Jeffreys Bay Surf School
Jeffreys Bay Surf School
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Since 2000 Jeffreys Bay Surf School, the second oldest Surf School in South Africa, has been providing the perfect surfing experience to many happy clients. The owner, Etienne, is the South African Surf Team coach and all instructors are ISA qualified. We offer professional, fun learn to surf, intermediate & advanced lessons. We also specialize in Surf Guiding & Surf Holiday Packages. All equipment is provided for lessons. Surfboard and wetsuit rentals are also available with a wide selection of boards available for rental. The Surf School is located right at the learn to surf beach and has changing facilities and safe valuable storage. Payment can be made with card or cash.
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Jeffreys Bay Surf School
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
38 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Liz27
Cape Town, South Africa33 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
I booked a full day surf guide with Etienne of Jeffreys Bay Surf School. They offer everything from learning to surf to surf lessons for more experienced surfers as well as half and full days out for newcomers to the area. It was truly a wonderful experience to be given local knowledge of surf breaks & helpful advice to improve my surfing as well. Etienne went out of his way to show me various parts of J-Bay & Cape St Francis & it was such a pleasant experience. The fact that he collects you from your home was also a big plus. I found Etienne’s surfing knowledge & advice so insightful that I decided to book another session a few days later. If you are coming to J-Bay & you want to have an awesome surfing experience, then I would highly recommend giving Etienne a shout. Thanks for all effort in making it such a memorable surfing adventure Etienne. We rode some great waves!
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy S
1 contribution
Jan 2020
I surfed for 2 weeks with Jeffreys Bay Surf School and loved every minute. Amazing, top rate teaching - I really did improve my skills! Excellent location and just the most friendly, fun and experienced instructors I could hope for!
Cristal Cove in Jeffreys Bay was such a lovely place to stay too, and a huge thank you to Etienne for being so welcoming and kind. Jerry, Joshe and Angelo are all brilliant teachers - by the end of my trip I did not want to leave!
Would 100% recommend - don't think twice if you're considering surfing with these guys!
Cristal Cove in Jeffreys Bay was such a lovely place to stay too, and a huge thank you to Etienne for being so welcoming and kind. Jerry, Joshe and Angelo are all brilliant teachers - by the end of my trip I did not want to leave!
Would 100% recommend - don't think twice if you're considering surfing with these guys!
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lucy
It was an absolute pleasure having you here with us and a big well done on how you improved your surfing during the two weeks.
Thanks for the great review and looking forward to having you back.
Etienne
Written February 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Polly Serpell
16 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Trip of a lifetime! This was our first siblings surf trip and we booked through NOMAD surfers so we showed up with no expectations and minimal knowledge of jbay hoping for some surf and a good time.
Left in Jacqui’s hands, her organization and local knowledge really allowed us to make the most of our time in Jbay. She gave us lifts, helped with board and fin changes, reccomend swells depending on the day as well as going above and beyond to help our brother get medical treatment when he suddenly fell ill very quickly.
The quality of surf coaching super and gave us a fast track to the different breaks that we surfed. A bonus was how much we enjoyed spending time with our coach Joshe and others from the team (Mickey & Abi) off the water as well. The crew at Jbay surf school are super special, we can’t wait to come back.
With love,
The Serpells siblings!
Left in Jacqui’s hands, her organization and local knowledge really allowed us to make the most of our time in Jbay. She gave us lifts, helped with board and fin changes, reccomend swells depending on the day as well as going above and beyond to help our brother get medical treatment when he suddenly fell ill very quickly.
The quality of surf coaching super and gave us a fast track to the different breaks that we surfed. A bonus was how much we enjoyed spending time with our coach Joshe and others from the team (Mickey & Abi) off the water as well. The crew at Jbay surf school are super special, we can’t wait to come back.
With love,
The Serpells siblings!
Written September 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreenThibault
Paris, France5 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
I spent 3 weeks in J-Bay, surfing every day with Etienne who coached me and helped me to improve a lot. From white water to green waves, moving to different spots depending on the waves and weather, this was the best experience I could hope for !
Etienne coachs south african pro surfers, and is well known in J-Bay. His experience let me get the best waves, stick into the right place to catch each wave. Step by step, he made me move from a 7'8 board to a 6'4 in 3 weeks, and advised me wisely on the board I bought at the end of the trip. He took outstanding pictures of me surfing waves, from the beach with his camera, and from the water with his Go Pro. Amazing !
The hotel was also fabulous, at 5mins to the beach with a great view on the ocean from each window. Most part of the time Etienne fetched to every places i wanted to go (shopping, safaris), and also shared with me a bit a his life (restaurants, bars, friends).
I also became friend with Eugene (Etienne's coach assistant), who tought me lots of south african culture. Such a cool guy.
To sum up those 3 weeks : almost a life changing experience, looking at this healthy way of life spend in deep contact with the elements of nature
Etienne coachs south african pro surfers, and is well known in J-Bay. His experience let me get the best waves, stick into the right place to catch each wave. Step by step, he made me move from a 7'8 board to a 6'4 in 3 weeks, and advised me wisely on the board I bought at the end of the trip. He took outstanding pictures of me surfing waves, from the beach with his camera, and from the water with his Go Pro. Amazing !
The hotel was also fabulous, at 5mins to the beach with a great view on the ocean from each window. Most part of the time Etienne fetched to every places i wanted to go (shopping, safaris), and also shared with me a bit a his life (restaurants, bars, friends).
I also became friend with Eugene (Etienne's coach assistant), who tought me lots of south african culture. Such a cool guy.
To sum up those 3 weeks : almost a life changing experience, looking at this healthy way of life spend in deep contact with the elements of nature
Written August 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
Canton of Ticino, Switzerland4 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
Excellent mix of fun, learning how to surf properly and safety. Close to the beach, with own showers. Friendly smilling staff, they use their heart to teach how to surf. Very professinal equipment and team. Looking forward to come again.
Learning from Etienne means learning to surf from a world champ.
Learning from Etienne means learning to surf from a world champ.
Written January 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
natelie k
East London, South Africa152 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
Last minute decision on Saturday morning to go for a surf lesson. I phoned in advanced and was advised there would be a 12o clock mid day spot. Was just two of us for the lesson which worked our great.
The instructor was very patient and I managed to stand after a good few tries.
Right on the beach - R350 for two hours incl board and wetsuit. They have a small changing room you can utilise and will keep keys etc safe whilst you are out.
Definitely worth every cent!
The instructor was very patient and I managed to stand after a good few tries.
Right on the beach - R350 for two hours incl board and wetsuit. They have a small changing room you can utilise and will keep keys etc safe whilst you are out.
Definitely worth every cent!
Written March 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Natelie
Thanks for the great review and stoked you enjoyed your surfing experience with us.
Written March 15, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tkmartin48
Charleston, SC1 contribution
Jan 2018 • Couples
I had always seen J-Bay in the surfing magazines and made it my bucket list. I was lucky enough to find this website while pre-planning for my trip. Etienne, the owner, was extremely helpful in making me feel comfortable that I would get the experience I dreamed of.
I explained to Etienne what I was wanting to do, my preference in boards and size in wetsuit all prior to my arrival in South Africa. It was amazing how easily he arranged everything and had me ready to go upon arrival!
The day would start with Etienne picking me up from my hotel and we would drive around J-Bay looking at the different breaks and finding what was best at the time. He would then teach me the proper entry points and how to paddle out at specific breaks. This was HUGE considering the rough coastline and large surf that can get ahold of you if you don't know what you are doing. Once in the water, Etienne showed me the best spots in the lineup and explained the tides, reefs, etc so I was well aware of my surroundings. Finally, at the end of the session (I chose 2 hour sessions) he would help me get back on the beach through the rocky shoreline. I cannot stress enough how helpful it was getting in and out of the different breaks with such ease and confidence... my surf trip would have probably been cut short if I didn't have this critical assistance at the different breaks.
On another day, Etienne recommended we go to Seal point at Cape St. Francis and I should bring my wife along to experience the town. First, what an amazing break and great surf session. Second, my wife had a blast getting to see penguins and the lighthouse. After the session, Etienne and his daughter took time out of their day to show my wife and I around Cape St. Francis, the harbor and a nice wildlife park. We had a wonderful time getting a local's perspective of the towns and culture. The scenery was beautiful and my wife had a great experience, even though she does not surf!
If you are planning a surf trip between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, this is the surf shop and gentleman you NEED to contact. I had the experience of a lifetime and checked off Supertubes and more from my bucket list!
Etienne, his family and staff at the shop are wonderful people. They treated my wife and I as if we had been friends for the longest time. I know it may be a while before I get to take a surf trip again, but I will definitely reach out to Etienne again for an extended trip between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
You must utilize this school and you will have nothing but the best time!
Thank you for the unforgettable trip!
-Kyle & Ashley
I explained to Etienne what I was wanting to do, my preference in boards and size in wetsuit all prior to my arrival in South Africa. It was amazing how easily he arranged everything and had me ready to go upon arrival!
The day would start with Etienne picking me up from my hotel and we would drive around J-Bay looking at the different breaks and finding what was best at the time. He would then teach me the proper entry points and how to paddle out at specific breaks. This was HUGE considering the rough coastline and large surf that can get ahold of you if you don't know what you are doing. Once in the water, Etienne showed me the best spots in the lineup and explained the tides, reefs, etc so I was well aware of my surroundings. Finally, at the end of the session (I chose 2 hour sessions) he would help me get back on the beach through the rocky shoreline. I cannot stress enough how helpful it was getting in and out of the different breaks with such ease and confidence... my surf trip would have probably been cut short if I didn't have this critical assistance at the different breaks.
On another day, Etienne recommended we go to Seal point at Cape St. Francis and I should bring my wife along to experience the town. First, what an amazing break and great surf session. Second, my wife had a blast getting to see penguins and the lighthouse. After the session, Etienne and his daughter took time out of their day to show my wife and I around Cape St. Francis, the harbor and a nice wildlife park. We had a wonderful time getting a local's perspective of the towns and culture. The scenery was beautiful and my wife had a great experience, even though she does not surf!
If you are planning a surf trip between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, this is the surf shop and gentleman you NEED to contact. I had the experience of a lifetime and checked off Supertubes and more from my bucket list!
Etienne, his family and staff at the shop are wonderful people. They treated my wife and I as if we had been friends for the longest time. I know it may be a while before I get to take a surf trip again, but I will definitely reach out to Etienne again for an extended trip between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
You must utilize this school and you will have nothing but the best time!
Thank you for the unforgettable trip!
-Kyle & Ashley
Written January 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KaapseKobra
Vanderkloof, South Africa2 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
Thank you for your friendly service. The kids were crazy about Eugene. Willing to give lessons even in bad and rainy weather.
Written January 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MeyBenjo
Dortmund, Germany11 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
The perfect way to learn surfing is to go to Etienne and learn from the best! We've done it twice and I have to say that for me it's a MUST to come back here and get a few more lessons, because it's so much fun! We'll be back! Thanks for everything!
Written November 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
Thanks a lot for the great review. Keep the stoke and hope to see you guys back in J-Bay sometime soon!!
Etienne
Written November 24, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Damian D
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Very friendly and always smiling people. Renting the surfing stuff was super easy and quick. There are changing rooms and you can clean yourself after you're done. Just a nice experience. Well done!!
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! As far as accommodations, can you give more detail and let me know how to book that if available? Thanks!
Written May 9, 2016
Hi, so the surf school of and with Etiennne is quite small, but very nice and relaxed. The most important thing you learn about surfing is having fun. By the way, Etienne is also the coach of the national south african surfing team, which implies that he has a lot of experience to offer. We were complete beginners at surfing and wanted to have a quick test session, as we were only staying for one night in jeffreys bay. But as we had much more fun than expected, we also took the next morning session before we left. Wet suit and board are given by the surf school and are in good condition. We have reserved everything over our hotel, as they also recommended this surf school locally. Otherwise you can also check out the official Facebook site under “Jeffreys bay surf school” and get in contact with the guys over the messenger. Additionally, we can really recommend our guest house “Supertubes” which is a great place to stay in Jeffreys bay (also available on Tripadvisor).
Written May 9, 2016
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