Currumbin Alley Surf School

Currumbin Alley Surf School has been teaching people to surf at Currumbin Alley, on the southern Gold Coast, since 1993. It describes the Alley as the Gold Coast's most learner-friendly location, and it has now been teaching on the same stretch of coast for more than three decades. The school is fully licensed and insured and says it teaches people of all ages, sizes and ability levels.

The range of lessons is broad. Group lessons are the usual starting point for visitors, while private lessons give one-to-one coaching for faster progress or for anyone nervous about the water. For those staying longer, there are six-week surfing challenges for adults and for children, and a women's-only longboard challenge, as well as ladies' lessons with one of the school's coaches. Softboards can also be hired if you want to practise on your own after a lesson.

Children are a particular focus. The Frothing Grommet school holiday programme takes children aged five to 14, split into age groups, and grom squads for very young surfers run in micro classes for four to six-year-olds and mini classes for seven to nine-year-olds. School holiday sessions run for around 90 minutes, a manageable length for younger children. The school also runs surf trips for more committed surfers who want to build on their lessons.

The school suits families, complete beginners, travellers wanting a first taste of Australian surf culture and women who prefer to learn in a women-only group. Book ahead through the website, particularly if you want a place on a school holiday programme, and check the prices and inclusions for each lesson type before you go, as they are listed separately on the site. Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen, and let the school know your experience level so you are placed in the right group.

Lessons meet on Pacific Parade at Currumbin, and the area makes a good half-day outing: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also in Currumbin, and the beachfront cafes nearby, including Barefoot Barista's Currumbin venue on Pacific Parade, are ideal for a post-surf breakfast. Enquiries and bookings can be made by phone or through the school's website.