FAQ
What You Need to Know
Where will we be surfing?
Our surfing experiences will take place in the Northland, Matakana & Mount Maunganui regions, typically we hold surf lessons on Northland's Tutukaka Coast, Mount Maunganui or Matakana's Tawharanui Regional Park. NZ Surf Academy are privileged to be the only surf school with a concession. In addition to this we offer Holiday Programmes at Orewa.
What are your opening times?
Our opening times for our Northland & Mt Maunganui Surf Schools are from September to May and our popular Tawharanui weekend lessons run from October to April. If you would like to surf outside these times please get it touch.
How do I book and pay?
For surf lessons please book online through our website and secure payment gateway. We accept all credit cards. When booking your child on our Holiday Surf & After School Programmes you will need to complete an online form, once enrolled you will be emailed payment options. School will be invoiced after their surfing experience.
What time are your surf lessons?
Surf Lessons will take place at 10am and 1pm. If there is a change in time due to weather or tide you will be notified by text or email.
Where do I meet for my surf lesson?
You will be notified by text or email on where to meet for your surf lesson. Please be there 10 minutes before your lesson starts. Mt Maunganui lessons will meet at our surf trailer on the corner of Marine Parade & Grove Ave. Tawaharaui lessons will meet at our surf trailer in the Anchor Bay car park at the very end of Takatu Rd. Other locations will be notified by text/email.
Do you provide all the equipment?
Yes, we’ll provide you with a wetsuit and surfboard, on the day and have all shapes and sizes to suit your size and ability. You’re welcome to bring your own wetsuit. For intermediate and experienced surfers you can use your own boards.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring a towel, sunscreen, water and lots of energy.
What if it rains?
We can surf in just about all weather conditions including rain, we’ll be getting wet anyway so why not enjoy one of the few all weather sports.
Do you ever cancel surf lessons?
It’s very rare that we cancel a lesson. We only cancel if there is insufficient surf or extreme weather conditions such as a cyclone or tsunami warning. Being mobile allows us to surf beaches suitable to the conditions. In the event cancellation we will reschedule the lesson, if this is inconvenient we will give you a surf voucher valid for 1 year.
Do I need to be able to swim?
It's ideal if you can swim 15 metres. Lessons are typically held in waist deep water, together with a wetsuits which acts as a buoyancy aid make the activity safe and fun regardless of your swimming ability. Please let us know of any non-swimmers when booking.
How big are the lesson groups?
Group sizes vary depending on the level of ability and booking on that day. Typically, tuition is provided along the industry guideline of a maximum ratio of 1:10. You'll find our group sizes smaller than the industry standard at 1:8 ratio or less. For Private and Small Group Lessons it will just be you and your Surf Coach.
Is there an age limit?
The minimum age we accept for children learning to surf is 6 years. For younger children we ask a parent or guardian to stay at the beach. We cannot accept children younger than this. There is no upper age limit.
What happens during a surf lesson?
We offer different types of coaching during your lesson, but typically we’ll:
Meet at the agreed beach location 10 minutes prior to the lesson
Sign Surf Enrolment Form
Receive Wetsuit & Surfboard
Hit the beach (15-20minute beach lesson)
Intro to surf safety / Equipment analysis /Wave catching / Standing techniques / Surf posture.
Hit the sea to put it into practice and catch lots of waves.
De-brief on what you have learned.
Are your coaches qualified?
Yes our Surf Coaches are qualified surf coaches holding ISA Coaching, Life Saving and First Aid qualifications. We are a Surfing NZ Accredited Surf School and hold Public Liability insurance, we had pick our staff who are all police checked. Our coaches are dedicated to continually improve your surfing in a safe positive environment, ensuring you have the best experience possible.