WHERE TO LEARN SURFBOARDING AND STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Looking for the best surfing lessons in South Africa? Or maybe you're looking to try your hand (feet?) at stand up paddleboarding? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog, we’ll outline our absolute favourite places in South Africa to catch some waves with the help of expert instructors. 

Of course, with its pristine beaches, great weather, and vast stretches of glittering water, South Africa is the ideal candidate for any beachside activity – and it helps that there are experts across the country just waiting to impart their board-based wisdom!

Look no further for our round-up of the top surfing schools across South Africa, from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town. Whether you’re a complete beginner to the sport or a seasoned expert, we’re sure you’ll find a lesson to suit your needs. 

Surf’s up!

Xpression on the Beach – Addington Beach, Durban 

Addington Beach is a great place to learn how to surf.

Just a few minutes from the bustling nightlife, bars and restaurants of Durban's business district, Addington Beach is perfectly placed for those who want to learn to surf before hitting the town. 

Xpression on the Beach specialise in lessons for beginners from professionally qualified coaches. R 300 will earn you a 1 hour private lesson for one person, or you can join a group from R 200. 

With plenty of places to grab a drink nearby, why not make a day of it?

Dolphin Adventures - Plettenberg Bay

Based in Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay, Dolphin Adventures offers sea kayaking and surfing lessons and rentals to locals and tourists alike.

This Two Hour Surfing Lesson voucher is valid for 3 years from the date of purchase, so whether you know someone who is keen to get started surfing or are looking to buy a treat for yourself, there’s plenty of time to redeem and book this aquatic adventure. 

During the two hours, you’ll get to grips with the unique sport of surfing with help from an expert instructor. They’ll meet you on the beach for an overview and safety briefing to make you feel confident on your board. Next, you’ll be equipped with your wetsuit and board for the session. 

Time to make a splash! You’ll spend the rest of the session learning how to surf, from paddling technique, to standing up on the board and surfing a wave. It’s a tricky sport to master, but once you get the hang of staying upright, the sense of achievement is unbeatable.

Throughout your 2 hour lesson, your surf coach will be on-hand to ensure you’re getting the most out of your experience and assist with any questions you might have.

Coffee Shack – Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape

This eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel in Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape offers accommodation overlooking the beach, along with – of course – surfing lessons.

With a focus on eco-conscious tourism, Coffee Shack aims to create a little slice of paradise for tourists who want to leave nothing but footprints… and in this case, learn a new skill along the way. Surrounded by rolling green hills and craggy rocks, this peaceful beach is a surfer’s paradise. If you’re brand new to the sport, you’ll be welcomed with open arms by friendly instructors who have made it their mission to pass on their love of surfing in a safe, encouraging environment.

Coffee Shack offers a range of surfing lessons, including a 5 day 'learn to surf package' for R 3300. This includes everything you need to enjoy surfing lessons on Coffee Bay: 5 nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner every day, 7 surfing lessons including wetsuits and boards - 3 of which are private lessons - and 1 board hire so you can enjoy the waves solo once you've got to grips with the sport.

If you're looking for a one-off lesson, R 70 will earn you a 2 hour lesson with surfboard and wetsuit included. 

There's no better way to experience Coffee Bay than with a unique surfing lesson!

Ocean X Dive Shop - V&A Waterfront

If you’re looking to learn stand up paddle boarding instead of surfing, this 2 hour SUP lesson on V&A Waterfront is the answer. Ocean X Dive Shop are a PADI 5-star scuba diving centre, also offering a range of other water activities for anyone wanting to make a splash!

Paddleboarding is an exciting water sport, first invented back in the 1940’s by surfers in Hawaii who still wanted to take their boards out onto the water even if conditions weren’t quite right for surfing. Take part in the sport with the coolest origin story out there, and learn how to navigate the waves standing up!

Meeting your instructors at the dive shop at the V&A Waterfront, you’ll complete some paperwork before a safety briefing and introduction. All equipment is provided during this lesson, so you simply need to collect your board and wetsuit from the shop before the real fun can begin!

At the canals, your instructor will show you the right way to carry a board along with proper paddling technique. You’ll also cover the different types of turn, self-rescue, falling safely and reading weather/environmental conditions. 

Once you’re feeling confident (it won’t take long—honest!), you’ll set off on a guided tour of the waterways. The V&A Waterfront may be one of the most visited destinations in Africa, but we bet few people have seen it from this perspective!

Jeffreys Bay Surf School – Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape Province

For those based in the Eastern Cape, Jeffreys Bay Surf School provide surfing lessons for all levels of expertise, from complete beginner to semi-pro. A 2 hour group lesson will cost you R 380, and equips you with all the skills you need to get started on the water. Complete beginners welcome! If you'd prefer a private lesson, these cost R 580 for 2 hours, or if you've already got some experience under your belt (wetsuit?) an improver lesson is the same price.

Maybe you'd prefer a more in-depth experience day? A unique option for those seeking a little more adventure is the 'Surf Guide' half day option priced at R 680. 

You'll be collected from your accommodation by your very own local surfing expert. They'll then take you on a insider's tour of the best waves in Jeffreys Bay, tailored to suit your own individual skill level and interests. 

Surf Emporium – Muizenberg

Offering both SUP and surf lessons, Surf Emporium truly is the one stop shop for anyone interested in experiencing the water on a board!

This popular watersports emporium is based in the relaxed beachside town of Muizenberg. Surrounded by pristine sands and other enthusiastic surfers kitted up in wetsuits carrying boards, you’ll feel right at home on arrival at Surf Emporium. 

Prices vary depending on the SUP or surf lesson package chosen, so check out their website for more details!

Stoked Surf School - Cape Town

Stoked Surf School offer both surf and SUP lessons from their unique facility in Camps Bay, Cape Town.

This surfing lesson voucher entitles 2 participants to a private, 2 hour lesson with an experienced instructor. 

Meeting either near Bloubergstrand or False Bay, the instructor will provide you with a wetsuit, surfboard, leash and wax, before going over the outline of the lesson. You'll start on the beach practising the various body positions and movements, including the all-important 'pop up' that will get you standing on the board, before heading to the water... Yes it will be cold, but as long as you keep moving you'll be fine!

During your private lesson the two of you will have the undivided attention of the instructor, so you'll constantly be improving your skills and gaining confidence as you ride the waves. 

SUP Fitness - Emmarentia Dam

Based out of Dabulamazi Canoe Club on the beautiful Emmarentia Dam, SUP Fitness offer stand up paddle-boarding lessons for a range of different abilities and price points. 

The main draw of this activity centre is their unbeatable location… the postcard-perfect landscape provides an unforgettable backdrop for your first foray into the world of stand up paddleboarding, and the expert instructors will make you feel at home. 

In terms of pricing, a one to one lesson is R 400 for an hour, or you can join a group lesson for R 300. Already a SUP pro? Why not rent a paddleboard for R 200 an hour, and make your own way out into the water solo?

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading our round-up of the best places to learn surfing in South Africa. We hope you’ve found the perfect beachside experience for you, whether you’re a total beginner or someone who surfs on a regular basis. Maybe you’re looking to buy a birthday gift for the beach bum in your life? You can surf (get it?!) all our water activity gifts here. 

Happy surfing!