Itinerary
Pre-Lesson: Please arrive 15 minutes early to help your child get fitted and changed into a wetsuit.
0:00 – 0:10: Meet your instructor for a fun introduction, surfboard chat and walk down to the beach.
0:10 – 0:25: Ice-breaker games and beach activities to help students get comfortable, followed by important surf safety and ocean awareness instruction.
0:25 – 0:45: The surfers hit the water and start surfing! Instructors provide hands-on guidance to help students catch their first waves and build confidence.
0:45 – 0:55: Mid-session group chat with personalised coaching, technique tips and feedback to help improve skills.
0:55 – 1:20: More time in the water to practise, progress and have fun catching waves.
1:20 – 1:30: Return to the surf school, rinse off and wrap up the session.
Each day will progress and build upon knowledge regarding ocean awareness, safety, surf theory and personalised coaching.
Restrictions
Learning to surf with Go Ride A Wave is an accessible and inclusive experience. No matter your ability level or water skills, we have a lesson perfect for everyone. If you are nervous about your ability level or have a special need, get in touch with us to see if a private lesson may be more appropriate for you.
Learning to surf with Go Ride A Wave is extremely safe with our highly trained and fully qualified lifeguard staff. We use safe, soft surfboards.
When learning, we stay in waist deep water where we can always stand. Surfing is so safe that we don't require a minimum swimming ability!
Extras
Hire wetsuit and surfboard for 2 hours or a full day; upgrade to a 3-lesson progressive Surf Course with online modules; book 1:1 private lessons.
Disclaimers
All lessons require payment in advance to secure booking. Lessons run in rain but may be cancelled for dangerous conditions or if surf is too small. Minimum participant numbers apply; if not met, provider may offer an alternative time/date, refund or credit. Refunds given for provider cancellations. Customer cancellations require at least 24 hours notice for a refund; same-day cancellations or no-shows forfeit payment. Gift vouchers are requested to be redeemed within one year but provider does not impose strict expiration. All customers must sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form.
FAQ
Is SurfGroms safe for my child?
SurfGroms has been developed with your child’s safety as the priority. Go Ride A is licensed by and affiliated to Surfing Australia. We are committed to adhering to strict guidelines relating to operational quality and safety in all of our programs.
SurfGroms coaches at Go Ride A Wave are all qualified Surf Lifesavers. Our instructors are experienced and accredited 'Surfing Australia' instructors and hold surf rescue and senior first aid accreditation, as well as a valid ‘working with children’ card for the State they operate within.
How many surf coaches are in attendance per program?
Surfing Australia sets a safe maximum instructor/student ratio of 1:8. However, Go Ride A Wave choose to operate with a ratio of 1:5 for all SurfGroms Programs to ensure maximum enjoyment and success in the water.
What will my child learn in SurfGroms?
SurfGroms adopts an approach to learning that uses group-based games to not only equip your child with the skills they need to surf but also to encourage their participation by having fun. Every SurfGroms lesson is designed purposefully to create a positive and supportive learning environment.
SurfGroms teaches children from 5-12 years old core skills in the ocean across five incremental skill levels, as well as fundamental ocean awareness and beach safety skills such as surf survival and rescue techniques, basic first aid skills, and about varying surf conditions at the beach.
My child is not a strong swimmer. Can he/she still join in?
Your child needs to be water confident to join SurfGroms. It is our expectation that your child can:
Float unassisted
Submerge without fear (open eyes underwater and demonstrate breath control i.e. blow bubbles underwater)
Free movement – move around confidently in an ocean environment independently and in a group situation
All Level 1 activities are conducted in shallow water (waist depth) only. This allows those with a limited swimming ability to participate in the program, enabling them to develop their skills and confidence before moving up to the next skill level.
Is SurfGroms competitive?
SurfGroms is acutely aware of many parents’ concerns about their child entering competitive sports too early. That’s why our unique approach to programming reflects and upholds CHOICE, F.U.N.N. (Functional Understanding Not Necessary) and DISCOVERY, all within a VALUED and carefully SEQUENCED environment. The focus is on participation and enjoyment, not on winning.
Competitive surfing is something that groms can graduate to individually if they choose to do so later on.
How old does my child need to be to register?
To register your child onto a SurfGroms program, they will need to be between 5 and 12 years of age at the start date of the program.
