[k-k]

Just wondered if anyone knows of a good place for a total beginner to learn to surf, ideally someplace where someone teaches them.
We've a German student staying with us and she wants to try surfing so we thought we'd try and fit it in to our summer holiday.
I've seen websites for places in Raglan and Sumner but I wondered if anyone here had experience or info they could share.

Many thanks
Karen:)

[Park City Partner]

My partner took up surfing this year and took one lesson from the guy down at the Mount (here in Tauranga). He said it was great. One lesson and he was off...The main beach at the Mount is a good place to learn. Apparently it has a good rip that carries you out (less paddling) and then you surf back in....and then start all over again.

Raglan from what I understand is quite a hard core surf environment with the locals "shutting" out non-locals. I don't think it would be a good place to learn from what I hear...

Good luck.

[seattle]

There's also a guy on the Esplanade in Sumner that gives surf lessons (he has a van with a flag that advertises surf lessons so you can't miss hiim). We've seen a lot of people taking lessons with him and he's there all of the time.

[Jon-and-Lou]

Further up the north coast from Christchurch there's Waikuku Beach, which has a surf club, and they do lessons. Am sure there are other similar clubs at other beaches ... anyone know?

[k-k]

Thanks folks, that's a few places to look at though I think somewhere round Christchurch might be good then I can go into the city and shop.

I think the appeal of surfing has more to do with the culture than the actual surfing but since Katharina lives in a bit of a land locked part of Germany she is keen to give it a go. Then she can say she can surf as well as wearing all the named clothes!!:laugh

Thank again
Karen

[richard]

The kids and I had a lesson from this place last year:

http://surfsouth.co.nz/

I was in a group of about 6 adults and the kids got their own instructor. The shop is close to the beach so you get changed there then carry your board down to the sea.

Their site says that it is $45 for a 2 hour lesson and that includes board and wetsuit hire :nice1

[k-k]

Thanks Richard, that was one of the places I'd been thinking about.
One other question. Is one lesson enough or is it worth having a couple before venturing off on your own? One of the other places near ChCh gives 2 hour lessons and includes use of the board etc. for 2 further hours after the lesson. Obviously you had kids to pay for as well but did you think another lesson would have been useful, or is it better just to hire equipment the following day and play about.

Thanks for your help.
Karen

[richard]

Thanks Richard, that was one of the places I'd been thinking about.
Is one lesson enough or is it worth having a couple before venturing off on your own?

One of the other places near ChCh gives 2 hour lessons and includes use of the board etc. for 2 further hours after the lesson. Obviously you had kids to pay for as well but did you think another lesson would have been useful, or is it better just to hire equipment the following day and play about.

Thanks for your help.
Karen

To be honest I was shattered after the first hour :o

It is probably worth having a couple of lessons but have a rest in between!

Have a chat with the shop owners. They are a friendly bunch and should be able to advise you.