Bustling with customers, their cabinet of daily delights is always stacked. With bagels and sangas as big as your head, a trip to Tarte is all you need to curb post-surf cravings.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Up the northern end of the coast, Castaway Coffee Bar sits cool under Ocean by Meriton. Open super early for sunrise surfers, a bacon and egg roll followed by a raspberry and pistachio croissant and a specialty coffee is a hunger-busting combo after getting barrelled at Narrowneck. With water views, you can surf-check as you refuel before heading back out.
Where: Ocean Meriton G1/84 The, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Lisette Drew
