Learn to Surf Ski in Perth: A Beginner's Guide
- Reece Baker
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 10
Never paddled before? You are exactly who we built this for. This is your complete guide to learning to surf ski in Perth, with expert coaching, all the gear provided, and a first session that costs you nothing.
Your first session is free. Book your free first session — no experience needed, all gear provided.
What is a surf ski, and can a beginner really do it?
A surf ski is a long, sleek sit-on-top kayak built for open water. It looks fast because it is, but here is the part nobody tells you: it is one of the most beginner-friendly ways into paddling, as long as you start in the right water with the right coach.
You do not need to be an athlete. You do not need to own a ski. You do not need ocean experience. Our beginner sessions start on calm, protected river water where balance and technique come quickly, and we stay right beside you the whole way.
If you can swim and you are keen, you can learn to surf ski with us. Most people are surprised how far they get in their first hour on the water.
Your first session is on us
We are so confident you will love it that your first paddle is completely free. Come down, meet your people, get on the water with a coach beside you, and see what surf ski is really about. No commitment, no catch.
Book your free first session and use the code firstsessionfree at checkout.
How our learn-to-paddle pathway works
We coach by levels, from L1 (your very first time on a ski) through to L4 (elite ocean racing). You always paddle with people at your stage, in water that matches your ability.
L1, first strokes. Calm river water. Learn to set up your ski, hold the paddle, get on and off, and take your first confident strokes.
L2, building confidence. Lock in your technique and base fitness in protected water with a structured, supportive group.
L3, into the ocean. Step off the river and start reading the sea, managing small bumps in a safe group.
L4, downwind and racing. Master downwind runs and ocean racing tactics.
As a beginner you start at L1 or L2, and we progress you at your pace. Not sure where you fit? Read our honest guide: Which Level Are You? Finding the Right Surf Ski Session.
What is included
All equipment provided. Ski, paddle and safety gear are ready for you. Bring your own if you have it, but you never need to.
Expert coaches beside you. Experienced ocean coaches who actually paddle these waters, every session.
Protected water to start. Beginners learn on calm, flat river water before anyone goes near the ocean.
Your people. Small, friendly groups. You will know names by the end of session one.
Beginner programs and pricing
Foundation and Form Clinic (2 classes), $70. Brand new, or want to rebuild your technique from the ground up? Two structured classes covering setup, gear, stroke mechanics, getting in and remounting, then a coached group paddle to put it into practice.
Weekly coached beginner session (L1 and L2), from $20. Our Monday CBD paddle at the WA Rowing Club and Tuesday at Johnston Street Boat Ramp are perfect entry points. Equipment hire available.
Personalised 1:1 coaching, $100 per hour. Tailored, one-on-one coaching to fast-track your skills and confidence.
And your first session is always free, so you can try before you commit to anything. See the full schedule and book.
Where you will paddle in Perth
We run beginner-friendly sessions across four Perth locations, so there is always one near you:
Perth CBD, WA Rowing Club on the Swan River. Calm, protected city water. Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Mosman Bay, Johnston Street Boat Ramp. Sheltered river launch with a cafe and facilities. Tuesday mornings.
Hillarys, Hillarys Marina. Protected marina water with the ocean a paddle away. Friday mornings.
North Fremantle, Port Beach. Where you graduate to ocean paddling when you are ready. Saturday afternoons.
See all session times on our sessions and clinics page, or meet the coaches who will get you started.
More to get you started
Beginner FAQ
Do I need my own surf ski? No. We provide skis, paddles and all safety equipment. Just bring yourself, swimmers and a willingness to get wet.
Is surf ski hard for beginners? It is easier to start than most people expect. We begin on calm, flat river water where balance comes quickly, with a coach right beside you. Falling in is part of the fun, and we teach you to remount with control on day one.
How fit do I need to be? If you can swim and you are reasonably active, you can start. Surf ski builds fitness as you go, and our beginner sessions are paced for first-timers, not athletes.
What should I bring to my first session? Swimmers, a towel, sun protection and water. We supply the rest, and we will tell you exactly where to meet when you book.
Where in Perth do you run beginner sessions? Perth CBD at the WA Rowing Club on the Swan River, Mosman Bay, Hillarys Marina, and Port Beach in North Fremantle.
Is the first session really free? Yes. Your first coached session is free with the code firstsessionfree at checkout. No commitment.
Ready to get on the water?
Your first session is free, the gear is sorted, and your people are waiting. Book your free first session and we will see you on the water.
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