Surf Skills for Kids at Kombi Surf - NRMA SurfGroms

Surf · Encounter Bay

NRMA Insurance SurfGrom - Intensive Program

Kombi Surf’s NRMA Insurance SurfGrom program blends play and practical skills for kids 5-12 at Encounter Bay. Learn how this unique surf school builds confidence and ocean awareness in a supportive setting.

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Duration2–3 hours per day
LocationEncounter Bay, South Australia
OperatorKombi Surf - SurfGroms
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Adventure brief

NRMA Insurance SurfGrom - Intensive Program

Kombi Surf’s NRMA Insurance SurfGrom program blends play and practical skills for kids 5-12 at Encounter Bay. Learn how this unique surf school builds confidence and ocean awareness in a supportive setting.

Encounter Bay, located on South Australia's picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, offers an ideal coastal backdrop for young adventurers seeking to embrace the ocean. Kombi Surf - SurfGroms delivers a standout surf education program for children ages 5 to 12, designed to build confidence and skills in the waves under expert guidance from instructors Dan and Meg. The NRMA Insurance SurfGrom - Intensive Program combines hands-on surf training with interactive games that make learning ocean safety and beach awareness engaging for kids.

This program is more than just catching waves—it’s a carefully structured course that develops a child's ability to read surf conditions, understand surf survival techniques, basic first aid, and beach safety essentials. The methodical approach spans five skill levels, ensuring kids progress at their own pace within a supportive group setting. The program’s emphasis on fun helps develop lifelong connections between children and the ocean while encouraging teamwork and resilience.

Encounter Bay’s diverse coastal environment provides gentle, beginner-friendly breaks with sandy bottoms and consistent surf, making it an ideal location for surf schools. The wide beach frontage and natural dune vegetation frame a vibrant marine ecosystem where local seabirds and occasional dolphins add to the immersive experience. What sets Kombi Surf apart is how it cultivates ocean respect and safety from an early age, teaching kids to become confident water users.

Dan and Meg’s hands-on, playful teaching style ensures every session feels like an adventure tailored specifically for young learners. For families in South Australia, especially those based around Adelaide, Kombi Surf - SurfGroms presents a rare opportunity to introduce children to surfing with seasoned pros in a program that balances safety, skill development, and pure enjoyment of the sea.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Arrive Early to Assess Surf Conditions

    Waves and currents can change rapidly; arriving early helps instructors customize lessons to current conditions.

    essential
  2. 02
    Bring Sunscreen and Rash Guards

    Protect young skin from sun exposure during extended sessions on the beach and in the water.

    essential
  3. 03
    Hydrate Frequently

    Kids are active and exposed to sun; ensuring regular hydration is key for energy and safety.

    info
  4. 04
    Check for Suitable Swimwear and Footwear

    Comfortable, quick-drying swimwear and water shoes help children stay comfortable and safe on rocky shorelines.

    warning
DifficultyEasy
Duration2–3 hours per day
FitnessChildren should be comfortable in water and able to swim small distances or float independently.
Technical skillsBasic swimming skills recommended but not required

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Rash Guard

Provides sun protection and minimizes irritation from the surfboard and saltwater.

summerEssential
02

Wetsuit (2-3mm)

Keeps young surfers warm during cooler months and extends playtime comfortably.

fall|winter|springEssential
03

Water Shoes

Protect feet from rocky or uneven beach surfaces when entering and exiting the water.

04

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated during active sessions is crucial for energy and safety.

Essential

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Back beach tide pools near Encounter Bay ideal for spotting small marine life, Adjacent coastal walking trails rich in native plants and birdwatching opportunities

Wildlife

Local fauna

Australian pelicans frequent the shorelines, Dolphins occasionally seen riding local breaks

History

Historic heritage

Encounter Bay is historically significant as one of the landing sites of early European explorers and holds cultural importance to the Ngarrindjeri people.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Kombi Surf supports local environmental programs focused on beach dune restoration and clean ocean initiatives.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
From 31 Minke Whale Drive lookout, Near the northern end of the beach, Along the estuary edges nearby
Subjects
Kids learning to surf, Rolling ocean waves, Coastal flora and seabirds
Best times
Golden hour, Early morning, Late afternoon

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

What ages are suitable for the NRMA Insurance SurfGrom program?

The program is designed specifically for children aged 5 to 12 years.

Do children need to be strong swimmers before joining?

Basic swimming ability is helpful but not mandatory; instructors prioritize safety and support.

What safety measures are in place during lessons?

The program includes ocean safety training, constant supervision, and lessons in surf awareness and first aid basics.

Is equipment provided or do kids need their own boards and wetsuits?

Kombi Surf supplies beginner surfboards and wetsuits, but personal gear can be used if preferred.

How are lessons structured across the 3-5 day programs?

Each day builds upon skills with a mix of fun games and practical surf techniques tailored to the group's level.

Can parents watch or participate in the sessions?

Parents are welcome to observe from the beach; participation is reserved for registered children.

Kombi Surf - SurfGroms

Surf Skills for Kids at Kombi Surf - NRMA SurfGroms