COFFS HARBOUR WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Four Days of Play-Based Surf and SUP at Sawtell Beach — a holiday program built for kids who want to learn and stay safe in the surf
A four-day Holiday Surf Program for children aged 5–12 that combines surf and stand-up paddle lessons with ocean-awareness and beach-safety training; this guide explains what to expect and how the program is structured.
Four Days of Play-Based Surf and SUP at Sawtell Beach — a holiday program built for kids who want to learn and stay safe in the surf.
Solitary Islands Surf School’s Holiday Surf Program — run under the Woolworths SurfGroms banner — delivers an engaging surf and SUP experience for children aged 5–12 at Sawtell Beach. Lessons use group-based games to teach core ocean skills across five incremental levels while embedding ocean awareness, surf survival and rescue techniques, and basic first-aid and beach-safety principles in a positive, supportive environment.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Play-first, skill-forward: group games that teach
SurfGroms structures lessons around group-based games to keep children engaged while they acquire paddle, balance and wave-reading skills. The approach is intentionally designed to create a positive and supportive learning environment for young participants.
Ocean awareness, beach safety and rescue techniques
Beyond riding waves, the program teaches ocean-awareness, surf survival, basic first aid and beach-rescue techniques so children learn how to stay safe and respond appropriately to changing surf conditions.
Four-day progression through five skill levels
The Holiday Surf Program runs as a multi-day course that advances children through SurfGroms’ five incremental skill levels, giving them repeated practice in both surf and SUP contexts while reinforcing safety lessons.
What the day feels like
What the four-day program feels like
Expect four days of structured, game-driven sessions where instructors blend short on-beach briefings with in-water practice on boards and SUPs. Each day focuses on incremental skill gains—paddling, balance, wave selection and safety drills—framed by playful group activities to keep energy high and learning steady.
THE LEARNING METHOD
Play-first, skill-forward: group games that teach
SurfGroms structures lessons around group-based games to keep children engaged while they acquire paddle, balance and wave-reading skills. The approach is intentionally designed to create a positive and supportive learning environment for young participants.
SAFETY & RESCUE
Ocean awareness, beach safety and rescue techniques
Beyond riding waves, the program teaches ocean-awareness, surf survival, basic first aid and beach-rescue techniques so children learn how to stay safe and respond appropriately to changing surf conditions.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Four-day progression through five skill levels
The Holiday Surf Program runs as a multi-day course that advances children through SurfGroms’ five incremental skill levels, giving them repeated practice in both surf and SUP contexts while reinforcing safety lessons.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Holiday Surf Program is offered as a multi-day (four-day) course. Confirm exact daily start and finish times with Solitary Islands Surf School — SurfGroms before booking.
Parents should check with the operator for the operator’s recommended kit list and any items participants should supply; confirm whether boards or wetsuits are provided.
The program takes place at Sawtell Beach in Coffs Harbour; contact Solitary Islands Surf School — SurfGroms or the program listing for precise meeting-location details and drop-off arrangements.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages is the Holiday Surf Program for?
The program is for children aged 5–12.
How long does the program run?
The Holiday Surf Program is structured as a four-day course.
What activities are included?
Lessons include both surf and stand-up paddle (SUP) experiences, combined with group-based games to teach skills and confidence in the water.
Does the program teach water safety?
Yes — the curriculum includes ocean-awareness, beach-safety, surf-survival and rescue techniques, and basic first-aid instruction.
Who operates the program?
The program is run by Solitary Islands Surf School under the Woolworths SurfGroms framework.
How much does the program cost?
The listed rate for the program is $135.