First Waves at Nobbys: Group Surf Lessons with Newcastle Surf School

NEWCASTLE EAST WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

First Waves at Nobbys: Group Surf Lessons with Newcastle Surf School

Group surf lessons run out of Nobbys Beach (and Blacksmiths Beach) — this concise guide explains what the class covers, what’s provided, and who it suits.

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First Waves at Nobbys: Group Surf Lessons with Newcastle Surf School.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Newcastle East
Operator
Newcastle Surf School
Category
Water Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Dan Frodsham’s Newcastle Surf School is the longest-running surf school in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area. The operator runs regular group lessons out of Nobbys Beach and Blacksmiths Beach year-round, and is a permanent fixture at both beaches during NSW school holidays. Lessons are offered for all ages and levels, from beginners through to advanced.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SCHOOL

A local institution

Newcastle Surf School is the region’s longest-running surf school and runs daily lessons at two established beach locations, offering continuity and local expertise.

THE GEAR

Soft, safe equipment provided

Lessons include soft/safe surfboards, wetsuits and sun shirts so students arrive ready to get wet with minimal personal equipment required.

THE TEACHING

Group format with focused coaching

Classes are taught in groups with a maximum of 12 participants and two coaches assigned per group, designed to keep students engaged in the water and maximise wave time.

What the day feels like

What the lesson feels like

The lesson is a compact, coached group session suited to newcomers and returning learners alike. Expect a structured class run by local instructors who supply boards, wetsuits and rash vests and provide hands-on coaching in the surf.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this lesson suits — and who it’s built for.

1
Active familiesThe school caters for all ages, making group lessons a practical introduction for families wanting to try surfing together.
2
First-timersPerfect for people getting into the water for the first time — the lesson format, equipment and coaching are designed to get beginners standing on a board.
3
Intermediate learnersThe school explicitly caters to intermediates as well as beginners, offering coached practice to refine existing skills.
4
Advanced surfersAdvanced participants are also catered for within the school’s program, which supports a range of skill levels.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimmers and an adventurous spirit; minimal personal kit is needed because equipment is provided.

What’s Provided

Lessons supply soft/safe surfboards, wetsuits and sun shirts so students can participate without owning specialist gear.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is a group lesson?

The operator lists the lesson duration as 80 minutes in the trip details.

Who can join a lesson?

Newcastle Surf School caters for all ages and levels — from beginners to intermediates and advanced surfers.

What equipment is included?

Lessons include soft/safe surfboards, wetsuits and sun shirts; participants only need to bring swimmers, a towel and sunscreen.

How large are the groups and how many instructors?

Maximum numbers per group is 12 people, and the operator assigns two coaches to each group.

Where are lessons run?

Regular lessons operate out of Nobbys Beach and Blacksmiths Beach, with the school maintaining a permanent presence at both beaches during NSW school holidays.

When do lessons operate?

The school operates all year round for daily lessons and is specifically present at both beaches throughout the NSW school holidays.