Perth learn to surf beaches. Here we have a little gem peeling through at our local spot Brighton Beach, Scarborough
Do you prefer gentle rollers and harmless whitewash to razor sharp reefs and overhead waves?
Us too!
Beginner beaches are what Go Surf is all about. And we know that for learners, the last thing you want is to surf challenging conditions or paddle out with a bunch of experienced surfers who can easily catch any wave they want.
With that in mind, we've put together the definitive list of the top 10 learner beaches in Western Australia. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking for a chill surf spot, we've got you covered!
Is Western Australia a good beginner surf destination?
You've probably heard that Western Australia is famous for death-defying surf breaks and big waves, but don't let that put you off. The amazing thing about WA is that it has something for everyone, including learner surfers! So before we go any further, here are a few reasons why we believe it's a beginner's paradise.
The weather
With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hit the waves without worrying about rain or cold temperatures.
The variety of breaks
WA has over 12,000 kilometres of coastline, which means there are countless surf spots to choose from. This also means you'll have options when it comes to finding the perfect beaches for learner surfers.
The laidback vibe
There's a reason why Western Australia is known for its relaxed and friendly culture. This also extends to the surf scene, making it a welcoming place for beginners to learn without feeling intimidated.
Smaller waves
A little known fact for beginner surfers in Perth is that Rottnest Island actually blocks the majority of swell in the Indian Ocean, meaning that the beaches on the mainland tend to have smaller, more manageable waves.
Check out more amazing reasons to learn to surf in Perth here.
The best beaches for beginner surfers
Sorrento Beach
North Beach
Leighton Beach
Cottesloe Beach
Brighton Beach
Scarborough Beach
Falcon Bay Beach
Redgate Beach
Boranup Beach
Clayton’s Beach
Learner beaches north of Perth
Clayton's Beach
Clayton's Beach is located just north of the Perth CBD in Mindarie. While not as consistent as some of the other spots in Perth, it's a good place to hone your skills without getting overwhelmed. The beach is nestled between limestone cliffs, which provide a stunning backdrop for your surfing lessons. It's also not as crowded as beaches in Perth, which means you'll have more space to roam and learn.
Sorrento Beach
Sorrento Beach is another gem north of Perth's main beaches that's great for novice surfers. This beach is located in Sorrento and is known for its gentle rolling waves that are perfect for beginners. Fast ferries to Rottnest Island depart close from here too, so if you want to take a break from the surf and check out some quokkas, this is the spot for you.
North Beach
With waves that break in reasonably shallow water and friendly locals, North Beach is another prime stretch of sand for learner surfers. There's a great cafe scene, which means you can grab a coffee and watch the waves before or after your session. If you're lucky, you might even spot some dolphins playing in the surf! Plus, with plenty of parking available, it's one of the easiest beaches for learner surfers to reach from Perth CBD.
Learner beaches in Perth
Leighton Beach
Leighton Beach, situated in North Fremantle, is a top choice for beginner surfers. With its gentle waves and long, sandy coastline, it offers a comfortable environment for learning. The beach is well-patrolled with lifeguards present to ensure safety. And we love it so much that we even run our winter surf lessons here.
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is known for crystal clear waters and relaxed vibe, and as such it's a haven for beginner surfers. We often find cruisy, consistent waves here that are perfect for learners. Besides its surfing allure, Cottesloe is famous for its iconic Indiana Tea House and the annual Sculpture by the Sea art event, captivating both the local community and visitors alike.
Brighton Beach
Located just north of Cottesloe, this beach is an ideal destination for beginner surfers. Like most beginner beaches, it has a sandy bottom with a gentle gradient, which ensures that waves are almost always super learner friendly. We offer surf lessons here in summer and we find the local surf community to be really welcoming towards anyone wanting to test their surf skills.
Scarborough Beach
If you're a learner surfer, Scarborough Beach is the place to be. Known for its consistent, manageable waves and sandy bottom, Scarborough is a great place to pick up the basics and hone your skills. What's more, if the waves aren't cooperating, you can take a dip in the picturesque Scarborough Beach Pool or check out the iconic Sunset Markets.
Learner beaches south of Perth
Falcon Bay Beach
Just south of Perth is the coastal city of Mandurah and Falcon Bay Beach, a hidden gem for beginner surfers. Its sheltered bay consistently produces small, manageable waves that are ideal for learners. What's more, the beach is fringed by a grassy area that's perfect for post-surf picnics.
Redgate Beach
Situated in the heart of the wine region, Redgate Beach is an incredibly picturesque little beach near the famous town of Margaret River. While it can turn on and produce good waves for more skilled surfers, it's also a great place to practise your pop-ups in the whitewash. The best part about surfing here? You can hit one of the local wineries and sample an award-winning red after your session. Be sure to contact our mates at Margaret River Surf School who run top notch surf lessons at Redgate Beach.
Boranup Beach
Boranup Beach, tucked away in the pristine Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, is a hidden paradise for learner surfers. The beach is cloaked by the towering Boranup Karri Forest, which is home to some of the tallest trees in Australia. You can only enter with a 4WD, but it’s worth the effort. Post up for the day with your surfboard and enjoy its calm, sheltered waters. It's for sure one of the best beaches for learner surfers south of Perth.
Final thoughts
Whether you're visiting Perth or live locally, there are plenty of fantastic beaches for learner surfers to choose from. Each one offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty with great coffee, amazing food and plenty of world-class wines never far away. If you're ready to take the plunge and learn to surf, make sure to check out one of these fantastic beaches and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Happy surfing!
