TWEED Coast surfers always new they had the best surfing breaks on their doorstep.

But with the turning of the sod on a world-first high-performance surfing centre at Casuarina on Saturday they will soon have a $2 million training facility at their fingertips as well.

It was the warm water and beautiful climate of the Tweed Coast along with the proximity of the Gold Coast Airport that led Surfing Australia to choose Casuarina as the prime location for the facility.

Then with the kind donation of land by Surfing Australia board member Don O'Rourke and a $2 million Federal Government grant the puzzle pieces fell together.

Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark said the centre was the surfing world's answer to the Australian Institute of Sport.

"It's a world-first surfing-specific training centre so we're pretty pleased," Mr Stark said. "The Tweed Coast should be ecstatic.

"The young surfers in the area have a significant advantage and we'll be doing a lot with the local community."

The surfing-specific facility will have a gym, auditorium, treatment centre for physiotherapy and massage as well as a boardroom and accommodation for 20 people so the facility can host touring groups.

If all goes to plan the facility should open in May next year.