How to Choose the Best Beginner Surfboard for Kids

How to Choose the Best Beginner Surfboard for Kids

Choosing the right beginner surfboard for your child can make all the difference when they’re learning to surf. The right board will help them paddle easier, catch more waves, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun in the water.

But with so many different sizes and styles available, which surfboard should you choose?

At Manly Surf Guide, we recommend starting with a quality softboard that offers plenty of stability, flotation and durability. Here are our recommendations for choosing the right board for your child.

1. Best Entry-Level Beginner Board: Oasis Salty Grom

For kids just starting their surfing journey, our top recommendation is the Oasis Salty Grom.

Available in three sizes:

● 5’0 – Ideal for younger and smaller children.

● 5’6 – A great option for growing kids.

● 6’0 – Suitable for older and bigger kids.

With sizes to suit children from approximately 3–4 years old through to 12 years old and their early teens, there’s an option for a wide range of young surfers.

The Oasis Salty Grom is designed to make learning easier. Its forgiving shape and generous flotation help young surfers paddle, catch waves and find their balance while developing the confidence they need to progress.

Built to Last – Why Choose Oasis?

One of the biggest advantages of Oasis softboards is their exceptional durability.

Oasis boards are heat laminated, meaning the construction is designed to prevent the common problems associated with cheaper softboards, such as peeling and bubbling.

They’re built to withstand years of use, with an expected lifespan of 6+ years under normal use and care.

Oasis is regarded as one of Australia’s leading softboard brands, with boards used by more than 50 surf schools across Australia, including well-known operators such as Let’s Go Surfing at Bondi and Manly Surf School.

Another great advantage is their resale value. Because of their durable construction and popularity, Oasis boards tend to hold their value extremely well when it’s time to upgrade.

For parents, this means you’re investing in a quality surfboard that can last for years and potentially be passed down or resold as your child grows.

2. Ready to Progress? Introducing the Oasis Pro Soft

Once your child has mastered the basics, is confidently catching waves and wants to start turning and cutting across the green face of the wave, it’s time to consider stepping up to a more performance-oriented board.

This is where we recommend the Oasis Pro Soft.

The Pro Soft features a thinner, more refined shape with a slightly pointier nose, making it better suited to young surfers who are developing their technique and looking to take their surfing to the next level.

Upgrade Your Fins for Better Performance

One of the standout features of the Oasis Pro Soft is its FCS fin boxes.

Unlike basic softboards with fixed fins, the Pro Soft allows you to upgrade to proper aftermarket fins.

This gives young surfers the opportunity to improve their board’s performance, responsiveness and turning ability as their surfing progresses.

The Pro Soft is ideal for kids who are moving beyond simply catching waves and are starting to turn, generate speed and confidently surf across the face of the wave.

3. So, Which Board Should You Choose?

Our recommendation is simple:

Just starting out? Choose the Oasis Salty Grom. It’s a durable, stable and forgiving beginner board that will help your child develop confidence and enjoy learning to surf.

Already catching waves and starting to turn? Consider upgrading to the Oasis Pro Soft. Its refined shape and interchangeable fin system offer more performance as your child’s surfing improves.

Visit Manly Surf Guide

At Manly Surf Guide, we’ve been helping people get into surfing since 2008.

We stock a great range of beginner softboards, kids’ surfboards and performance softboards, including the Oasis range.

Whether your child is catching their very first wave or starting to develop their turns, we’re happy to help you find the right board.

Visit us at Manly Surf Guide, Brookvale, Sydney, or browse our range online.

Let’s get the kids surfing!

Cheap Surfboards Sydney – Huge Range of New & Second-Hand Surfboards | Manly Surf Guide

Looking for cheap surfboards in Sydney? Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate surfer, backpacker or international tourist, come and visit Manly Surf Guide in Brookvale for a huge range of affordable new and second-hand surfboards.

Established in 2008, we’ve spent nearly 20 years helping people learn to surf, teaching backpackers and tourists, and finding the right boards for surfers of all ages and abilities.

We’re experienced surfers and professional surf coaches who know our boards inside out. With great prices, plenty of choice and expert advice, we’ll help you find the right surfboard without spending a fortune.

Huge Range of Affordable Surfboards in Sydney

We stock a great selection of new and second-hand surfboards to suit different abilities and budgets, including:

● New and second-hand softboards – ideal for beginners and recreational surfers.

● Second-hand fibreglass surfboards – affordable hardboards for surfers looking to progress.

● Mini mals – great for beginners and intermediate surfers.

● Fish surfboards – fun and versatile boards for everyday surfing.

● Shortboards – for more experienced surfers.

Our second-hand stock changes regularly, with plenty of affordable options coming through the shop. Whether you’ve got $100, $200 or a little more to spend, come in and see what bargains we’ve got.

Backpacking Around Australia? Grab a Surfboard Before Heading North!

Planning to buy a van and travel up Australia’s East Coast? Picking up an affordable surfboard in Sydney is a great way to start your adventure.

Instead of spending money hiring boards everywhere you go, buy your own and take it with you! Explore Sydney’s Northern Beaches, head north towards Newcastle, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, and discover some of Australia’s amazing surf beaches along the way.

And here’s the bonus: When you’ve finished travelling, you can often sell your surfboard for around the same price you paid for it! So you can enjoy surfing all the way up the East Coast without spending a fortune on board hire.

We’ve been selling surfboards to backpackers and international travellers for years. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate surfer, our professional surf coaches can help you choose a board to suit your ability, budget and travel plans.

Why Buy From Manly Surf Guide?

● Established since 2008: Nearly 20 years helping people get into surfing.

● Huge range: New and second-hand softboards, fibreglass boards, mini mals, fish and shortboards.

● Great prices: Affordable options for beginners, intermediate surfers and backpackers.

● Expert advice: Professional surf coaches with years of surfing and teaching experience.

● Second-hand bargains: Regularly changing stock with plenty of affordable boards to choose from.

Visit Manly Surf Guide – Brookvale, Sydney

Looking for cheap second-hand surfboards in Sydney? Want a great-value beginner softboard or an affordable fibreglass mini mal?

Come and check out our range at Manly Surf Guide in Brookvale, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, just a short drive from Manly and Dee Why.

Whether you’re a local, visiting Sydney or travelling up the East Coast, we’d love to help you find the right board.

Visit Manly Surf Guide in Brookvale to check out our current second-hand range.

Great boards. Great prices. Friendly expert advice.

Manly Surf Guide – Established 2008.

Our Top 5 Soft Surfboard Brands for Summer 2026/27

If you're looking for a soft surfboard this summer, there are more choices than ever.

At Manly Surf Guide, we've been selling, surfing, and helping customers choose softboards for years. For our Summer 2026/27 list, we've looked at the things that actually matter to most surfers and families: value for money, quality, durability, ease of use, performance, resale value, and range.

This isn't a paid ranking. These are simply the five softboard brands we currently rate highest from the boards we see, sell, and use.

1. Oasis Softboards

For us, Oasis takes the number one spot this summer.

The biggest reason is value. Oasis boards are extremely good value for money. They're stable, very user-friendly, and built to last, which makes them ideal for beginners and families.

Another big plus is strong resale value. Because they hold up well and stay in demand, you can still sell a well-cared-for board for good money when you're ready to move up.

We've seen that over and over in the shop. For us, that combination of value, durability, stability, ease of use, and resale value makes Oasis very hard to beat.

2. 88 Surfboards

88 takes our number two spot, and one of the things we really like is just how fun they are to surf.

They work really well for beginners, but the shaping means an intermediate or advanced surfer can still have a genuinely good surf on them.

They're extremely durable, and considering how long they last and how well they surf, we think they're fairly priced.

They're a great option for someone who wants a board they can learn on but isn't necessarily going to grow out of quickly as their surfing improves.

3. Mick Fanning Softboards

Who doesn't love Mick Fanning? The guy's a legend, and his boards are awesome.

Mick Fanning Softboards have become extremely popular. The main thing to know is the price. They sit at the higher end of the softboard market, but you're getting a good-quality board from a premium brand.

There are stable, beginner-friendly options, as well as more performance-focused shapes for intermediate and advanced surfers.

If you're happy to spend a bit more and want a premium softboard with a strong name behind it, Mick Fanning is a very good option.

4. Ocean & Earth

Ocean & Earth has been around the longest of the brands on this list and has been a trusted name in Australian surfing for decades.

One of their biggest strengths is quality. Everything the brand does is generally very well made, and their softboard range follows that same standard.

They also offer a huge range, with boards suitable for complete beginners, kids, families, surf schools, intermediate surfers, and more advanced surfers.

The price point is quite high, but you're paying for proven quality, a large range, and a long track record in the surf industry.

5. Laura Enever Softboards

Laura Enever Softboards are some of the best-looking softboards around.

The color range is a real standout, with plenty of fun and beautiful designs. If you're buying for your daughter, or for someone who wants something a little more distinctive and stylish, there are some awesome options in the range.

But they're not just about looks.

They're very good quality, and the shapes perform well too. They're stable and user-friendly for beginners, while still having enough performance to remain fun as your surfing progresses.

The price is at the premium end, but you're getting a high-quality board with great shapes and an awesome color range.

So, which softboard should you buy?

There isn't one board that suits everybody.

Your ideal board depends on your height, weight, surfing experience, where you surf, and how often you plan to use it.

For most beginners and families looking for maximum value, Oasis remains our first recommendation. If you want to move further into the premium end of the market, 88, Mick Fanning, Ocean & Earth, and Laura Enever all offer great options.

One thing we always recommend is buying from a specialist surf shop rather than choosing a board purely because it's cheap at a department store.

A properly sized board can make the difference between somebody catching waves and loving surfing, or struggling on a board that simply isn't right for them.

Need help choosing a softboard?

Come and see us at Manly Surf Guide in Brookvale, Sydney.

Tell us your height, weight, experience level, and where you normally surf, and we'll help point you towards the right board.

Manly Surf Guide's Top 5 Soft Surfboard Brands for Summer 2026/27

1. Oasis Softboards
2. 88 Surfboards
3. Mick Fanning Softboards
4. Ocean & Earth
5. Laura Enever Softboards

Surfboards Bondi | Beginner Surfboards from $229 | Free Delivery

SURFBOARDS FOR BONDI

New Oasis surfboards from $229 — fins & leg rope included

Looking for a new surfboard for Bondi Beach without spending a fortune?

Our new Oasis softboards start from just $229 and come complete with fins and a leg rope, so you have everything you need to get in the water.

They’re a great choice for beginners, students and anyone looking for an affordable, fun board for Bondi.

The right surfboard for Bondi beginners

If you’re learning to surf, choosing the right board can make a huge difference.

A softboard with plenty of stability and volume makes it easier to paddle, catch waves and build confidence in the water.

Our Oasis range offers great value without the big price tag.

New Oasis Softboards from $229

Everything you need to get started:

• New Oasis softboards from $229

• Fins included

• Leg rope included

• Stable and easy to paddle

• Great for beginners

• Soft construction

• Perfect for learning and having fun

• Advice available if you’re unsure which board to choose

• Delivery available to Bondi

Not sure which board is right for you?

Choosing your first surfboard can be confusing, especially when you’re looking at different sizes and volumes.

Give us a call or get in touch and we’ll help you choose the right Oasis board for your height, weight and surfing ability.

We’d rather help you get the right board the first time.

Buy your surfboard for Bondi

Get your new Oasis board, attach the fins and leg rope, and you’re ready to hit the waves.

New Oasis softboards from just $229 — fins and leg rope included.

Shop Oasis Softboards

SHOP NOW

Need advice?
Call us on: 0412417431

Top 5 Softboards in Australia – 2026 Buyer’s Guide. Soft Surfboards- Foam Boards

Top 5 Softboards in Australia – 2026 Buyer’s Guide

If you’ve taken a surf lesson recently or spent time around your local surf school, you may have noticed that many surf schools use different softboards to those commonly found in retail surf shops.

Why?

For a surf school, softboards are the backbone of the business. They need to be stable, safe, beginner-friendly, and, most importantly, durable enough to withstand up to six hours of use per day, seven days a week.

Over the past 20 years, we have tested virtually every major softboard brand on the market. Based on durability, performance, safety, and value for money, here are our Top 5 Softboards in Australia for 2026.

1. Oasis Softboards

Best Value Softboard in Australia

Oasis Softboards are used by surf schools right across Australia and have earned a reputation for offering outstanding value for money.

They are safe, stable, durable, and ideal for beginners through to intermediate surfers. With proper care, an Oasis board can last 6+ years in a commercial surf school environment.

Sizes: 5’5” – 9’0”

Price Range: $200 – $350

Why we like them:

* Excellent value for money

* Stable and beginner-friendly

* Proven durability

* Widely used by surf schools nationwide including Manly Surf School and Let’s Go Surfing in Bondi.

2. 88 Surfboards

Premium Performance Softboard

88 Surfboards are among the most durable softboards available, with many lasting 10 years or more when properly maintained.

Designed with performance in mind, they are popular among advanced surfers but are also suitable for intermediate surfers looking to progress their surfing. Many surf coaches use 88 Surfboards during advanced lessons and coaching sessions.

Sizes: Various models available

Price Range: $500 – $850

Why we like them:

* Extremely durable construction

* High-performance design

* FCS fin system

* Suitable for progressing surfers

3. COCO Softboards

COCO has become a popular choice among many of Australia’s larger surf schools thanks to its balance of quality, durability, and affordability.

These boards are stable, user-friendly, and built to handle the demands of regular surf school use.

Sizes: 6’0” – 9’0”

Price Range: $200 – $400

Expected Lifespan: 3–6 years

Why we like them:

* Great value for money

* Durable construction

* Beginner-friendly shapes

* Trusted by leading surf schools

4.MICK FANNING BEASTIE SUPER SOFT SOFTBOARD

The MF range offers a strong, stable platform for beginner surfers while maintaining excellent durability.. These boards are commonly used by surf schools and are generally built to a higher standard than many entry-level retail softboards found in surf shops.

Sizes: 7’0” – 9’2”

Price Range: $500 – $700

Expected Lifespan: 3–5 years

Why we like them:

* Strong construction

* Stable and forgiving

* Long-lasting design

* Excellent for surf school use

5. Ocean and Earth Ezi-Rider

The O&E range are extremely durable, although the deck is firmer than some other softboards, which can result in a few extra bumps and bruises during lessons.

Sizes: 6’0” – 9’0”

Price Range: $450 – $700

Expected Lifespan: 3–5 years

Why we like them:

* Extremely stable

* Durable construction

* Great for beginners

* Trusted by several large surf schools

Softboard Brands to Avoid

Unfortunately, not all softboards are created equal.

Many budget softboards on the market suffer from delamination, air bubbles, weak stringer construction, and poor durability. We’ve seen some boards fail within the first few months of use.

Many are also too narrow and unstable for beginner surfers, making learning more difficult than it needs to be. Based on our experience, we would avoid:

* Maddog

* El Niño

* Bombora

* Gohl

* Tahwalhi

* Body Glove

* Olaian

Our Recommendation

If you’re looking for a softboard that offers the best combination of value, durability, stability, and performance, our top picks for 2026 are:

 Oasis Surf Culture

The best all-round value softboard on the market. Stable, durable, affordable, and trusted by surf schools throughout Australia.

 88 Surfboards

The premium option for surfers looking for a high-performance softboard that will last for years.

Whether you’re buying your first board or upgrading from a beginner setup, both brands have proven themselves in the toughest testing environment possible — Australian surf schools.

Final Thoughts

The best softboards aren’t always the ones with the biggest marketing budgets or the cheapest price tags. The boards that survive years of daily use in surf schools are usually the boards worth buying.

After 20 years of teaching people to surf and testing hundreds of boards, Oasis Surf Culture and 88 Surfboards remain two of our favourite softboard brands for reliability, durability, and overall performance.

Happy Surfing!

Ryan Hayfield

Head Coach – Manly Surf Guide

Manly Surf Guide Is Turning 20

Established in 2008, we thought it was time to tell the story of how Manly Surf Guide started and share the ups and downs along the way.

Founder Ryan Hayfield grew up in Dee Why and spent most of his time surfing. Dee Why Point was like a second home. Ryan attended Narrabeen Sports High School in the school surfing program, where his surf coach happened to be Matt Grainger — the owner of Manly Surf School.

During his school years, Ryan worked for Manly Surf School on weekends and through the school holidays and quickly fell in love with surf coaching and being around the ocean every day.

After finishing school, Ryan started a carpentry apprenticeship. He enjoyed being on the tools, but deep down knew it wasn’t what he wanted to do forever.

After Ryan completed his apprenticeship in carpentry, Ryan sadly lost his father. Before he passed away, his dad told him to follow his dreams, enjoy life, and make the most of every day because life goes by fast. Those words inspired Ryan to take a chance and start Manly Surf Guide.

The original idea behind the business was to take experienced surfers to the best surf spots around Sydney — a true “surf guide.” Unfortunately, the idea didn’t really take off, with only one or two bookings in the first summer.

Ryan continued doing carpentry work while constantly thinking about how to make the business work.

The following summer, everything changed. Ryan started offering beginner surf tours with softboards supplied and surf lessons included. The idea was a hit. The tours became busy every weekend, and the business slowly began to grow.

Ryan still worked on building sights during the quieter winter months to help keep things going, but year by year the business continued building.

Eventually, Ryan purchased another minibus and hired surf coaches to help out. By 2016, Manly Surf Guide had grown to two minibuses and around 10 staff, running surf tours, private lessons, kids camps, paddleboard lessons and surf hire.

That same year, Manly Surf Guide opened its retail store in Brookvale, specialising in beginner softboards and surf gear.

The Ups and Downs

From the outside, the business looked like it was booming, but behind the scenes it was a different story. After paying staff, maintaining the minibuses, rent and covering overheads, Ryan’s profit was much the same as when he was running everything on his own years earlier.

Still, Ryan kept pushing forward, working seven days a week, learning as he went, and figuring out what worked — and what didn’t.

Ryan never studied business at university. He was simply a surfer from Dee Why following his passion and learning through experience.

In 2018, Ryan and Matt Grainger sat down and had a meeting together. They decided to join forces. Since then, many of Manly Surf Guide’s lessons and packages have been run together with Manly Surf School.

This partnership was a huge relief and allowed Ryan to focus more on building the retail side of the business. The team was scaled back to a smaller operation with a stronger focus on the surf shop and beginner equipment.

The past few years haven’t been easy. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced plenty of challenges — including COVID, wet summers, flooding, shark incidents, and increasing competition from large department stores.

But through all the ups and downs, we’re still here, still surfing, and still loving life nearly 20 years later.

And we’d just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported Manly Surf Guide along the way.

How to install your fins in the Oasis Classic Soft Surfboard.

How to install your fins in the Oasis Classic softboard or any soft top or foam surfboard with screw through the top fin plugs. This takes around five minuts and all you need is a coin or screw driver. Watch our step by step video with Ryan from Manly Surf Guide.

The Best Soft Surfboards For Kids. Buyers Guide, Top 5 Softboard Brands for kids.

Great news, your kids are taking an interest in surfing! Time to buy them a softboard and get them standing up and shredding.

There are so many brands on the market and it can be confusing and hard to know what to buy.

We would recommend buying from a surf school as they have experienced surf couches that can recommend the correct size. We do not recommend buying from large department stores as the staff may recommend the wrong size and you also compromise in quality.

Our recommendation for the best softboards for kids are:

1/ Oasis Salty Grom, by far the best value and quality softboard on the market.

Stable, safe and strong. they come in 5ft, 5’6 and 6ft priced from $200-$250.

2/ Oasis Prosoft Range. Great Value and quality. Perfect for kids entering that intermediate stage starting to cut across the green face of the wave.

3/Ocean Soul Soft Fish.

Great value and colour range for the kids. They come in 5’10 and priced from $220

4/CoCo Pepper Hybrid

Great proformace softboard for kids with some surfing experience looking for that stepping stone towards a glass board. They are more refined with less volume and come in 5’6 and 5’10. Prices range from $300-$350

5/ Mick Fanning. A great range of surfboards for the kids and the dads! They come in 5ft, 5,5 and 6ft. Prices range from $400-$450

Hope this has helped! Happy surfing!

Beginners guide to buying a soft surfboard, foamy, softboard, soft top.

Buying a softboard is really quite simple - you just need the right size, a good brand and the right price.

Size: How do I know what size softboard to buy?

We recommend you do a surf lesson first and ask your coach after the lesson what size they would recommend.

We also recommend buying a softboard from a surf school as they will have the knowledge to recommend the correct size board for you or your kids. Buying a softboard from a large department store is not recommended as the staff are not surf coaches and chances are you will buy the wrong board.

The correct size depends on your body weight, how often you plan on surfing, and how fit and athletic you are.

Brand: What is the best soft surfboard brand to buy for beginner surfers?

This is important to get right.

The good brands are durable, stable and user friendly.

We recommend, Oasis Softboards, 88 Surfboards,

Ocean and Earth and Mick Fanning.

Average brands will air bubble, delaminate, take on water and snap. They are also thin narrow and hard for beginners to ride.

Some of the softboards on the market we least recommend are: Maddog, Bombora, Elnino, Olaina.

The right price: How much should I pay for a beginner soft surfboard?

You are normally only on a softboard for a year or so then you progress to a hard board.

If you plan on selling your board after a year or so and you don’t want to spend $600 on a beginner board,

the best value for money softboards are Ocean Soul and Oasis Softboards. They are priced from $180 to $300 depending on the size. They are both very durable and if looked after can last 6+ years.

If you plan on keeping the board for 10+ years and are happy to invest a bit more we recommend 88 Softboards. They are the best quality soft surfboard on the market. They are priced from $500 to $700 depending the size.

Top 5 Softboards. Soft Surfboards that all the surf schools are using in Australia

You may notice if you do a surf lesson or check out your local surf school that they are using softboards that are not sold in your everyday local surf shop.

Why is this? As a surf school your softboards are your bread and butter. We need softboards that are not only stable and user friendly. They need to be super durable and able to cope with the wear and tear of being used 6 hours a day 7 days a week.

As a surf school we have tried and tested every softboard on the market over the last 20 years and have come up with the top 5 Softboards that we and every surf school in Australia are using.

1, Oasis Softboards, The best value softboard on the market at the moment. Oasis softboards are used by surf schools all over AUS. Boards have a 3-6 year life span and prices range from $200-$350. Sizes from 5’5 to 9ft. Oasis boards are everywhere on the beaches as they are amazing vale, safe, stable and strong.

2, 88 Surfboards. 88 softboards are extremely durable and have a 10+ year life span if looked after. 88 Surfboards are a high end softboard designed for advanced surfers however can also work well for beginner / intermediate surfers. Boards range from $500 to $850. Surf coaches and schools use 88 Surfboards more for intermediated students as they have FCS Fins.

3, Ocean Soul Softboards. Ocean Soul are another good brand and great value. They have around a 3 - 6 year life span and are used by all the big name surf school in Australia. Boards range from 6ft-9ft from $200-$400.

4, Mick Fanning Softboards. A strong and stable surfboard that is used by a lot of surf schools in Australia. They are also very durable as the above boards. Boards have a 3-5 year life span. Boards range from 6ft - 9’2 from $500-$700

5, Ocean and Earth Easy Rider. A very durable softboard. Boards have a 3-5 year life span. Boards range from 6ft-9ft from $500-$700 boards are used by a few big name surf schools.

Some brands to stay away from!

There are a lot of crappy softboards out there that delaminate and air bubble within the first three months. They have been known snap on their first few uses and this is due to poor stringer construction. They are also very thin, narrow and unstable for beginners to learn on.

Here are a few brands to avoid and stay away from:

Maddog, Elnino, Bom Bora, Gohl, Tahwalhi, Body Glove, Olaian.

If you are a beginner looking for a good vale softboard that will last, our pick would be Oasis Surf Culture or Ocean Soul.

Happy Surfing!

Manly Surf Guide featured on Network Ten's morning show Studio 10

10 tips on how to improve your surfing

1. Go surfing every day.

If you were to only do one of these ten tips, this is the one to do. Try and surf everyday, even if it just for 20 minutes before work or after work. Or if its 1 foot and onshore winds with seaweed and blue bottles, just get out there! The ocean rewards you for it. Ever wondered why all the best surfers in the water always get the bombs. Its not just good luck, they surf a lot and have developed good wave knowledge. Surfing everyday keeps you on your toes and you stay in a good rhythm. Sydney is pretty consistent for waves and i think there are only about 20 flat days a year, so no excuses get out there!

2. Stretch

Being flexible is really important for your surfing. If you are really stiff you surf stiff and have a stiff style. Keep nice and flexible and you will have a nice loose style. 5 minutes a day is all it takes.

3. Strong legs and core

Having strong legs and core is really good for your surfing. You can get really low in your bottom turns and get a lot more power in your turns. Fanning is a prime example, he has supper strong legs and a strong core. Having big arms and pecks does nothing for your surfing. Paddle power comes with fitness and the only way to paddle better is to go surfing and paddle, not lift metal.

4. Have a quiver of boards

There is no such thing as an all rounder. 0-2 ft you need a sick little fish, 2-6 ft you need a nice short board, 6-10” ft you need a nice little semi gun. I think surfing different boards is great for your surfing.

5. Surf different beaches and waves

Surf different waves and beaches. Go on surfing trips and surf the world. This is really good for your surfing and your soul.

6. Surf with other good surfers

Watch how they surf and let them inspire you not intimidate you.

7. Ride good boards

Ride good boards and support your local shapers.

8. Have a good wetsuit

Don’t skimp on a cheap wetsuit, you pay for flexibility and warmth. This will allow you to surf better and for longer in winter. 

9. Use the right wax for the water temp

Summer = Orange Sex Wax
Winter = Green Sex Wax
Indo = Red and Blue  Sex Wax 

10. Be happy and nice to people in the water

Surf to relax and have fun.

“Amazing surf experience”

The beginner's surf adventure with Manly surf guide was amazing. The price is very fair compared to the other surf schools around Sydney and there is a surf lesson (1.5h) in the morning, lunch, afternoon surfing lesson (2h) and all the equipment included. The surf guides are very friendly and experienced and I had a very good time.

Taylor

“Best kids party”

We booked Manly Surf Guide for our 12 year old daughters birthday with 9 of her friends in December, and the day was a huge hit. Ryan and his team took care of everything, they were great and incredibly patient with ten 12 year old girls! If you are looking for an easy, hassle free kids party with a difference, this is highly recommended. My daughter loved it so much, she can't wait to give surfing another go. Thank you so much for making our daughters birthday memorable!

Annabel

Manly Surf Guide’s Ryan Hayfield on 10 News Story on Sydney’s heat wave

Ryan Hayfield owner of Manly Surf Guide and Dee Why Surf School on 10 News. Story on the heat wave in Sydney. Jun 2014

“A great experience!”

I came across Manly Surf Guide by accident and i am so thankful that i did! Ryan was easy to work with, gave great directions where to meet, is very knowledgeable about Manly and is incredibly passionate about surfing. We booked surfing lessons and paddle boarding lessons for four people and had a great day out with Ryan. The class size is small allowing for more individual attention. Ryan is very professional and easy going. Don't look any further, book with Manly Surf Guide, you are guaranteed a fun-filled day! Thanks again Ryan, we really enjoyed our time with you!

Jenny USA

Manly Surf Guide - featured in a SUP article in "The Great Aussie Bite"

Have you ever been curious to try stand up paddle boarding? You know, those peeps who are everywhere all of a sudden, upright on their surfboard, scaling way out over surf and sea with nothing but a paddle? Though SUP can be traced back to 50’s surf photography in Hawaii, it only became a certifiable ‘sport’ in the naughties and has since gained rapid popularity as the new alternative surf form and water sport.

“Great day surfing!”

Booked on a beginners surf tour at the start of January and had a brilliant time. It is good value compared with other surfing lessons I saw around Sydney and the ferry over to Manly is a must do in Sydney anyway so no better way than to combine the two! There were 5 of us to one instructor so you feel like you get enough time with them. We were met straight off the ferry and driven up to the beach for the day (there were alot of other people on the beach so don't expect the surf all to yourself). I had tried some surfing about ten years ago so may have had a tiny advantage but Danny made me feel like a pro and I really felt like I progressed throughout the day. It is tiring and not all the group were still going at the end so I would only go if you're comfortable battering through the waves! As a side point I tan easily but forgot to put lotion on the back of my legs and I completely sunburnt them so they should maybe make sure it's passed around at the start and at lunch (50+lotion provided) as I was very sore the next day and still have a wetsuit line nearly 2 months on! All equipment and lunch provided and the instructors are great so if you want to learn to surf get yourself booked in with Manly Surf Guide, you will love it!

“GREAT surf guides!”

Ryan and the crew at Manly Surf Guide were awesome! We had such a fun time learning to surf! They made it so easy for us! We just showed up and they picked us up, transported us to some great surf locations, had everything we needed (wet suits, surfboards, sunscreen, water, food). They had all the bases covered! The price was very affordable and we had a full day learning to surf. They provided us with a yummy lunch and even took pictures for us! Would highly recommend Manly Surf Guide to anyone wanting to learn to surf!

Tara Sydney