SSS Phuket Dive & Surf Center

SSS Phuket has operated from Kata Beach since 2008, combining scuba, freediving and surfing under one roof. Its shop sits at the south end of Kata on Koktanod Road, a short walk from the sand, and surf lessons take place on the beach's gentle, sandy-bottomed waves.

Every surf lesson is taught with a private instructor, in 1-hour or 1.5-hour sessions, and includes the board, a rash guard and photos or videos, plus free board use after the lesson. Surf camp packages run for 3, 5 or 10 days with two 90-minute sessions a day and include accommodation and equipment. Stand-up paddleboarding lessons and board rental are also available.

Surf lessons run during the monsoon swell season, roughly May to November. The format suits complete beginners, families with children aged five and over, and returning surfers who want to work on pop-ups, turns and wave reading with focused one-to-one coaching.