CapSinkalot said..
Hi there,

I've been paddling in the Swan river for quite a bit but now wanted to try small wave surfing with my SUP. Can anyone suggest a good place for a beginner like me to try in Perth? Somewhere not too crowded and small waves is good. I was thinking Port beach/Leighton beach

I'll be wearing my PFD and ankle leash. I've also done basic beginner class to learn how to paddle, how to fall and get back on and various turning techniques such as pivot turn.


Thank you in advance!

Hi CapSinkalot,

There aren't too many places that are uber easy in Perth, but they do exist. Port Beach is OK if there is a bit of swell running but usually there isn't much there at all. It is usually full of beginner surfers on softboards when there is a wave, but worthy of a look if there is a 2m swell running.

Cottesloe is the next most obvious place to try. There are breaks from the groyne at Cottesloe to the south for about 500 metres. Various weed covered rock reefs of varying depths can be ridden, but be careful, the reefs are littered with broken fins from overzealous surfers at low tides. There is usually a big crowd on a good day because the majority of SUP'ers are learning waves and tend to hit Cott if there is any resemblance of a wave. Still worth a look and often there are little waves a little further south than the crowded ones that you can share with one or two others.

Further North is Trigg Island (not the point!). There are small beachies a couple hundred meters south of the point which can be ok. Sandy bottom but can be very dumpy and a bit heavy when the swell is up.

Further North is Mettams, not ideal for beginners but can have a nice wave .... and usually a bit of a crowd if it is working. Tide dependent for it to be at it's best. Further north again is Mullaloo Beach. Hit the Northern end up towards, but not at, the point. Smallish beachies with sand covered bottom. Can be good but worth checking if the swell is up. There are also a few outer reefs that work OK, but you'll need a boat.

A great spot for learning can also be Avalon Point down south a bit. A good variety of beginner to advanced to waves from point break sandy bottoms to sand covered reef to weed covered reefs. These breaks extend from Avalon Point to about 1km further North. The point is usually very crowded with short boards, longboards and SUP's on a good weekend. Weekdays can be excellent. There are such a good variety of beginner waves and easy shoulder take offs on the waves that break wide of the point.

For other spots a little more out of the way. Check out Lancelin back beach, Wedge Island (in the bay) and Dongara has some excellent beginner waves on back beach.

Hope this helps you finding your feet in the waves. Remember, show courtesy, smile and say "G'day" and stay out of the way of the crowd. Don't "impose" yourself on the crew. Abide by surf etiquette and you should have a great time.

Welcome to SUP surfing!

DM