Small Feet, Big Waves: SurfGroms at Park Beach, Dodges Ferry

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.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Dodges Ferry
Operator
Coastrider Surf Academy - SurfGroms
Category
Surf
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Skill levels, logbooks 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.

Beach-first coaching and in-water practice
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.

Program structure, make-ups and included insurance
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.

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.

Skill levels, logbooks 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.

Beach-first coaching and in-water practice

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.

Program structure, make-ups and included insurance

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.

1
MiniGroms (5–8 years)Ideal for young first-timers and early learners: MiniGroms receive age-appropriate coaching and are grouped by skill level to learn fundamentals and ocean awareness.
2
SuperGroms (9–12 years)Designed for older children who can progress through higher skill levels and take on more advanced in-water coaching within SurfGroms’ Level 1–5 structure.
3
First-time surfersFirst-time participants start at Level 1 and receive structured, safety-focused instruction appropriate to newcomers to the sport.
4
Returning GromsReturning participants continue through the skill-level pathway with prior-season logbook progress recognised; returning groms may be eligible for a discount code off the program fee.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Programs

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.

Meeting & Check-in

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.

What the operator provides

Coastrider coaches supply wetsuits and boards and will fit participants prior to entering the water.

Booking, fees and make-ups

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.

Booking Notice

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.