CHRISTCHURCH SURF FIELD GUIDE
Beach days that teach more than tricks: a supervised school-holiday surf program for kids at Orewa Beach
Aotearoa Surf School runs a 2- or 4-day, drop-off programme (9:00am–1:00pm) that pairs two coached surf sessions per day with beach games and lunch breaks—ideal for building ocean confidence and surf skills.
Beach days that teach more than tricks: a supervised school-holiday surf program for kids at Orewa Beach.
On the sand at Orewa Beach, a compact surf programme turns idle holiday hours into coached progression: kids grouped by age and ability learn to read the shore, stand on a board and move through the surf across two or four days. The School Holiday Program is a fully supervised drop-off offering two lessons daily, a lunch break and structured beach play—designed to keep young people active, safe and confident in the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tailored lessons for beginners and intermediates
Participants are grouped by age and ability, with instruction focused on progression—from first stands to building basic technique—delivered by qualified, experienced instructors.
Close supervision and low instructor-to-student ratios
Lessons run with first-aid trained, surf-rescue–qualified staff and a targeted maximum ratio of one instructor to six surfers, with extra care for younger or more vulnerable children.
Everything supplied — pack a hat and lunch
All wetsuits and boards are provided, so families only need to bring lunch, water bottles and sun protection; kids may bring their own gear if they prefer.
What the day feels like
What the programme feels like
Mornings are purposeful and compact: arrival and a beach-safety briefing give way to a first coached surf session, a mid-day break with lunch and games, then a second session before pickup. Over two or four days the rhythm of briefings, coached water time and supervised play builds skill, stamina and friendships in a supportive beach environment.
THE COACHING
Tailored lessons for beginners and intermediates
Participants are grouped by age and ability, with instruction focused on progression—from first stands to building basic technique—delivered by qualified, experienced instructors.
THE SAFETY
Close supervision and low instructor-to-student ratios
Lessons run with first-aid trained, surf-rescue–qualified staff and a targeted maximum ratio of one instructor to six surfers, with extra care for younger or more vulnerable children.
THE GEAR
Everything supplied — pack a hat and lunch
All wetsuits and boards are provided, so families only need to bring lunch, water bottles and sun protection; kids may bring their own gear if they prefer.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this programme suits—and who should check in first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Runs as a 2- or 4-day programme during Term 1, 3 and 4 school holidays; daily sessions run 9:00am–1:00pm with drop-off available from 8:30am.
All wetsuits and surfboards are provided. Participants should bring lunch, water bottles and a hat; personal gear may be used but instructors may require use of school equipment if conditions are unsuitable.
Lessons are run by qualified instructors who are first-aid trained and surf-rescue awarded; the programme operates with a targeted maximum instructor-to-surfer ratio of 1:6 and provides extra care for younger or vulnerable surfers.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Does my child need to be able to swim?
No. The programme welcomes poor swimmers; lessons take place in waist-depth water where children can stand with their feet on the sand.
What happens in bad weather or unsuitable ocean conditions?
Lessons operate rain or shine and are rarely cancelled; if the ocean is judged unsafe the school will reschedule lessons where your schedule allows.
Do I have to stay at the beach during the programme?
No. This is a drop-off programme: guardians drop children at 9:00am and collect them at 1:00pm.
Can my child use their own board or wetsuit?
Yes. All equipment is provided but surfers are welcome to bring their own gear; if conditions make personal equipment unsuitable, the school’s gear can be used.
What does supervision look like?
Instructors are highly experienced, first-aid trained and surf-rescue awarded; the programme targets a maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 6 surfers and increases care for younger or more vulnerable participants.
My child has learning or physical difficulties—can they participate?
Yes. The operator has experience with a wide array of learning, behavioural and emotional needs; for serious physical limitations that prevent activity the school asks families to contact them to discuss suitability.