Learn to surf and have awesome adventures on your gap year! Surfing is by far the most popular extreme activity with gap travellers and backpackers. You're guaranteed to have an amazing time and meet lots of like-minded people as you learn how to surf the seas. You'll find surf schools set in beautiful beachside locations abroad. Enjoy surf lessons taught by expert surf instructors and learn how to hang ten in style!
Surf-central has to be Australia's East Coast, where you can learn to surf and meet other surfers from all over the world. Alternatively, head to the beautiful beaches of Indonesia and learn to surf in stunning Bali. Enjoy adrenaline-fuelled action on the ocean waves during the day and make the most of the chilled-out surfer's beach lifestyle at night. Once you know how to surf you can enjoy all the world's best surfing hotspots from the crest of a wave - the view from your surfboard will be hard to beat!
Check out our trips below, or read more about Learn to Surf »
If you want to learn how to surf in one of the world’s best surf spots, head to surf camp on the Aussie East Coast. Located between Sydney and Byron Bay, on our learn to surf in Australia programme you will find out how to ride the waves. Taught by expert surf instructors, you’ll soon master some serious surf moves! In your free time you can hang out by the beach and soak up the sunshine.
If you don’t want to sign up for a full-on learn to surf programme, never fear! Most of our East Coast tours also include a chance to experience a surf lesson and ride the Aussie waves. Our Sun, Sea, Sail & Surf tour includes a fun surf lesson, as does our always popular Sydney to Cairns Adventure. Include a surfing adventure into a wider exploration of the Aussie East Coast on a top tour.
Another world-famous surfing destination is the beautiful Indonesian island of Bali. Famous for its golden sands, stunning surf spots and fascinating Asian culture, Bali is bliss for any surf-seeker. Surf in Bali and learn new skills as you discover the delights of this amazing island. Learn surf moves from paradise beaches, hop across to idyllic islands and live the surfing dream in Asia.
Fancy training to become a qualified surf instructor? If you want to do more than have fun surfing the waves, and want to learn how to pass on surfing skills to others, sign up for our surf instructor academy in Australia. Living and training for 3 magical months at surf camp, you’ll hang by the beach and learn all the tricks of the trade as you train to become a surf instructor. Gain a level 1 qualification and then set off to teach surfing anywhere in the world!
Set off for unforgettable sun, sea and surf adventures around the globe!
Up to 12 months
Adventure travel + paid work on the Aussie East Coast
Travel and work on Australia's East Coast on our Big Aussie Adventure. Includes awesome travel along the East Coast from Cairns to Sydney, plus a paid work package so you can earn on average £10 to £15 an hour in Oz – amazing!
35 days minimum
A massive combo of top Aussie adventures!
Explore Australia's East Coast on this ultimate tour, which includes some of our most popular Aussie programmes: Have fun in Sydney, learn to surf, travel with hop-on-hop-off pass and enjoy adrenaline adventures in Cairns!
5 days (longer available)
Learn to surf in sizzling San Sebastian!
Grab a board and hone your skills on the San Sebastian waves! Stay at a fantastic surf camp with all the trimmings, including three meals a day and all equipment hire, and enjoy daily lessons with expert instructors. The nights are free for partying!
