Surfing is one of the most exhilarating sports in the world. If to want to learn to surf properly you need proper lessons from people who know what they are doing - and plenty of time on the beach in order to practice what they have taught you.
Undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to learn to surf is Australia.
For some Australians surfing is much more than a sport, it's a way of life. Approximately 90 per cent of Australians live along the coast and many of them learn to surf at an early age, so it's second nature to them. Australia is entirely surrounded by the sea and blessed with mile upon mile of stunning beaches - so what better place to learn to surf? If you want to learn to surf you also need the time to do it, and you will never have a better opportunity than when you are Down Under on a gap year or career break.
If you learn to surf you will be experiencing the healthy Australian outdoor way of life in all its glory - and have plenty of fun while you are doing it.
If you want to learn to surf on your gap year then Real Gap's ‘Learn to surf in Australia' programme is absolutely ideal. With this programme you learn to surf on the Pacific Ocean, off Australia's east coast. Travelling up the east coast of Australia, from Sydney all the way up to Cairns in the northeast, is an essential part of the backpacking experience Down Under. There are numerous ‘must see' sights along this route - Fraser Island, the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef to name just a few - as well as many of Australia's most beautiful beaches. The waves provided by the Pacific are also some of the best to learn to surf on. With Real Gap's ‘surf adventure' you learn to surf on beaches between Sydney and Byron Bay - the east coast's laidback surf capital. Most travellers travel straight through this stretch of coastline, meaning they miss out on some of the best beaches in Australia without even realising it.
If you learn to surf with Real Gap you will receive expert tuition from experienced surfers who will take you through all the basics before letting you loose on the water. While you learn to surf you will receive plenty of encouragement and advice on what you are doing wrong and what you are doing right. By the time the five days is up you will be standing on a board and catching waves with the best of them. The ‘surf adventure' is ideal for people of all abilities who want to learn to surf - not just beginners. If you already know how to surf it's a great opportunity to further improve your skills with the help of professional, whilst visiting pristine beaches off the usual beaten track at the same time.
Some travellers who decide they want to learn to surf in Australia on their gap year or career break don't ever take the plunge as they feel intimidated by their inexperience, and worry that they won't be able to do it. The emphasis of Real Gap's ‘surf adventure' however is very much on simply ‘giving it a go' and having plenty of fun while you learn to surf. It is inevitable when you learn to surf that some people will be better than others, but it really doesn't matter. When you learn to surf it's a fantastic buzz and, whatever your level, you will definitely be a much better surfer by the end of the five days.
The stretch of coastline you learn to surf on is renowned for its marine life and there is a good chance you will catch a glimpse of dolphins at some point. Another highlight of the trip is the opportunity to explore the beaches in 4x4 vehicles. When you learn to surf on the ‘surf adventure' you stay in comfortable cabins and surf camps right on the beaches and it's a great way to meet other like-minded backpackers from all parts of the world.
After you learn to surf in the day the activities don't stop when the sun's gone down. The evening meal is usually a good old-fashioned Aussie barbecue and there are ‘on tour' parties once everyone's eaten.
If you want to learn to surf on your gap year and have any questions you would like to ask about Real Gap's ‘surf adventure', or travelling around Australia in general, then speak to one of Real Gap's team of expert travel advisers. All of the Real Gap Team have taken a gap year at some point, and most have visited Australia, so they are an invaluable source of advice if you want to talk to someone who has been there.
The perfect combination of sport and conservation. Help look after turtle eggs and the baby turtles - not difficult when they’re so sweet! Then learn to surf or improve your technique at a nearby beach.
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