While Surin Beach has more powerful waves for intermediate surfers, Kata is where beginners should start learning. Kata has consistent gentle waves and way less chaos than Patong.

Kata Beach Surf School does 2-hour lessons for 1500 baht including board. Ask for Tom - dude has endless patience with beginners and actually teaches technique instead of just shoving you at waves. Perfect stepping stone before you graduate to Surin's bigger swells.

May through October is prime learning season. Morning sessions 8-10am before the wind picks up.