What to Wear to Your First Surf Lesson in Australia

Learn Surfing Australia

Jun 11

2 min read

Updated: Oct 10

If it’s your first surf lesson, it’s normal to wonder what you’re supposed to wear. The short answer: dress for the water and the sun, not the beach. Here’s everything you need to know.

a woman applying sunscreen on her face on the beach with her surfboard and protective clothing laid out ready for her first surf lesson

The Essentials

A rash vest (rashie) is the single most important piece of clothing for a surf lesson. It protects you from two things: UV exposure from the sun above and board rash from the foam board below. After an hour of sliding on and off a surf board, unprotected skin — particularly your chest and stomach — will be very unhappy. Most surf schools will have rashies available to hire if you don’t own one, but it’s worth having your own.

Board shorts or a swimsuit underneath. Board shorts should be secure-fitting with a tie cord — loose shorts that fill with water become heavy and impractical quickly. Bikinis work fine for women, but a one-piece or shorty swimsuit provides more coverage and stays more securely in place when you’re paddling and wiping out.

Sunscreen applied 20 minutes before you hit the water. Choose a water-resistant SPF 50+ formula. Zinc on the nose and under the eyes is particularly effective for extended time in the water. Reapply after your session.

When You Need a Wetsuit

In tropical Queensland, a rashie is sufficient for most of the year. In New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, water temperature drops significantly in winter and a wetsuit becomes important for comfort and safety.

As a rough guide:

Water above 22°C: rashie only
Water 18–22°C: shorty wetsuit or 2mm full wetsuit
Water below 18°C: 3mm full wetsuit

Most surf schools will advise you on wetsuit requirements when you book and often have them available to hire.

What NOT to Wear

Jewellery — remove all rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches before entering the water. Jewellery can catch on boards and equipment, and rings in particular can cause injury in falls.

Cotton t-shirts — cotton absorbs water and becomes heavy and uncomfortable. Stick to purpose-made swimwear and rash vests.

Loose thongs or flip flops on the beach — fine for getting to the water’s edge, but leave them well above the tide line.