Program Reviews

When i first arrived in Australia back in 2016, Australian Surf Tours was my first stop on my travels throughout the country. And propably the best so far.

When I first came around I didn't know anything about surfing. The coaches taught me from step one, and within 1 week I was busy practicing turning on waves. The coaches are very patient and helpfull, and without them I wouldn't be able to surf the way I am today.

Another huge plus is the accomodation. You spend your time out of the water in a surfhouse literally 5 minutes from the beach, and during the nights you can hang out with all your surfbuddies in the lounge and possibly have a feed together in the huge kitchen.

All in all, I stayed for about 2 months, and I wouldnt have missed it for the world!

When I booked the 8 Week Development Surf Course, I never expected such a excellent Team and work behind this. Now I have the freedom to travel around everywhere, watch a beach, observe the waves and go into the water on my own. Even in a pretty crowded lineup like in Byron Bay-The Pass, I now the rules, now what I need to do to catch a wave and develop my surf skills by going on. After 8 weeks getting such a confidence and the right tools from the coaches of AST, is unpayable. I never surfed in my life before - booking this course was life changing for me!

Earlier this year I did a 4 week surf development course with AST and it was an amazing experience and definitely a highlight of my travels in Australia so far. As I had already tried surfing a few times before but never quite gotten the hang of it, I was excited to find AST who offer such long programs which made it possible for me to really improve and progress in my surfing. I feel more confident in the water than I did before and I have gained a lot of understanding when it comes to reading waves and different surf conditions. Something that I find is unique to AST's surf development course compared to other surf camps that I have done in the past, is the incredible focus on detail to enhance individual progress. Other than surfing the program includes reading surf forecasts, video correction, breath training and a visit to a surfboard factory. The coaches and the rest of the staff are amazing at spreading good vibes and there is no secret that they love to share the surfing lifestyle with everyone who comes to the camp. The little surf town Thirroul, where the surf motel is located, is an absolute gem! Beautiful nature and beaches in the surrounding area and all necessary facilities such as supermarkets, pharmacy, train station, restaurants etc can be found just down the street. I would highly recommend AST to anyone who hope to have an epic surf adventure while they are in Australia!

I had spent a 5 months in Australia and wanted to learn to surf properly !!. I decided to go and see a friend who was currently doing the AST Surf Camp in Thirroul and I came down to visit and the place was amazing so I decided to book the 4 week surf development course. Instantly I felt at home in the motel with everyone being so friendly. Furthermore, Thirroul is a perfect place to run a surf camp as you really feel like your living the real surfers lifestyle. My surfing improved so much as when I started I couldn’t even stand up and then 4 weeks later being able to catch my own waves and even brought my own board !! I would recommend AST to anyone who is looking to learn to surf properly and I can promise you won’t regret it !!!

When I booked my trip to Australia, I decided to book the 4 weeks development course at Australian Surf Tours. I arrived and I immediately felt comfortable in the beautiful small town called Thirroul. The motel where you’ll stay is perfect, it has nice rooms (with comfortable beds, very important haha) and a big common room where you can chill, play pingpong or watch netflix. The motel is superclose to the beach, so you can easily go there to see the sunrise in the morning or for a walk on the beach in the evening.
About the surfing, I loved it already the first day. The coaches are full of energy and can’t wait to teach you how to surf and most importantly how to live as a surfer. After my 4 weeks I decided to extend for 4 more weeks and I do not regret at all.

Next to the surfing, you also go on adventures during the week. Visit some waterfalls, jumping of cliffs and visit Wollongong to party!

In the end I learned how to catch my own waves, start turning and most of all how to enjoy life to the fullest with the most amazing and relaxed people around you.
I can’t wait to go back!

AST has the most amazing surf camp ever. The AST crew is the most knowledgeable, fun loving, and energetic group you will ever meet. They are dedicated to teaching you how to surf and have fun doing it. In addition, through their surf camps you meet people from all over the world, who like you, are there to learn the amazing world surfing has to offer. They also introduce you to the increadable nature that Australia has to offer. Where else can you go and feed sting rays and baby kangaroos. All of the locations are easy to get to from Thirroul. And getting from Sydney airport to Thirroul is very fast and easy by train.

I had one of my favorite weeks in Oz when staying in Thirroul during a 7 day surf camp. The AST Team will make you cry from laughing (and pain if you didn't do enough press ups before the camp!) If you think you will have a moment to read a chapter of that book which you brought with you, then dream on - there is no way of getting board: surfing (obviously), skating, BBQ, an afternoon tracking trip, a movie or a party here or there. Great atmosphere, lovely people and the best instructors! You just keep coming back.

Had the best time here! The instructors was so helpful and patient. It was my first time surfing and now I can catch waves alone !! Thirroul is a very nice little town, every shops are close from the Beach Motel. The beach is just 2 minutes walk from the Beach Motel. It's very nice to meet people from everywhere is the world and share the experience with them.
Thanks Sam, Lili, José, Ben, Tom and everybody for this experience and I hope to see you soon :)
Mathilde xx

Just en amazing trip. Best place to learn to surf, best place to meet amazing people (a special one for you Magy). This is just the best part of my trip in Australia. Thank you Australian Surf Tours for these great moments, not just to teach how to surf, but also an other way of life. The motel, the food, the waves, the people, the landscapes, everything is perfect. Love you guys ! Sure I will be back ;) !

I had tried surfing three times before coming to AST in different parts of the world and I can honestly say these were the best waves, the best teachers and the best atmosphere for learning! I stayed for a week (in Thirroul) which is intense but definitely manageable, and worth it as everyone makes great progress. Surf lessons were complemented by video correction and skateboarding which was incredibly fun as well, and the surf house was really and provided yummy breakfast :) Sam, Lili and everyone else made me feel at home, I will definitely come back :)