Learning to Surf in New Zealand: Where to Take a Lesson

Start with a lesson

The fastest and safest way to learn is a lesson at a sandy beach break. A good instructor picks the safest part of the beach for the day, teaches you to spot rips, and gets you standing up sooner than you would on your own.

The best beaches for beginners

Piha has surf schools too, but its powerful surf and rips make it a place to learn only with an instructor.

What a lesson usually includes

Group lessons at New Zealand surf schools typically:

• run for 1.5 to 2 hours
• include a beginner board and a wetsuit
• start with beach coaching on ocean safety, rips, paddling and the "pop-up"
• move into the water with an instructor nearby

Some schools set lesson times around the tide, and ask for your height and weight so they can pick the right board. Private and small-group lessons are also available if you want more coaching.

Choosing a surf school

• Look for instructors who hold Surfing New Zealand qualifications and ocean-safety training.
• Ask about group sizes. Smaller groups mean more coaching per person.
• Check what's included (board, wetsuit) and the cancellation policy if the surf is too big.

Each destination guide lists local schools. We're not paid to include them.

What to wear

Wear a wetsuit. Schools usually include one, or you can hire one. Under it, wear swimwear, and add sunscreen, especially on your face and the backs of your legs.

When to learn

• In the Bay of Plenty, summer and autumn bring the warmest water. The region's swell season runs from December to May.
• Raglan's Ngarunui has lessons year round.
• Summer weekends and school holidays are busiest, so book ahead.

Surf etiquette for beginners

• Don't drop in. If someone is already riding the wave, it's theirs.
• Paddle around the break, not through someone's path.
• Hold onto your board and wear a leg rope. A loose board can hurt someone.
• Stay out of the flagged swimming area.
• Apologise if you get in someone's way. It goes a long way.

Stay safe

Learn the 3Rs for rips (Relax and float, Raise your hand, Ride the rip) before your first session. Read our surf safety guide.