backline
surf lessons
We offer everything from your first-time surf experience to professional performance coaching and fine-tuning by one of our expert surf coaches. They are trained to work with people of all ages and skill levels. We offer lessons at Muizenberg and Big Bay beach.
choose your location
Workshop 17,
Muizenberg
From R600pp | 1-5 pax | 1.5 hours
Enjoy a more premium surf experience in Muizenberg with Backline and Workshop17. With private changing facilities, personalised surf coaching in small groups of up to 5 people, and the option to add a co-working session or sauna experience, this is the perfect way to combine ocean time with a little luxury. Whether you're learning to surf or improving your skills, enjoy a more exclusive experience designed around surfing, productivity and relaxation.
Lifestyle Surf Shop, Muizenberg
From R600pp | 1-10 pax | 1.5 hours
Join Backline at Muizenberg Beach for a fun, relaxed and social surf experience. Choose a private or group lesson for 1–10 people, perfect for first-time surfers and those looking to improve their skills. With surfboard and wetsuit included, experienced coaches and access to Lifestyle Surf Shop's communal changing and shower facilities, everything is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the waves and making memories.
Open Ocean,
Big Bay
From R600pp | 1-10 pax | 1.5 hours
Discover the magic of surfing at Big Bay, Blouberg, with incredible views of Table Mountain. Our private and group surf lessons cater for 1–10 people and are perfect for beginners and more experienced surfers alike. With experienced coaches, surfboard and wetsuit included, you'll build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the ocean with Backline.
words from our students...
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MEET YOUR coaches
coach
TAMMY
With 20 years of experience, Tammy is a passionate surf coach who has been a provincial and National Long Boarder. She emphasizes that it’s a fantastic full-body workout—an adventure like no other. After teaching hundreds of people, she knows that you’re never too young or too old to catch your first wave!
coach
NICKY
Nicky is a multi-talented and resilient woman. She is a qualified ISA Level 1 Surf Coach, a Surfing Judge for competitions in Cape Town and JBay, as well as a Master Hair Extension Stylist. After overcoming brain tumors, she never lost her love for the ocean and believes surfing builds strength, resilience, and self-belief - both in and out of the sea.
coach
ALFONZO
Ever since Alfonzo first stepped onto a board over 20 years ago, surfing has been his passion, his escape, and his driving force. He has since become a 3× Protea longboarder and a father of two. He loves sharing the stoke through coaching and finds it incredibly rewarding to help others build confidence and experience how surfing can change lives.
coach
gabe
Gabe has been surfing for over a decade. 5 years ago he decided to share the sport with others, coaching students of all skill levels, regardless of their starting point or athleticism.
Gabe enjoys sharing the stoke or ‘buzz’ that comes from unlocking a new turn, or riding your first wave.
coach
AMY
Ever since Amy caught her first wave at 15 years old, her love for surfing has only grown. Along with her passion for the sport, she developed a deep desire to teach others. She finds it incredibly rewarding to share the beauty of surfing with fellow surfers and to see more women out in the lineup.
work with us
WHAT TO EXPECT in your surf lesson?
Personalised Instruction
Our private and group surf lessons are designed for all experience levels, from complete beginners to more experienced surfers looking to refine their skills. At Workshop17, we keep groups small, with a maximum ratio of 5 students per coach, ensuring personalised attention and hands-on guidance. Larger groups can be accommodated through our Lifestyle Surf Shop and Blouberg locations, with a maximum of 10 participants.
Your 1.5-Hour Surf Experience
Each experience lasts 1.5 hours, including 15 minutes to change into your wetsuit before the lesson, 60 minutes of coached surf instruction and 15 minutes afterwards to change and freshen up. Whether you're an early bird catching the morning swell or enjoying an afternoon in the ocean, we'll help you make the most of your time in the water.
Surfboard & Wetsuit Included
No equipment? No problem! Your surfboard and wetsuit are included in the lesson price, so you can arrive ready to enjoy the waves. Our coaches will help you select the right equipment for your size, ability and conditions.
Changing Facilities
Depending on your chosen location, you'll enjoy different facilities:
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Workshop17, Muizenberg: Private changing facilities for a more exclusive experience, with the option to add coworking and sauna access.
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Lifestyle Surf Shop, Muizenberg: Access to communal changing and shower facilities, perfect for a relaxed beachside experience.
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Big Bay, Blouberg: Changing facilities with equipment provided as part of your booking.
Beachside Learning
Every lesson begins with beach-based instruction tailored to your experience level. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of surfing, including surfboard handling, paddling, popping up, wave awareness and essential ocean safety. More experienced surfers will receive guidance on their pop-up, stance, technique and wave selection, with practical tips to help them progress.
Hands-On Coaching in the Water
Once you've covered the basics on the beach, it's time to hit the waves! Our coaches will join you in the water, providing hands-on guidance, encouragement and personalised feedback to help you catch waves, build confidence and improve your surfing skills.
At Backline, we believe surfing is about more than just standing up on a board. It's about embracing the ocean, challenging yourself and sharing the experience with a community that cheers you on.