RIDE YOUR
FIRST WAVE
WITH THE BEST
We've been teaching people to surf in Muizenberg, Cape Town since 1989 — longer than any other surf school in South Africa. Lesson times are set by the tides. We guarantee you'll stand up, or your money back.
What We Offer
EVERYTHING SURF
From your very first lesson to buying your own board — we've got the whole surf experience covered on Muizenberg beachfront.
Surf Lessons
Beginner to intermediate lessons daily. Tide-timed for the best conditions. Wetsuit & board included.
Board & Wetsuit Rentals
Wide range of boards from 5'5" to 11ft. Soft tops, fibreglass, epoxy. Wetsuit for every size.
Events & Groups
Team building, kids parties, bachelor & hen parties, corporate groups. We turn any occasion into a surf experience.
Accommodation
Stay steps from the break in Kommetjie. Wake up, paddle out. The full surf getaway experience.
Surf Shop
Buy and sell surfboards, wetsuits and gear. We also buy back your board at the end of your stay.
Surf Trips
Day trips to Cape Town's best spots or week-long adventures along the Garden Route to J-Bay.
Book a Lesson
CHOOSE YOUR LESSON
All lessons include wetsuit and board. Times are tide-dependent — call ahead or book online to confirm the best session for your level.
2 Hour Group Lesson
Inclusive of wetsuit, surfboard & instructor. 1 hour with instructor & 1 hour on your own to practice and have fun.
- Wetsuit
- Surfboard
- Professional instructor
- 1hr coached + 1hr practice
2 Hour Private Family Group Lesson
Inclusive of wetsuit, surfboard & your own instructor. 1 hour with your own instructor & 1 hour on your own to practice and have fun.
- Wetsuit
- Surfboard
- Dedicated instructor
- 1hr coached + 1hr practice
1 Hour Private Lesson (1 on 1)
Inclusive of wetsuit, surfboard & the instructor. For those who want 1-on-1 coaching instead of a group lesson, or for someone who can already surf and wants to improve their skills.
- Wetsuit
- Surfboard
- 1-on-1 instructor
- Personalised coaching
Lesson times change with the tide cycle. Call us to book — +27 21 788 9839
Our Story
SOUTH AFRICA'SORIGINAL SURF SCHOOLSINCE 1989
Gary Kleynhans started surfing in 1976 and opened Gary's Surf School on Muizenberg beachfront in 1989. That makes us South Africa's first and oldest surf school — and we've never once lost the stoke.
While other schools take your money and send you out, we discuss the conditions first. Lesson times follow the tides — because that's what actually matters. Muizenberg's gentle, consistent waves are world-famous for beginners, and we know every inch of this break.
Locally loved and internationally renowned, many of our tourists come back year after year. We're not just a surf school — we're a community.
Money-Back Guarantee
Stand up on your board — or we refund you. Full stop.
35+ Years Experience
More wave knowledge than any other school on the peninsula.
Tide-Timed Lessons
We track every tide cycle to give you optimal conditions.
All Ages Welcome
From age 5 to 75 — the ocean is for everyone.
World-Class Spot
Muizenberg is renowned globally as the best beginner beach in Africa.
Open 362 Days
Rain, shine or swell — we're here almost every single day.
What People Say
THE STOKE IS REAL
"The most helpful surf school in Muizenberg! The kids' faces just light up when Gary is giving them tips. For beginners who know zero about surfing, Gary is simply the best!!!"
"What an amazing first time experience… thanks for your patience and EXPERT advice, and making the morning so much fun. Gary — you were right — it was all about the fun. I'm coming back tomorrow!"
"We return every single year. The instructors genuinely care about your progress. This is not just a surf lesson — it's an experience you'll talk about for years."
Surf & Stay
WAKE UP.
PADDLE OUT.
Stay steps from the break. Our Surf house accommodation puts you right in the heart of Kommetjie's surf community. Book your room and your lessons together for the ultimate surf getaway.
Online room booking or call to reserve: +27 21 788 9839
KOMMETJIE STAY
Group Experiences
SURF YOUR NEXT EVENT
Whether it's a birthday on the beach, a team building session, a bachelor party or a school trip — we've been turning group events into legendary surf days since 1989.
Why Muizenberg?
THE WORLD'S BESTBEGINNER BEACH
Muizenberg is globally recognised as one of the most beginner-friendly surf destinations on the planet. Its gentle, rolling waves, warm-ish False Bay waters and iconic colourful beach huts make it the perfect classroom for first-time surfers.
Unlike the cold Atlantic side of Cape Town, False Bay water temperatures are far more forgiving — especially in summer. Combined with consistent, learnable waves and a vibrant surf community, it's no surprise this is where South African surfing was born.
We track the tides every single day. Lesson times are always set to catch conditions that give you the best possible chance of standing up on your board.
Gentle Waves
Long, consistent breaks perfect for learning.
Iconic Beach
The famous colourful huts of Muizenberg.
Surf Community
Warm, welcoming surf culture for all levels.
Cape Town
30 mins from central Cape Town. Easy to find.
READY TO CATCH YOUR FIRST WAVE?
Call us or book online. Bring your stoke — we'll bring the boards, wetsuits and 35 years of wave knowledge.