Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he is unlikely to fulfil a promise to give a surfing lesson to a refugee before the election.

Mr Abbott offered the surfing lesson as the prize in a charity auction in June.

Lobby group GetUp! paid more than $16,000 to give the former Afghan refugee time with Mr Abbott.

He has not yet given the lesson and says he might not have time before polling day.

"I will give the lesson. I would like to do it pre-election, but it's a very busy schedule and I don't know whether the surfing conditions would be appropriate between now and then," he said.

"I mean he is a beginner; I'm told there are big waves predicted for next week, so I'd like to do it before the election but I can't absolutely guarantee it."