By Hollie Harris
Noosa arguably has some of the best surfing points in the world rivalling any of its more well-known Gold Coast point breaks without the high-rises along the foreshore.
Blessed with the foresight of the earlier councils, Noosa set aside 4000 hectares to form Noosa National Park. Your morning here in Noosa is often greeted with glassy conditions and the choice of all the glorious points, the Groin between the rock walls, A Bay and the many peaks on our open beaches.
Surfing is as synonymous with Noosa as is Hastings Street. Recently named as one of a few carefully selected World Surfing Reserves, most have wondered at one time or another, whether they have what it takes to brave a Noosa wave.
Often thought of as a sport for sun bleach haired youngsters, our Noosa waves are kind enough to the most ungraceful and inflexible mature bodies.
In the right conditions, the waves here are perfect for taking the plunge to finally cross off ‘learn to surf’ off your bucket list and know whatever age or fitness level you are, as long as you can swim and do a push up, you might just fall in love with the ocean in a whole new way.
Noosa residents are blessed to have some fantastic learn to surf programs here in Noosa where you can gain expert advice and tuition from folk who are genuinely passionate about the sport.
For as little as around 65 smackers you can treat yourself to lessons which might just see you riding your first wave. Merricks Noosa Learn to Surf program offers an array of specifically structured lessons to suit the absolute beginner through to competition surfers and their patented 1-2-3 method actually guarantees you’ll be standing in your first lesson.
Go Ride a Wave is another option offering surfing lessons conducted in waist deep water, to keep it safe for beginners and the Surfdancer Academy of Surf is a training centre with a difference. They offer the basics plus an innovative, creative and cutting edge. These guys also hold Surf Groms meets for all levels down at the River Mouth to enhance kids surf skills from beginner to expert on long or short boards.
More of a do-it-yourself person? There are options to hire out a board and have a crack at it all on your own. Golden Breed, Noosa Longboards and Underground Boards are all Surf board stores right by the beach where you can select the perfect board for yourself to have a play on for cheap biccies. These guys all offer incredible local knowledge, and will give you a few tips for the current conditions, too. The bonus is, if you pick it up and get the bug, you can gain some insight to what type of board you might like to put on your birthday wish list.
You’re never too old, too unfit, too scared to try something you have always wanted to achieve. Living near our beautiful coastline and having access to the fun of the ocean is a pretty good reason to have a try at something new. So, there’s no time like now – go and ride a wave.
