Surf Gap Year in Australia
Live at our beachfront Spot X surf camp for two weeks to three months and surf every weekday.
Taking a gap year or a working holiday in Australia? The Surf Academy at Spot X, our beachfront surf camp at Arrawarra on the Coffs Coast of New South Wales, turns it into a surf gap year. You live at the camp, surf with qualified coaches Monday to Friday and have your weekends to explore. Courses run from a 14 day taster to 3 months, and the 3 month course has the option to earn your ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification.
Compare the Surf Academy courses
| Course | Length | Accommodation | Surf lessons | Return transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Day Surf Academy Taster | 2 weeks | 13 nights in a shared dorm at Spot X | 10 lessons of 90 to 105 minutes (Monday to Friday) | From Sydney, Byron or Brisbane |
| 1 Month Surf Academy Australia | 30 nights | Mojosurf Academy dorm or teepee | 90 to 105 minutes, 5 times a week (Monday to Friday) | From Sydney or Brisbane |
| 2 Month Surf Academy Australia | 60 nights | Mojosurf Academy shared dorm or teepee | 90 to 105 minutes, 5 times a week (Monday to Friday) | From Sydney, Byron or Brisbane |
| 3 Month Surf Academy Instructor Course Australia | 3 months (90 nights) | Mojosurf Academy dorm | 90 to 105 minutes, 5 times a week (Monday to Friday) | From Sydney or Brisbane |
Every course includes surf theory and fitness or yoga sessions, and surfboards, wetsuits and rash vests are supplied. The 1, 2 and 3 month courses include breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, weekends included, and the 1 and 2 month courses and the taster include photo and video analysis.
14 Day Surf Academy Taster
Two weeks to find out whether the Academy is for you. It’s aimed at beginner to intermediate surfers who are ready to commit to their progression. See the 14 Day Surf Academy Taster.
1 and 2 Month Surf Academy
Surf development courses designed for beginners and intermediates. The 2 month course gives you more time to train, improve and fully immerse yourself in surf culture. See the 1 Month Surf Academy and the 2 Month Surf Academy.
3 Month Surf Academy Instructor Course
Ninety nights at Spot X with five surf lessons a week, a weekly surf theory lesson, 3 to 4 fitness or yoga sessions a week and unlimited board hire. You have the option to earn your ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification, and an additional fee applies. See the 3 Month Surf Academy Instructor Course.
Life at Spot X
You walk from your room to the beach. Buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the camp, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and evenings often end around the campfire. Surf rafting, river kayaking and a kangaroo trek are available at an additional cost. Read Surf Academy at Spot X: everything you need to know and our Spot X and Arrawarra surf guide for the waves and seasons.
Not very fit? As the Academy FAQ says, you will become very fit by the end of your Academy package. You do need to be able to swim 50 metres unaided to join a lesson.
Becoming a surf instructor, and working at a surf camp
Read how Gabrielle went on to become a surf instructor after the 3 month academy at Spot X. Mojosurf also lists surf camp jobs and internships at Spot X, Byron Bay and Sydney. These are unpaid internships of at least 5 to 6 months for people enrolled in an internship program through a university or internship provider.
Getting to Spot X
Every course includes return transport, from Sydney or Brisbane on the 1 and 3 month courses, and from Sydney, Byron or Brisbane on the taster and 2 month course. See surf camp from Sydney for more on getting here.
Frequently asked questions
4 questions
Still have a question?
Ask a surferCan I do a surf gap year in Australia with Mojosurf?
Yes. The Surf Academy at Spot X runs for 14 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months, with accommodation, surf lessons and return transport included.
Do I get a surf instructor qualification?
The 3 Month Surf Academy Instructor Course Australia has the option to earn your ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification, and an additional fee applies. The shorter courses don’t name a qualification.
Do I need my own board and wetsuit?
No. Surfboards, wetsuits and rash vests are supplied.
Are meals included at weekends?
On the 1, 2 and 3 month courses, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day, weekends too.
“If you’re in Australia, go with Mojosurf! I did the 3-night surf camp in Arrawarra (Spot X) and it was fantastic!”
– Laurence C
“Awesome experience, staff friendly and welcoming. I’ve done surf days on the east coast, and this was the best.”
– Knighty
“My partner and I had a great experience. The staff and instructor were lovely, chill, and approachable- total Byron vibes.”
– Tonj B
