MANGAWHAI HEADS RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Two Days of Surf, Skills and Sun at Mangawhai Heads — A Drop‑Off Program for 6–15 Year‑Olds
Aotearoa Surf School’s supervised School Holiday Program runs on Mangawhai Heads Beach with two coached surf lessons daily, gear provided, and age‑grouped instruction — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Two Days of Surf, Skills and Sun at Mangawhai Heads — A Drop‑Off Program for 6–15 Year‑Olds.
Set on the sand of Mangawhai Heads Beach, the School Holiday Program is a structured, drop‑off surf course that runs across two (or four) consecutive days for children aged 6–15. Each day is scheduled from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with two coached sessions and a lunch break, and groups are organised by age and ability so participants progress at a pace that suits them.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tailored instruction for beginners and intermediates
Lessons are broken into age and ability groups so kids receive coaching suited to their skill level, with two surf sessions each day focused on building technique, safety and ocean confidence.
Qualified, experienced instructors and close supervision
Instructors are fun, experienced and first‑aid trained; the program operates with a target maximum ratio of one instructor to six surfers and provides extra care for younger or more vulnerable participants.
Safe, social beach days that build confidence
Beyond lessons, the program mixes beach games and supervised free time to foster friendships while reinforcing ocean skills — an active, closely managed way for kids to spend the school holidays.
What the day feels like
What a typical program day feels like
Mornings start with arrival at Mangawhai Heads Beach and a safety briefing, then the group moves into a first coached surf session. After a break for lunch and beach games the kids return for a second lesson before pick‑up at 1:00 pm. The drop‑off structure and repeated short sessions keep energy high while giving instructors frequent opportunities to coach technique and monitor comfort in the water.
THE COACHING
Tailored instruction for beginners and intermediates
Lessons are broken into age and ability groups so kids receive coaching suited to their skill level, with two surf sessions each day focused on building technique, safety and ocean confidence.
THE TEAM
Qualified, experienced instructors and close supervision
Instructors are fun, experienced and first‑aid trained; the program operates with a target maximum ratio of one instructor to six surfers and provides extra care for younger or more vulnerable participants.
THE EXPERIENCE
Safe, social beach days that build confidence
Beyond lessons, the program mixes beach games and supervised free time to foster friendships while reinforcing ocean skills — an active, closely managed way for kids to spend the school holidays.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should call ahead.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All surfboards and wetsuits are provided; families should pack lunch, a water bottle and a sun hat for each child.
The operator supplies surfboards and wetsuits for all participants, though children may bring their own gear if desired — instructors reserve the right to use program equipment if conditions make personal gear unsuitable.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Does my child need to be able to swim?
Poor swimmers are welcome; participants will be in waist‑depth water with their feet on the ocean sand and under instructor supervision.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Lessons operate rain or shine; the school rarely cancels but will reschedule if ocean conditions are unsuitable and your schedule allows.
Do parents need to stay during the program?
No — the program is intended as a drop‑off activity with arrival at 9:00 am and pick up at 1:00 pm (drop off available from 8:30 am).
Can my child use their own board and wetsuit?
Yes — all surfboards and wetsuits are provided but children may bring their own equipment; if conditions are not suitable for personal gear, participants can use the school’s equipment.
What level of supervision and instructor qualifications are provided?
Instructors are experienced, first‑aid trained and surf rescue awarded; the program targets a maximum ratio of one instructor to six surfers and provides extra care for younger or more vulnerable participants.
My child has learning or physical difficulties — can they join?
Yes; the school has experience with a broad range of learning, behavioural and emotional challenges. For serious physical limitations that prevent activity, contact the operator to discuss suitability.