Surfing School Holidays Program at Alex Heads Queensland

Water Activities · Caloundra

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.

View experience
Duration3–5 days
LocationCaloundra, Queensland
OperatorXL Surfing Academy

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.

  1. 01
    Stay Hydrated

    Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated between surf sessions, especially during summer months.

    essential
  2. 02
    Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen

    Protect your skin with reef-safe sunscreen to preserve marine life and avoid sunburn.

    essential
  3. 03
    Check Tides Before You Surf

    Optimal surfing conditions at Alex Heads often align with mid to high tides; plan accordingly.

    info
  4. 04
    Use a Leash

    Always wear a surfboard leash to stay connected to your board and enhance safety in the surf zone.

    essential
DifficultyEasy
Duration3–5 days
FitnessParticipants should have basic swimming ability and general fitness to engage in multiple daily surf lessons.
Technical skillsNone

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Surfboard (provided or personal)

A foam or soft-top board is ideal for beginners learning balance and paddling.

summerEssential
02

Wetsuit or Rash Guard

Protects against sunburn and jellyfish stings while providing warmth in cooler water.

spring;summer;fallEssential
03

Board Shorts or Swimwear

Comfortable swimwear that allows freedom of movement in the water.

summerEssential
04

Water Bottle

Keep hydrated throughout the lessons and breaks on shore.

allEssential

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

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.

Wildlife

Local fauna

Occasional sightings of playful dolphins near the break., Seabirds such as pelicans and oystercatchers are common along the shore.

History

Historic heritage

Alex Heads was historically a small fishing village before evolving into a beloved local surf spot.

Conservation

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.

XL Surfing Academy

Surfing School Holidays Program at Alex Heads Queensland