Surfing in Perth

Western Australians take to the surf from a young age—and with world-famous surfing beaches right on the city's doorstep, it's no wonder. The most popular year-round beaches for body and board surfing are Scarborough and Trigg, where swells usually reach 6-9 feet, and occasionally rear up to 12 feet. There are also more than a dozen beaches heading north from Leighton (near Fremantle), including the Cables Artificial Reef (near Leighton) and Watermans (in the northern suburbs of Perth). Cottesloe is favored by novice surfers and children.

If you venture outside the city, Rottnest also has good surf, and if you head south on the coast, you'll find more than 20 surf locations from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. The Main Break at Margaret River is the best known, where waves often roll in at more than 12-15 feet, setting the scene for the annual Margaret River Pro, a world-qualifying series event held in April at Surfers Point. Western Australia's top board surfers head to Scarborough in August for the final round of the state competition. Wet suits are de rigueur for the winter months (May-September), when the surf is usually at its best.

Big Wave Surf School. Big Wave Surf School has a range of classes available, starting at A$30 for a one-hour casual class, Saturday only at 11:45 08/9524-7671. www.surfingschool.com.au.