About GO Surf School

GO Surf School is an established surf school operating in Port Fairy and Warrnambool on Victoria’s South West Coast. Since 2010, we’ve helped thousands of people experience surfing through beginner surf lessons, kids programs, school programs and group surfing experiences.

Our focus is simple: quality surf coaching, ocean awareness, safe participation and giving every surfer the best opportunity to enjoy their time in the water. From a child’s first wave to school surf programs and adults learning to surf, our experienced team creates supportive surfing experiences for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Founded by Keith Curtain

GO Surf School was founded by Keith Curtain, whose involvement in Australian surfing spans more than 30 years. Keith has worked across surf coaching, participation, surf industry development and publishing, including serving as National Development Officer for Surfing Australia and publishing Australian Surf Business Magazine.

That experience has helped shape GO Surf’s approach: professional coaching, strong ocean-safety awareness and programs designed to create confident, capable surfers who enjoy the ocean.

What We Do

• Beginner Surf Lessons – Learn the fundamentals of surfing in a safe and supportive environment.
• Kids Holiday Programs- 2 & 3 day learn to surf programs specially designed for kids.
• SurfGroms – Fun surf lessons for kids aged 5–12, combining surfing, ocean awareness and beach safety.
• Private Surf Lessons – Personalised one-on-one coaching to help you progress your surfing skills.
• Corporate Surf Lessons – A fun, active and memorable team-building experience.
• School & Camps – Surf education programs for schools, camps and student groups.
• Group Surf Lessons – Surfing experiences for groups of 6 or more, perfect for families, friends, clubs and organised groups.

All programs are led by qualified surf instructors with a focus on surf technique, ocean safety, confidence and enjoying time in the water.

Why Choose GO Surf School?

• Established in 2010: More than 16 years delivering surfing experiences in South West Victoria.
• Experienced Coaches: Surf programs delivered by qualified and experienced surf coaches.
• Two Great Locations: Surf lessons and programs in Warrnambool and Port Fairy.
• Programs for All Ages: From kids learning to surf through to adults, families, schools and groups.
• Equipment Provided: Quality surfboards and warm wetsuits available for our lesson programs.
• Local Knowledge: Years of experience delivering surfing programs along Victoria’s South West Coast.
• Safety First: We maintain the highest safety standards, with first aid kits on-site and a ratio of no more than one instructor to every eight participants.
• Full Insurance Coverage: Our surf school is backed by $20 million in Public Liability Insurance and $15 million in Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Keith Curtain’s Legacy in Australian Surfing

• National Development Officer, Surfing Australia (1993-1998): Keith played a critical role in advancing surfing in Australia, including managing the Australian National Surf Teams and contributing to the campaign for surfing’s inclusion in the Olympics. He helped develop the professional standards that govern surf schools nationwide.
• National Marketing Manager, Reef Australia (1998-2003): During his time at Reef, Keith led a team of 125 athletes including 3 x World Camp Mick Fanning, and helped to cement the brand as a leading figure in global surfing culture.
• Publisher of Australian Surf Business Magazine (2004-2020): Keith’s publication was the surf industry’s go-to trade magazine, providing vital news, industry insights, and editorial content. He contributed over $2.5 million in subscriptions to surf shops across Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia, keeping professionals connected and informed.
• Founder of ActionWatch Australia (2014-2022): Keith co-founded this venture to provide critical market intelligence to the surf industry, helping businesses track trends and consumer behavior.
• Go Surf School Operator (2010-present): Through Go Surf School, Keith operates Victoria’s largest SurfGroms delivery center and the longest-running SUP school in the state. His programs have introduced thousands to surfing, including delivering over 1,000 hours of therapeutic surf services for youth with mental health challenges.
• Sustained Voluntary Contributions: Keith’s dedication extends beyond his professional work. He has served on the board of Surfing Victoria, volunteers with the Disabled Surf Association, and actively participates in beach clean-ups, demonstrating his commitment to the environment and the surfing community.

Awards & Recognition

Keith’s significant contributions to surfing have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Pioneer Award at the 2008 Australian Surfing Awards. In 2024, he was nominated for the Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring influence on Australian surfing.