Learn to Surf

★★★★★

Okay so I'm nearly 50 and I sincerely hate the ocean so daring myself to go try surfing was a really terrible way to start my midlife crisis. Yes… I was scared of the waves, the wetsuit was a new kinda 'urgh' feeling and the two other people in my surfing class were 1/2 my age, double my fitness and triple whatever other category you think is best (let's go with 'enthusiastic'). But even though I was really, really not in the mood to try surfing it was a super afternoon. All the gear was top notch. The instructions were clear and focused on safety. Within 20 minutes I was in the ocean. All those old Pearl Jam songs living rent free in my head since the early 90s were now blasting my subconciousness. I leapt onto the board and within seconds i was surfing like a pro. Ok, so I made that bit up. In fact, I was truly terrible at surfing. But for one hour I did my best, felt awesome for about 1.2 seconds and was happy to admit my place is not near surfers! Huge thanks to the awesome Mary for coaching me out there in the water. She was encouraging, kind and only laughed to laugh with me. So go on… have a go. You'll love it, or hate it..either way you'll have a real story to share. Highly recommended!

★★★★★

This was a wonderful experience. Archie was my instructor and he was fantastic. As a complete beginner, I felt super comfortable and supported. The instruction was thorough and lots of time in the water! I had the best time. So so so fun! Thank you!!

★★★★★

I had an amazing experience with Learn to Surf in Sumner! As an adult beginner, I felt comfortable, supported, and encouraged right from the start. Everything was explained clearly and in a way that made learning feel really fun! A huge shoutout to Minnie, who was an awesome instructor — motivating and brilliant at building confidence in the water. She created such a positive, relaxed vibe, and I quickly felt myself improving during the lesson. Highly recommend Learn to Surf to any adult beginners wanting to try surfing in Sumner. Such a great experience from start to finish 🌊🏄‍♀️✨

★★★★★

Aaron and the team at Learn to Surf have been a complete game changer for my surfing education. The group adult lessons coupled with the 24/7 access of the surf locker is an excellent and cost effective way to progress one’s surf education through the often frustrating beginner stages. Over approximately 2-½ months during my stay in Christchurch, I typically tried to do at least 1 group lesson and 1 surf locker rental with a partner per week. While it was definitely challenging, as I approach the end of my time here, I can confidently call myself an intermediate-beginner surfer. I can read the surf, paddle out reasonably quickly, catch at least a handful of green waves and both turn and speed up / slow down while on the wave. I have a decent understanding of the hazards and feel comfortable out in the water (even while getting pounded by a wave). I absolutely recommend Learn to Surf to anyone looking to progress their surfing skills. It probably won’t be easy, but the team will give you the tools and guidance you’ll need. With a little consistent perseverance and a laugh-at-a-bit-of-failure attitude, you’ll find yourself surfing before you know it. I can attest that it is in fact so fun! A special shout out to Orlando and Hamish, who were fantastic instructors during my education.

★★★★★

Amelie wink and Tom are such good instructors. i did surfing as a school sport after school. I didn't know how to do it before but I stood up many times and they taught me the propa way of standing up and i had so much fun with my friends 💗 I recommend this a lot.