1 Day Beginner Intensive Surf Program (5 -14yrs)
Give your kids an unforgettable surf day in Portland, Victoria with Go Surf School’s 1-Day Beginner Intensive. Perfect for ages 5-14, this experience teaches ocean safety and surfing basics in a fun, supportive environment.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children with basic physical activity levels; no prior experience needed
Wildlife
History
Portland has a rich maritime history as Victoria’s earliest European settlement and once a bustling whaling port in the 1800s.
Conservation
Go Surf School promotes sustainable practices by using reef-safe sunscreens and educating kids on marine protection.
Go Surf School
1 Day Beginner Intensive Surf Program (5 -14yrs)
Go Surf School is a surf and stand-up paddleboard operator based in Victoria that runs lessons, hires and kids programs across Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Portland. The operation offers beginner surf lessons in Warrnambool and Portland; stand-up paddleboard introductions, hires and guided SUP tours at Port Fairy’s East Beach and on the Moyne River; surfboard hire at East Beach; and multi-day kids holiday programs.
All experiences use provided equipment, including surfboards, stand-up paddleboards and wetsuits, and are delivered by instructors who prioritise safety, progression and ocean awareness. Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding is suitable for participants aged 10 and up, and the Portland Kids Intensive is designed for ages 5–14. Several surf lessons and programs are promoted specifically for beginners and family groups.
Session formats include one-hour lessons, two-hour hires, guided tours and two- or three-day holiday programs. Activities focus on paddling technique, balance, catching small waves, surf safety and practical ocean skills. East Beach in Port Fairy is highlighted as a beginner-friendly surf location, and the Moyne River provides calmer conditions for paddleboard touring.
The mix of hires, lessons, guided tours and intensive junior programs makes Go Surf School suitable for first-time surfers, families seeking active beach days, and young learners developing confidence in the water. Safety briefings, hands-on coaching and age-appropriate progressions are standard components of each offering, and top-quality equipment is provided for every session. Bookings are available for single lessons, hires and multi-day holiday programs.
Experiences
10
Stand-up paddle & surf options
Suitable Ages
Kids & Adults
Programs for ages 5 to adults
Session Types
1 hr to multi-day
Hourly lessons and multi-day programs
Equipment
Provided
Boards, paddleboards and wetsuits included
Secure a spot for beginner surf lessons, SUP hire or guided tours in Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Portland — equipment included.
Wear a wetsuit
Portland’s waters are cool year-round—wetsuits keep kids warm and comfortable during the surf session.
Arrive early to check tides
Morning low tides create ideal shallow waves for beginners to practice standing and paddling safely.
Practice basic ocean safety
Teach kids to always surf near instructors and understand wave patterns for a safer experience.
Bring sun protection
Even on cloudy days, UV exposure is high; wide-brim hats and reef-safe sunscreen are recommended.
Soft-top surfboard
Safe and lightweight boards ideally suited for beginner surfers’ learning and comfort.
Full wetsuit (3/2mm)
Keeps children warm in cooler ocean temperatures throughout the year.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preserving local marine ecosystems.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Water shoes
Useful for walking comfortably on rocky beach areas around Portland’s coastline.