Phuket is Waving: The 5 Best Surf Schools in Phuket

If you find yourself in Phuket from the months of May to October, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to get on a surfboard and learn how to catch some waves! Surfing is a wonderful sport that allows you to turn the water into your personal playground. Get up close and personal with the ocean and experience what it’s like to be truly stoked when you ride your first wave. It’s a feeling like no other, and trust me, you’ll be chasing that high after you get your first taste. So, if you want to learn how to surf or improve your skills, then check out our round-up of the best surf schools in Phuket.

Talay Surf

First on our list is Talay Surf — one of Thailand’s best surf schools. They offer professional private surf lessons, where you’re taught by real talented surfers. The friendly instructors speak both English and Thai, allowing them to clearly communicate instructions when you’re in the water. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who already surfs and wants to hone their wave-catching abilities, Talay Surf has lessons tailored specifically for your needs.

For complete beginners, you first start with a lesson on shore, where you learn the fundamentals of popping up and having proper posture for riding a surfboard. When you’re comfortable, the expert instructors take you into the water and assist you with paddling and catching a wave. They offer you real-time feedback, so it’s easy for you to adjust and refine your skills. By the end of the session, you’ll have a solid grounding in surf safety and technique, and with two or three more, you’ll be ready to catch waves all on your own! Talay Surf also offers SUP tours for when the sea is flat and surf camps for those who are really invested in taking their surfing to another level.

Phuket Surfing

Put your bikinis, rashguards, and boardshorts on and get ready to surf at Kata Beach with Phuket Surfing School! The soft sand and warm waters at Kata make it the perfect spot for beginners and kids to learn how to catch their first wave. Guided by some of the best surf guides in the island, you’re guaranteed not only quality lessons and safety, but also loads of fun under the sun.

Experienced instructors are equipped with local knowledge about the tides and currents, and can tailor the lesson to go on a pace you’re comfortable with. The surfers are friendly and easygoing and will make you feel safe and relaxed all throughout your time in the water. In addition to surfing, the school also offers diving courses and rentals for surfboards, boogie boards, kayaks, and SUPs. So if ever you’re in Phuket and are looking to explore different water activities, Phuket Surfing School is your one-stop-shop!

Saltwater Dreaming Surf School

Located on the west coast of Phuket, Saltwater Dreaming School has been providing high-quality yet affordable surf lessons and camps since 2002. For an enjoyable experience riding the epic waves along Phuket’s tropical coastline, make sure to book a surf lesson with them. Their experienced and certified instructors will guide you step-by-step. from fundamentals to advanced techniques, depending on your skill level. And not only that — they’ll teach you the ways of a surfer too, like leading a laidback lifestyle and appreciating the here and now.

The majority of Saltwater Dreaming School’s lessons take place at Bang Tao Beach, which is one of the best locations in Phuket for beginners to surf. The surf lessons are done in waist-deep water with gentle waves, to ensure safety for beginners and kids as well. They also offer a variety of surf lessons, from group lessons, to 2-hour private lessons, to a full 5-day beginners course. By the end of it all, you’ll be catching your own wave and sharing the stoke with your surf guide.

Whale Surf School

If you want gorgeous snaps of you while surfing, then Whale Surf School is the place to go. For an additional cost, you can hire a professional surf photographer to take photos and videos of you as you learn to paddle and ride a wave. Post them on your Instagram and you’ll be sure to make all your friends jealous back home. We highly suggest taking the package that comes with the camera, because not only will it be a wonderful memory to look back on, but you will also be able to progress further in your surfing by studying your own moves through the video.

The surf lessons take place at Kata Beach and are taught by professional instructors who have had plenty of time in the water. Their lessons will start you with the fundamentals and finish you off with confidently catching waves solo. They also offer pick up services from your resort before you start with your lesson. Whether you’re a total beginner or have dabbled in the waves before, Whale Surf School’s surf courses will definitely help you level up in a fun and safe environment.

Kata Surf Limited

Kata Surf is located on the white sands of Kata Beach and open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM. They offer private and group surf lessons for beginners, and what’s great about it is that the package comes with a free video of you during your surf session. You can even review it with your surf instructor afterwards and ask for tips on the areas you need to improve on. Their experienced instructors are very hands-on, friendly, and speak good English, so you’ll be standing up and catching green waves in no time.

But wait, there’s more. The fun continues on even when it’s off season because Kata Surf also offers efoil lessons, so even when you catch yourself at Kata Beach during a flat day, you can still experience what it’s like gliding on the water. There’s also a free locker room, drinking water, and shower in the premises which is great because after your 2 hour session in the ocean, you’re going to be parched. Sharing our passion for the sport with newcomers is what we enjoy most. Students of all ages, sizes and experience levels are welcome in Kata Surf, and with their guidance, you can surf with confidence in no time.