What to Expect in Your First Surf Lesson as an Adult (Dawn Surf Edition)
If you’ve been thinking about learning to surf on the Surf Coast — whether you’ve just moved to Torquay, you’re holidaying along the Great Ocean Road, or you’re finally ready to tick it off your bucket list — you might be wondering:
“What actually happens during a surf lesson for adults?”
“Is it too hard?”
“Will I feel out of place?”
“Can I really learn at my age?”
These are some of the most common questions I hear, and they are completely normal. Learning to surf as an adult is exciting, empowering, and absolutely life-changing — but it also comes with a few nerves.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect from your first adults-only surf lesson with Dawn Surf Co. on the Surf Coast. No surprises, no guesswork — just calm, clear, supportive information so you can step into the ocean with confidence.
The Night Before: Your Lesson Location & Meeting Point
Because I tailor every lesson to the conditions, you’ll receive an email the night before with the confirmed meeting details. This gives me enough time to check:
Swell height
Wind direction & strength
Tide timing
Safety hazards
Best tide windows
Suitable banks
This approach ensures that we choose the safest and most suitable beach for that specific day. Conditions change fast on the Surf Coast — choosing the right spot can mean the difference between a stressful lesson and a beautiful, confidence-building experience.
Meeting Locations
You’ll usually meet me at one of two places:
• Point Addis Beach Lookout
Look for the Dawn Surf Co. flag.
Point Addis offers a peaceful, protected teaching environment and gentle sand-bottom waves.
• The grassy area at Urquharts Bluff
Right in front of the public changing rooms.
Urquharts Bluff is quiet, scenic, and offers consistent, forgiving waves ideal for adults.
Both locations are chosen for their calm atmosphere and distance from crowded town beaches.
Getting Suited Up: Wetsuits, Changing Towels & Comfort
Before your session, you will have filled out a short questionnaire. I use this information to bring a curated selection of wetsuits in your size range.
How a good wetsuit should fit
A wetsuit should feel:
like a glove
snug but not restrictive
warm but flexible
secure with no loose areas
Most people expect a wetsuit to feel “tight,” but once you’re in the water, the snugness helps regulate temperature and gives you a much more enjoyable experience.
Changing Towels for Privacy
Because Point Addis and Urquharts Bluff are quieter beaches without the dedicated change rooms you’ll find in Torquay or Anglesea, I bring changing towels so you can suit up comfortably and modestly if needed.
Safety First: Your Conditions Briefing
Before we even touch the boards, I will walk you through:
The swell forecast
Wind speed and direction
Tide timing
Hazards (if any)
Our plan to mitigate risks
Safe zones and boundaries
How we will communicate in the water
This gives you clarity and confidence before stepping into the ocean.
A lot of adult beginners feel nervous about the unknown. Simply understanding how waves work — and how we will manage them — can eliminate 80% of that stress immediately.
Land-Based Coaching: The Essential Foundations (15–30 Minutes)
Your first 15–30 minutes stay on the sand. This part is crucial — it sets you up for success in the water and dramatically speeds up your progression.
1. Ocean Awareness
We cover:
how waves break
how to choose safe zones
how to avoid other surfers
how to use whitewater safely
how to identify a rip current
how to exit a rip by paddling parallel
This removes fear and replaces it with understanding.
2. Safety Rules
At Dawn Surf Co., adult safety comes first. You’ll learn:
board control
safe falls
spacing
how to keep the board between you and the wave
how to avoid collisions
how to move through incoming waves calmly
Adults tend to appreciate structure — the clearer the rules, the more confident you’ll feel.
3. Technique Breakdown
We cover:
your stance
correct paddling position
efficient paddling technique
pop-up method (step-by-step)
foot placement
weight distribution
The pop-up is taught in a controlled, structured way so you build muscle memory before entering the water.
4. Warm-Up
A gentle warm-up helps loosen muscles and prevent injury.
By the end of the land session, you’ll feel ready — not rushed.
Into the Water: Catching Waves (The Fun Begins)
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, we head straight into the water.
A typical Dawn Surf Co. lesson spends most of the time actually surfing, not standing on the beach waiting.
45 Minutes of Focused Practice
You’ll start by:
learning how to manage whitewater
practising the pop-up
finding your stance
catching waves with instructor help
feeling the timing of the ocean
We take breaks as needed — surfing is physically demanding, and a short breather can dramatically improve your technique.
Short Mid Lesson Break
Around the 45-minute mark, we pause briefly:
water break
slight technique adjustments
more land corrections if needed
Every adult learns differently — small refinements here make a big difference when we head back out.
Second Water Session
We return to the water refreshed and more confident. This is often where things suddenly “click” for students.
In the last 10–15 minutes, you can choose:
more instruction (for progression-focused learners)
photos (for keepsakes or technique review)
Both options are valuable — it’s your lesson, your way.
A Coaching Style That Fits the Student
Everyone learns differently. Some adults want:
constant feedback
detailed breakdowns
step-by-step instruction
Others prefer:
space to try
minimal input
gentle corrections
My coaching adapts to you. There’s no ego, no pressure, and no expectation to perform. You progress at your own pace.
This is the beauty of adults-only lessons — the environment stays calm, focused, and respectful.
Photos: Your Surfing Memories Captured
Photos depend on the conditions:
If conditions are good:
I step out of the water and use a DSLR camera for high-quality images.
If conditions are less ideal:
I photograph you with the GoPro so I can stay close and assist if needed.
What You Get
Photos are delivered via a downloadable link sent by email after the session. These are perfect for:
analysing technique
tracking your progression
sharing the memory
celebrating your first waves
Many adults treasure their first-lesson photos — it’s often the moment surfing becomes real.
Who Comes to Dawn Surf Co?
All types of adults join lessons, including:
new locals wanting to make the most of coastal life
travellers exploring the Great Ocean Road
people ticking surfing off their bucket list
adults returning to the water after years away
The only requirement is the ability to swim 50 metres unassisted in open water.
During lessons, we always stay in areas where you can comfortably stand.
The goal is comfort, not stress.
What If You’re Nervous? (Most Adults Are)
If you're worried about:
ocean depth
looking silly
being too unfit
having bad balance
getting too cold
being “too old”
not standing up
being judged
You’re in the right place. Adults often learn best in environments that feel:
safe
controlled
quiet
respectful
private
That’s why Dawn Surf Co. uses quieter beaches away from the crowds — many adults feel more relaxed knowing they won't be surrounded by kids zig-zagging in every direction or huge classes competing for every wave.
A calm adult mind learns faster.
The End of Your Lesson: Your Next Step
At the end of the session, you’ll have two choices:
1. Leave with a great memory
For many adults, their first lesson is a once-off bucket list moment. You’ll walk away with photos and a huge sense of accomplishment.
2. Begin your surfing journey
If you loved it — and most people do — we’ll chat about your next steps, including:
which beaches to practise on (Cosy Corner, Anglesea, Torquay Back Beach when patrolled)
what skills to focus on
how to stay safe practising alone
when to consider progression lessons
Surfing is a lifelong journey, and your first lesson is just the start.
So… What Can You Expect From Your First Adult Surf Lesson?
You can expect:
the right beach chosen for you
a warm, comfortable wetsuit
a clear safety plan
structured, patient instruction
a calm teaching environment
space to learn without pressure
lots of waves
real progress
photos to remember the experience
a sense of accomplishment
a new connection to the ocean
Your first lesson is designed to make you feel supported, capable, and confident — no matter your age or experience.
Ready to Try Surfing on the Surf Coast?
Book Your Adults-Only Surf Lesson with Dawn Surf Co.
If you're curious, excited, or even a tiny bit nervous — that’s the perfect place to begin.
Whether it’s your first time ever or your first time in years, we’ll guide you through it safely, calmly, and with a clear technique that helps you learn faster.
Ready to give surfing a try? Book your adults-only lesson below — and let’s get you standing up on your first wave.
