Surfing in Australia
Surfing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Australia, it is home to some of the best spots in the world. With an extensive coastline spanning over 35,000 km, there is no shortage of where to ride. Use these pages to find a great place to go if you’re new and discover hidden gems if you’re an experienced surfer!
Surf culture is deeply ingrained in Australian identity, with famous places such as Bells Beach, Snapper Rocks, and Bondi Beach attracting sportsmen from around the world. There are many iconic brands, competitions, and events throughout the year. The country has also produced a lot of world-class surfers, such as Mick Fanning, Steph Gilmore, and Joel Parkinson.
This activity is not just limited to experienced enthusiasts, with many schools and camps offering lessons for beginners. It is a fun and rewarding sport that allows individuals to connect with nature, challenge themselves physically and mentally, and experience the rush of riding a wave.
5 interesting facts about this sport:
- The first recorded instance of surfing in Australia was in 1915 when Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku gave a demonstration at Freshwater Beach in Sydney.
- The iconic brand «Rip Curl» was founded in 1969 by two surfers, Brian Singer and Doug Warbrick, in Torquay, Victoria.
- The Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro are two of the most prestigious competitions in the world and are held annually on the Gold Coast.
- The world’s largest surfboard, measuring 12.8 meters long and weighing 2.2 tons, was built in the country in 2005.
- The Surfers Paradise Meter Maids, a group of women who patrolled the streets of Surfers Paradise in gold bikinis in the 1960s, were created to combat parking fines and promote tourism. They have since become an iconic part of the culture.
Swell map for surfing in Australia / Windy. app for IOS