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.
Adventure brief
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.
Situated along the picturesque coastline of New South Wales, Sawtell Beach is renowned for its soft sandy shores and gentle wave breaks—perfect for introducing kids to the thrill of surfing. Woolworths SurfGroms has carved out a reputation as one of the top family-friendly surf schools in the area, making it a go-to destination for young water adventurers ages 5 to 12. Their Holiday Surf Program offers more than just surf lessons; it’s a complete ocean safety education in a lively, engaging setting. Kids learn to stand on their boards during structured lessons that blend skill development with playful group activities, fostering confidence both in and out of the water. The program emphasizes safety, teaching young surfers rescue techniques and beach awareness, ensuring they enjoy a fun, educational experience that promotes respect for the ocean.
What sets Woolworths SurfGroms apart is its warm, supportive atmosphere led by experienced instructors passionate about fostering a love for water sports. The program’s location at Sawtell Beach means participants can hone their skills amid iconic coastal scenery, with its pristine sands and rolling waves providing a perfect classroom. The region itself is a magnet for families, with plenty of local cafes and shops, making it an ideal spot to spend a full day of water-based fun.
Whether your child is just starting out or looking to refine their skills, the surf program combines safety with excitement. It’s a fantastic way for young ones to gain confidence in the water while making new friends and creating unforgettable seaside memories. For families eager to introduce kids to surfing in a secure, lively environment, Woolworths SurfGroms on Sawtell Beach offers one of the best beginner programs in the region.
Route Schematic
Program Schematic — Four Days at Sawtell Beach
A sequential program that mixes beach briefings, skill practice and group games across multiple days to build surf and SUP competency and water-safety awareness.
Day 1 — Welcome and Beach Safety
Introductory session with a focus on ocean-awareness and beach-safety principles; children are introduced to equipment and basic balance and paddling drills.
Day 2 — SUP and Paddle Skills
Continued skill-building with supervised SUP work and paddling technique, reinforced through group games that promote teamwork and confidence in the water.
Day 3 — Surf Skills Progression
Progressive surf practice focused on wave selection, timing and basic maneuvers across the program’s incremental skill levels.
Day 4 — Consolidation and Games
Final day brings together safety drills and skill consolidation with group-based games and activities that reinforce learning outcomes.
This program is designed specifically for children and operates within the specified age limits; parents and guardians should verify suitability for their child and consult the operator for any health or participation considerations.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:09.647Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.