Adventure brief
School Holidays Program - Alex Heads
Make the most of school holidays with XL Surf Academy’s family-friendly surfing program at Alex Heads, Queensland’s accessible surf spot for all ages.
Alex Heads, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast near the vibrant town of Mooloolaba, offers a standout surfing school holidays program designed to connect families and individuals with the power and rhythm of the ocean. This coastal spot features consistent, manageable waves ideal for learners and intermediate surfers, framed by golden sandy beaches and rugged headlands that create protected breaks. The XL Surf Academy leads 3- or 5-day intensive sessions during school holidays, where each participant receives tailored coaching in small groups to sharpen their skills and foster confidence in the water.
What sets the school holidays program apart is not just the expert instruction but the family-friendly environment that encourages bonding and shared accomplishment across generations. The instructors, experienced in local surf conditions and safety, emphasize essential techniques, ocean awareness, and wave reading. This approach ensures new surfers of all ages gain foundational skills while having fun in a supportive, down-to-earth setting.
Given the consistently mild water temperatures and steady swell from the Coral Sea, Alex Heads is a premier spot for summer and shoulder season surf lessons on Australia’s east coast. Beyond the waves, the surrounding region offers excellent amenities, including cafes, shops, and scenic coastal walks, making it an ideal family getaway. Known for its welcoming vibe and safe surf breaks, this program is an exceptional doorway to Queensland’s surf culture.
Whether you’re catching your first wave or refining your pop-up, the School Holidays Program at Alex Heads provides adventure, skill-building, and memorable ocean experiences in a uniquely accessible spot on the Sunshine Coast.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Stay Hydratedessential
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated between surf sessions, especially during summer months.
- 02Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreenessential
Protect your skin with reef-safe sunscreen to preserve marine life and avoid sunburn.
- 03Check Tides Before You Surfinfo
Optimal surfing conditions at Alex Heads often align with mid to high tides; plan accordingly.
- 04Use a Leashessential
Always wear a surfboard leash to stay connected to your board and enhance safety in the surf zone.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Surfboard (provided or personal)
A foam or soft-top board is ideal for beginners learning balance and paddling.
summerEssentialWetsuit or Rash Guard
Protects against sunburn and jellyfish stings while providing warmth in cooler water.
spring;summer;fallEssentialBoard Shorts or Swimwear
Comfortable swimwear that allows freedom of movement in the water.
summerEssentialWater Bottle
Keep hydrated throughout the lessons and breaks on shore.
allEssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
The gently sloping sandy bottom near the southern headland offers calming spots for beginners., Nearby coastal walking trails reveal native coastal flora like pigface and banksia.
Local fauna
Occasional sightings of playful dolphins near the break., Seabirds such as pelicans and oystercatchers are common along the shore.
Historic heritage
Alex Heads was historically a small fishing village before evolving into a beloved local surf spot.
Mindful exploration
The program promotes reef-safe practices and encourages participants to respect and protect marine ecosystems.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- South Head lookout for panoramic ocean views, Beachside near the main surf break, Walking trails above the cliffs
- Subjects
- Surf action shots, Sunlit waves and sandy shoreline, Local seabirds and coastal flora
- Best times
- Golden hour, Early morning, Late afternoon
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Do I need prior surfing experience?
No prior experience is necessary; the program is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners.
Are children allowed to join the program?
Yes, the program welcomes children of various ages, with group sizes arranged to fit skill and age levels.
What if the weather is bad?
Lessons may be postponed or adapted for safety during extreme weather, but typically moderate conditions are ideal for learning.
Is equipment provided?
Yes, boards and wetsuits or rash guards are supplied, but participants can also bring their own gear if preferred.
How large are the lesson groups?
Groups are kept small to ensure personalized coaching and attention from expert instructors.
Are parents able to watch or participate?
Parents can observe easily from beachside and may participate depending on availability and skill level.