CHRISTCHURCH SURF FIELD GUIDE
Two-Part Beginner Windsurfing in Christchurch — Learn Tacks, Gybes and On‑Water Safety in Two Focused Sessions
A flexible, instructor-led course for ages 8 and up that teaches core windsurfing skills (tacking, gybing, upwind/downwind sailing) across one or two 2‑hour sessions with wetsuits and buoyancy aids provided.
Two-Part Beginner Windsurfing in Christchurch — Learn Tacks, Gybes and On‑Water Safety in Two Focused Sessions.
Off the coast of Christchurch, ShoreSports’ two‑part beginner windsurfing course compresses the essentials of getting on a board and moving confidently across water into short, focused sessions—ideal for newcomers and families. The program emphasizes practical skills (how to get going efficiently, tacking, gybing, sailing upwind and downwind) alongside basic theory and safety advice, and can be booked as a single 2‑hour lesson or as two 2‑hour sessions spread to suit your schedule.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on sailing: tacks, gybes and directional control
The course focuses on the practical building blocks of windsurfing—getting moving efficiently, learning tacking and gybing, and managing upwind and downwind sailing—so beginners leave with usable on‑water skills.
Family‑friendly entry point: ages 8 and up
Group lessons are open to participants aged 8 years and older, making the course suitable for older children, teens and adults taking their first steps on a sailboard.
Low‑hassle learning: kit and scheduling flexibility
Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are supplied and included in the price, and you can book a single 2‑hour session or two 2‑hour sessions with flexibility over when the second session takes place.
What the day feels like
What the two‑part course feels like
Lessons move quickly between short shore briefings and hands‑on time on the water. Expect focused coaching on launching, balance and steering, then progressive practice of tacking and gybing with instructors providing safety guidance and basic theory between runs. If you choose the two‑session option, the second slot gives time to consolidate technique and extend practice beyond the basics.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided and included in the price; participants should bring a towel and any personal swimwear and be prepared to get wet.
All necessary wetsuits and buoyancy aids are supplied by the operator as part of the course.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is one part of the course?
One part of the course is 2 hours long; the complete beginner option is two sessions of 2 hours each.
Can I book just one session or do I have to take both?
You can choose to book a single 2‑hour session, or book two 2‑hour sessions; the operator is flexible about when the second session takes place.
What ages can take part?
Group lessons are open to participants aged 8 years and older.
Is equipment provided?
Yes—wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided and included in the price.
What will we learn in the course?
The course covers how to get going efficiently, tacking, gybing, sailing upwind and downwind, plus basic theory and safety advice.
How do I book if the online calendar is full?
If green squares are bookable online, grey squares indicate you should email the operator to ask about other possibilities.