I grew up on Narrabeen Beach – not on it, but practically on it. The shack I lived in was built on the sand dunes, back when they were knew better, and before 'beachfront' meant a $12-million teardown. I spent countless salty childhood hours bodysurfing and getting thrown about by the waves, but I never caught the surfing (on a board) bug. So when my husband and son want to go try the perfectly formed waves at Sydney’s new wave park (I say ‘new’, but URBNSURF turns one next week!), I decide to go along to Olympic Park and take a beginner surf lesson. What better way to learn than on the consistent, predictable waves of an artificial surf park?
I’m not alone in my late-onset surf ambition; in the year since opening, more than 18,000 women have taken learn-to-surf lessons, with female entry to the park increasing all the time.
I can only get into a 7.30am session, but that ends up being a blessing – my class is just me and two others. Our lesson starts on dry land, and my coach is good to learn from, because he too only started learning to surf as an adult (he knows what it’s like to flail). He gives us a safety briefing, then teaches us how to lay on the (foam) longboard and paddle, do a kind of cobra pose, and then a couple of different options for standing up.
He warns us that one of the hardest parts of being in the surf will be wading out with the board, not only because of the whitewash, but because there’s a current pushing against you. (He’s not wrong – I won’t need to go to the gym after this hour-long session.)
There’s a group of experienced surfers out the back during our session, but they ride the big, clean waves left and jump off before they become little whitewash waves for us rookies. We wait for a set to start (each set is six waves before a breather), and because there are only three of us beginners, we take a wave each to ourselves. My two lesson mates are semi-pro compared to me (they’ve done prior lessons), so I get more focused attention from the coach, who sometimes helps get me onto waves.
My first few attempts are pure chaos. I forget my cues: “paddle, keep your head up, start to stand, stay low with knees bent”. I repeatedly wipe out.
After a few waves, it starts clicking and I get up for a hot second before toppling over – my instructor points out that it’s usually because I try to stand up too straight instead of keeping my knees bent and centre of gravity low.
With that in mind, on the next wave the magic happens. I stay low, find balance, I’m up and I ride that baby the whole way in – what a thrill! My coach fist-pumps. I fist-pump back. Then I wade back out for another go, with a refreshed sense of hope that I’ve got this. Next wave: I don’t got this.
After that gnarly achievement I start overthinking each step – that first full wave is my best of the session – for the rest of it I only ride a few waves halfway in, falling, splashing, sliding, laughing, occasionally swearing when water shoots up my nose. By the end, I’m exhausted but euphoric. Still, that one wave of glory was enough. My fellow learners stand up more than me, and that gives me confidence that on my next go, I’ll be successfully riding more waves like they are.
I refuel with a delicious breakfast burrito from on-site cafe and bar Sandy’s while I watch my family take on the big waves. The park is starting to fill up and the vibes are high: pumped surfers, smiling kids and families. I spy the upstairs restaurant, Rafi (big fan of their original North Sydney spot) and make a mental note – next time, I’m booking a lesson followed by a long lunch with a cocktail or two. Surf, sip, eat.
If you’re considering learning to surf this winter (so you can brave the real waves by summer!) your best option is a 30-day Unlimited Learn to Surf Pass. For $399, it gets you: unlimited Surf In The Bays Sessions, eight Beginner Lessons, four Beginner Progressive Lessons, one Point Coaching Session, and complimentary board and wetsuit hire. Not bad, eh? Find out more or book here.
Worried about the water being colder? Don’t be. The wetsuits are solid, and the cooler months mean fewer crowds – more waves, less waiting.
Already know how to surf and just want to shred? In winter they offer a Winter Warrior Pass for unlimited surfing (available from May 22). Find out about that over here.
While I’m at it, a big, gnarly happy birthday to URBNSURF for May 13! Thanks for the reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new (even if it bruises your knees and your ego just a little).
Find out more about this inland surf park over here.
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