Have you recently contracted a case of surf fever? Your mates here at Go Surf have the perfect solution! Book a learn-to-surf experience with us to discover which Perth surf beaches are perfect for beginners.
It's a well-documented fact that Western Australia has world-class waves, but Perth?
Well, Perth surf beaches are more suited to beginner and intermediate surfers than globe-trotting professionals.
That being said, Perth's beaches still hold a lot of appeal.
They’re picturesque, clean and well-patrolled. Plus, the waves tend to oscillate between ankle biters and thigh slappers in terms of size.
This is fantastic if you're learning to surf, but you still need to know where the best surf spots for beginners are in order to score.
Of course, your mates here at Go Surf have a secret weapon when it comes to finding gentle waves for beginner surfers - decades of local knowledge!
With that in mind, we thought we would share our insights with anyone who wants to surf in Perth.
What follows is a breakdown as to why Perth is a great learn-to-surf destination plus a list of Perth surf beaches that are excellent for beginners.
Perth Surf Beaches That Are Perfect for Beginners
Why Perth is a great learn-to-surf destination
Brighton beach Perth. Yep that colour is REAL!
Perth isn't famous like Margaret River or Gnaraloo when it comes to amazing waves, but below are a few reasons why it's a dream destination for learn-to-surf hopefuls.
Wave size
Like we said earlier, Perth rarely gets big.
This is despite the fact that its seemingly exposed to large Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean swells.
The problem is Rottnest Island.
Located about 25 kilometres off Perth, Rottnest (or "Rotto" as we like to call it) and its surrounding reefs block a lot of the swell coming into the city beaches.
This means that for most of the year, the size of the swells forecasted for Perth is essentially chopped in half.
The result?
Heaps of days when it's the perfect height for beginners: not so small that it breaks on the shore or is difficult to catch, but not so big that you spend the whole session in an epic struggle against Mother Nature.
Conditions
If you're after learn-to-surf conditions that are as close to perfect as possible, then you've come to the right place.
Perth receives over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year (only slightly less than Dubai which was practically built on desert sand dunes).
In addition, summer days bring offshore easterly winds till midday that groom the waves and make them easier to ride, while winter can have days with little to no wind at all, which is also favourable for surfing.
Throw in the fact that the water can get up to 24°C and it's easy to see why Perth surf spots offer the ideal introduction to surfing.
Culture
Of course, we can't forget that Perth is one of the most welcoming cities in the world with plenty on offer to make your learn-to-surf experience truly memorable.
You've got friendly locals, surf shops, sporting events, amazing restaurants and a vibrant cafe culture, plus access to unspoiled nature in all directions.
What's more, you also have ample opportunity to see professional surfers in action when the World Surf League rolls into the Margaret River region.
So whether you're a resident of West Oz seeking your first learn to surf experience or a traveller who wants to make the most of their Perth trip, you're in luck.
The best surf beaches in Perth
Perth Go Surf Head Coach pulling into the Barrel at his local south Scarborough beach
We're literally spoiled for choice when it comes to beginner-friendly surf spots in Perth - the hardest part is picking just one!
In saying that, there are a few beaches that are prime for learner surfers.
Leighton Beach, North Fremantle
If you're keen to escape the crowds and surf (relatively) empty peaks on your Pat Malone, Leighton Beach is a fantastic choice.
Situated in North Fremantle, it seems to attract swell from the southwest and as such it's quite consistent.
This means that you can generally find a wave here most of Perth’s winter season. It's also the reason why we come here during the winter.
Sure, it rarely gets epic. But for punchy little green waves and whitewash, you can't go wrong.
In short, it's what we consider to be an incredibly beginner-friendly surf spot with many days more than suited for intermediate/advanced surfers to have some fun too.
Brighton Beach, Perth
Brighton Beach is our little secret.
Less crowded than Scarborough or Trigg, it's our pick of the bunch when it comes to summer surf lessons.
It's much quieter than its northern neighbours but equally as striking. In addition, you're still nice and close to the buzz of Scarborough.
This means Brighton offers an excellent atmosphere that'll only add to your learn-to-surf experience.
Trigg Beach, Perth
Trigg Beach to the north is one of the better surf beaches near the CBD.
A long run of white sand, it tends to pick up a decent amount of swell. There's also a rocky outcrop at the northern end of the beach that's ready to surf once you've progressed from beginner to intermediate or beyond.
The only downside to Trigg is that it can be busy….like really busy.
For this reason, we prefer to head a bit further south for our Go Surf lessons.
Scarborough Beach, Perth
Another popular beach, Scarborough is a great place for beginner surfers looking for a wave close to Perth CBD.
It's directly south, only a few km’s from Trigg. It also relies on shifting sandbanks for well-shaped waves, which means that it can be somewhat unreliable.
Fortunately, your mates here at Go Surf know exactly where the best waves at Scarborough can be found on any given day.
Just let us know beforehand if you plan on flexing your beginner skills on a trip to Perth - we'll give you the inside scoop.
Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Much to the chagrin of our coaching crew, Cottesloe Beach rarely receives huge swells.
Then again, this is exactly what makes it a fun beginner surf break. Well, that and the fact it's bustling with visitors who come to photograph and otherwise enjoy the clear water and sparkling white sand that it's famous for.
Known as “Cott” by locals, it's a great place for learners because it's protected from southerlies and southwest winds. So if you're looking for some shelter on windy days, Cott is the place to go.
