DODGES FERRY SURF FIELD GUIDE
Small Feet, Big Waves: SurfGroms at Park Beach, Dodges Ferry
A kids-only surf program in Dodges Ferry that teaches 5–12-year-olds ocean safety, technique and accredited skill progression under Coastrider Surf Academy coaching.
Small Feet, Big Waves: SurfGroms at Park Beach, Dodges Ferry.
Adventure brief
Small Feet, Big Waves: SurfGroms at Park Beach, Dodges Ferry
At Park Beach, Dodges Ferry, Coastrider Surf Academy’s SurfGroms runs supervised surf lessons for children aged 5–12, combining expert coaching, beach-based technique and ocean-safety instruction with in-water practice; participants progress through graded skill levels, collect logbook sign-offs and earn skill level certificates in a supportive program designed for youngsters.
Located on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, Park Beach at Dodges Ferry offers a remarkable introduction to the world of surfing for kids aged 5 to 12. This inviting stretch of sand and saltwater provides gentle waves and a safe environment perfectly suited for young, eager wave riders. It’s here that the Coastrider Surf Academy runs weekly sessions and school holiday programs designed to nurture budding surfers through expert coaching, interactive beach games, and a strong emphasis on ocean safety.
Dodges Ferry is a quaint coastal town whose shores are patrolled by the calm Tasman Sea, known for its consistent, manageable surf ideal for beginners. The beach is flanked by soft dunes and surrounded by native coastal vegetation, including banksia and coastal tea tree, which shelter the area and offer a glimpse of Tasmania’s unique flora. The region’s temperate maritime climate ensures mild summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination for outdoor water activities.
Coastrider Surf Academy stands out in Tasmania’s outdoor recreation scene by specializing in youth surfing education. Their approach goes beyond teaching the basics of wave riding: children gradually advance through defined skill levels, earning certificates and logging their progress in official surf logbooks, a motivating system that builds confidence and respects the ocean’s power. By combining fun with formal skill-building, Coastrider is an invaluable community asset, contributing to both physical fitness and ocean awareness among young participants.
The school’s programs cultivate social connection too, helping children develop teamwork and respect for nature while engaging with peers who share their enthusiasm. Local families appreciate the academy’s dedication to safety protocols and small group sizes, which allow personalized attention in a stunning natural setting. Visitors will find Dodges Ferry’s mix of beachside charm, nearby hiking trails, and local eateries a perfect complement for a family surf trip.
Whether it’s a calm morning paddle or the thrill of catching the first wave, Park Beach’s accessible surf zone makes it an outstanding spot for learners. This experience is perfect for families looking to introduce their kids to surfing within a supportive, professionally monitored framework that respects Tasmania’s delicate coastal ecosystem. Come here for a surf adventure that plants the seeds of a lifelong passion on one of Australia’s pristine southern shores.
Route Schematic
Lesson itinerary at Park Beach
Sessions follow a consistent flow of check-in, kit-up, beach drills, in-water coaching and end-of-session feedback and recognition.
Meet at the Coastrider trailer
Arrive 5–10 minutes before the start time and meet the coaches at the Coastrider trailer and bus in the car park for check-in and grouping.
Kit-up and group split
Coaches fit wetsuits and boards and split participants into MiniGroms (5–8) and SuperGroms (9–12), then further by skill level (Level 1–5).
Beach-based technique and safety briefing
Sessions begin on the sand with technique drills and surf-safety instruction to prepare kids for in-water practice.
In-water coaching, games and feedback
Children surf in conditions suited to their ability, take part in surf-specific beach games, work on logbook skills and finish with a feedback session outlining goals for the next lesson.
Programs are designed for children aged 5–12 and may include an initial Surfing Australia admin fee built into the program rate; groupings and conditions are adjusted to ability and safety considerations.
What the day feels like
What a lesson feels like
A typical SurfGrom session at Park Beach starts with check-in at the Coastrider trailer, a warm, structured beach briefing focused on safety and technique, and then moves into coached surf time where children practice in waves suited to their level while rotating through games and skills work; each lesson ends with a feedback session and goals for the next lesson, and the term finishes with logbook sign-off and certificates.
THE TEACHING
Skill levels, logbooks and certificates
SurfGroms works kids through Levels 1–5; first-time surfers start at Level 1, progress is recorded in a logbook, and completed skills are signed off with a skill-level certificate at the program’s conclusion.
THE SESSION
Beach-first coaching and in-water practice
Lessons begin with beach-based technique and surf-safety briefings before entering conditions matched to each child’s ability; sessions mix coached waves with surf-specific beach games and activities.
THE LOGISTICS
Program structure, make-ups and included insurance
Coastrider runs weekly and holiday programs with make-up sessions permitted during the same term; a Surfing Australia admin fee of $25 is included in the program rate for first-time registrations each season.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who it’s designed for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Options include a 3-session weekly program (3 x 2 hrs = 6 hrs total) and a 2-session holiday program (2 x 3 hrs = 6 hrs total); program rates are published with the sessions.
Arrive 5–10 minutes before your lesson and meet the team at the Coastrider trailer and bus in the car park for check-in and grouping.
Coastrider coaches supply wetsuits and boards and will fit participants prior to entering the water.
A Surfing Australia admin fee of $25 is included in the program rate for first-time SurfGrom registrations each season; returning groms can use a discount code for $20 off, and missed sessions can be made up at another groms program during the same term time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can join SurfGroms at Park Beach?
Programs are for children aged 5–12 years old.
Where and when do we meet the coaches?
Arrive 5–10 minutes before your start time and meet at the Coastrider trailer and bus in the car park.
What happens if a child misses a session?
If you miss a session, you can do a make-up session at another groms program during the same term time.
Are wetsuits and boards provided?
Yes—Surfgroms coaches fit participants with wetsuits and supply boards as part of the lesson.
How long are the program options and what are the session lengths?
Options include a 3-session weekly program of 3 x 2 hours (6 hours total) and a 2-session holiday program of 2 x 3 hours (6 hours total).
Is there an admin fee or discounts?
A Surfing Australia admin fee of $25 is included in the program rate the first time you register in a season; returning groms in the same season may use a discount code for $20 off.
How this guide was prepared
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- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:10.311Z
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