Learn to surf

Learn to Surf in Sydney: Manly and the Northern Beaches

Quick answer

Group surf lessons on Sydney's Northern Beaches cost roughly $75 to $90, and private coaching for one is about $110 to $120. Beachsafe rates Manly 6 out of 10 and says rips dominate the entire beach, so learn with a school rather than on a hire board. Manly Surf Guide runs kids lessons at $80 for 1.5 hours. Prices were checked on 17 October 2026.

Last updated 17 October 2026

If you're in Sydney and want to learn to surf, Manly is the obvious first stop. It's a ferry ride from the city, lessons run on the beach most days, and the Northern Beaches just up the road give you more options once you're hooked. But Manly is a busy, real surf beach, so it's worth knowing what you're walking into. Everything below comes from Surf Life Saving's Beachsafe pages and the schools' own websites, checked on 17 October 2026.

The beaches

Manly. Beachsafe rates Manly 6 out of 10 for hazard. It says "rips dominate the entire beach," which is why you'll see the flags moved through the day, and notes waves "tend to be a little lower toward Manly" at the southern end. It also records an average of 218 rescues a year, a lot of them visitors. That's not a reason to stay away. It's a reason to learn with a school, not on a hire board by yourself.

Dee Why. Also rated 6 out of 10. The useful bit for beginners: Beachsafe says that "inside the point is a kiddies corner when the waves are lower and used by learners." The point itself is a serious wave when the swell's up, so stay inside.

Freshwater. A bit of history here. Beachsafe notes that Freshwater is where Duke Kahanamoku gave his famous board riding demonstration in 1915. It's rated 7 out of 10 though, with an average of 121 rescues a year, so it's one to come back to once you've got the basics.

What lessons cost

Manly Surf Guide: group lessons are $90 for 1.5 hours and run every day on Manly Beach. Private lessons are $120 for one adult for an hour, or $95 each for two adults for 1.5 hours.
Dee Why Salty Surf School: a single group lesson is $75, a three lesson pack is $210 and a five pack is $325, with the board, wetsuit, rashie, sunscreen and zinc included. A private lesson is $110.

That puts a group lesson on the Northern Beaches at roughly $75 to $90, and private coaching from about $110 to $120 for one person. Packs bring the per-lesson cost down to $65 at Dee Why Salty if you commit to five.

Kids vs adults

Kids: Manly Surf Guide runs kids lessons at $80 for 1.5 hours, with all the gear, and several sessions through the day. Dee Why Salty Surf School has kids programs too (weekend and school holiday options are listed on its site), so ask about ages and ratios when you book.

Adults: the standard group lesson is the way in for most adults. If you want to progress quickly, a pack of three or five lessons is better value than booking one at a time. Chix Surf School in Freshwater focuses on women's coaching, and is worth a look if you'd prefer that environment.

Couples and small groups: Manly Surf Guide's private pricing drops per person as you add people ($95 each for two, $90 each for three, $85 each for four).

What's included, and what to bring

Dee Why Salty Surf School is specific about what its price covers: surfboard, wetsuit, rash vest, sunscreen and zinc. Manly Surf Guide says its kids lessons include all the gear. That's typical for beginner lessons, but always check, especially in the cooler months.

What you'll want to bring yourself: swimmers to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, a water bottle and something warm for afterwards.

Your first session. Expect a beach briefing on the flags and rips (important at Manly, given Beachsafe's note that rips run the length of the beach), a few practice pop ups on the sand, then time in the white water on a big foam board. Standing up on broken waves and riding them toward the beach is a solid first day.

Tips

Take the ferry. Parking near Manly in summer is hard work.
Ask whether your lesson is at Manly or Dee Why, since some schools move between beaches.
Always swim and surf between the flags if you head out on your own afterwards.

Northern Beaches surf schools on Tydal Surf

Start with Manly Surf School, SEA Australia, Manly Surf Guide, Dee Why Salty Surf School, Chix Surf School and Be Water Surf. Or browse Manly and Freshwater.