Frequently Asked Questions

What are the locations?

Wellington Surf Lessons is based at Lyall Bay Beach (where the majority of lessons are held) and also goes mobile to catch the best surf conditions on the Kapiti Coast (Titahi Bay and Otaki) and occasionally Castlepoint, Wairarapa.

Note: We will only travel to spots outside of Wellington if there is no surf at Lyall Bay (Lyall Bay is closest to the city and has the best quality waves).

When do lessons take place?
We teach every day the surf is up and offer day sessions, special summer evening sessions from 6pm – 8pm on weekdays and also hold lessons over the weekend. During winter we only offer lessons on weekends or public holidays, unless you have a special group booking. We don’t have set lesson days and times as it is weather, surf and tide dependent. Please make sure you purchase a voucher then sign up to receive our TEXT ALERTS via the contact page so you can book in when ever the surf is up! – We send text alerts up 1-3 days before the surf classes and sometimes on the day if the surf picks up unexpectedly.
What is the lesson duration?
The lessons are for 2 hours and then after that students will have the option to do rentals if they’d like to keep surfing.
Click here to see our surf and rental vouchers!
How can I book lessons?
Simply visit the booking page and all the instructions will be there.

How the vouchers work:
Bookings can be made for any time of the year and the voucher is valid for 1 year from the purchase date.  Once you purchase this lesson, you will receive a voucher with a code which will enable you to book into the days you want to take your lessons.

On the voucher will be instructions on how to sign up for TEXT ALERTS – This way you can book in anytime and not miss a great surf session!

Please see our Recommended Lessons Section for a lesson plan you can follow.

What is the lesson cost?
First surf lesson is $85 (Including GST) for 2 hours (Includes all equipment such as surfboard and wetsuit – No extra booking fees included).
You can get discounts on mulitple lessons using our vouchers –
Click here to view voucher cost!
The same rates apply for adult and kids lessons.
If you bring your own wetsuit or surfboard to the lesson, there will be no reduction of lesson cost. We also recommend you learn on our especially designed learner soft-boards to begin with for safety reasons and ease of learning.
Further discounts apply for larger group bookings upon request via the contact page

What is the Lesson/Voucher Refund Policy?
No refunds are available after purchase.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Changing booking with less than 24 hours notice incurs a re-booking charge of $25 per person.

Important: If you cancel the lesson on the day of the booking you will be charged the full lesson rate.

Is all the equipment provided during the lesson?
Yes all equipment such as boards and wetsuits are included in the lesson at no extra cost so great value! – We also use the best surf school learner boards available and all our students rave over how good our wetsuits are.

What do I need know on the day of the lesson?

1) Please make sure you have our cell number 0211764073 on your phones and your phones are turned on so you can check our messages! This is important in case of a last minute location change.
2) Please don’t be late to the lesson otherwise you will hold everyone up.
3) If you have your own wetsuit and/or board then please bring them and let us know prior to the lesson via text asap if you are providing your own equipment.
4) Girls please be sure to arrive with your swim suits already on under your clothes as there will be no proper changing rooms at the beach.
Where do we meet on the day of the surf lessons?
Lyall Bay
Location 
Meet at our trailer by the new Surf Life Saving Club (The blue building). You should be able to our trailer next to it.
78 Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022
Wellington, New Zealand
What time do we meet?
This will be given to you once you have made the booking via text alert.
When will I know what time my lesson will be?
You will receive a text alert which will indicate available lesson times for you to book.
How do I pay for the lessons
To reserve a lesson you will need to buy a voucher from our website then book in via text alert. Sorry no eftpos machine at the beach.
Click here for full booking instructions.
Note: All equipment such as boards and wetsuits will be provided at the lesson at no extra cost.
What is the cost of rentals?
  • Board hire 2 Hours $35
  • Wetsuit hire 2 Hours $25
  • Board & Wetsuit hire package deal 2 Hours only $50.00
What should I bring to the lesson?
Togs
Towel
Sun Screen
Warm dry clothes to put on afterwards
Swim wear
Water bottle
Where can I store my belongings?
We have a vehicle at the beach where we can safely secure your belongings.  Please note we take no resonsibility for lost or stolen property.
How do kids lessons work?
For kids between the age of 5-12 we recommend the parent is also there with the child in the water or watching closely from the beach. The group lessons are a mixed class of adults and kids so you can surf with your kids! Or if you prefer, a private group lesson or birthday party can be arranged just for the kids. It is fine for kids to take part with the adult students as long as a parent is there to assist if they are 12 or under. Also some parents enjoy surfing together with their children. Wetsuit and board hire is available for the parents or they are welcome to book a lesson with the child.

Should I take group classes or private lessons?

We recommend all students take at least one group class first then look at taking a one on one private lesson. To learn the basics most students find the group classes to be just as effective as a private sessions and at half the cost. When you take a group lesson you will still get some one on one time in the water with the instructor and it will also be a lot more fun in a group learning environment. Private lessons work well for students wanting to fast track their surfing to ride unbroken waves at more of an intermediate – advance level. To book privates Text 0211764073 and request to sign up for text alerts for private lessons. For more info on private lessons click here!

Please see our recommended classes page for the best way to structure your lessons.

I would like to see my surf photos from the lessons.. where can I find them?
All the lesson pics are posted on facebook with in a week of you taking your lessons.
Do you do Surf Board & Wetsuit Rentals?
Rentals are available to those students who have taken some beginner classes and would like to practise on their own. Please make sure to visit this page to book a rental prior to arriving at the beach.
Do you sell vouchers?
Yes surf lesson vouchers can be bought and taken any time we are running classes.
How can I redeem my voucher?
Simply add the voucher code during the regular booking process on the booking page
I want to buy my own surf equipment.. how can I make the right choice and get the best value?
After you have taken all the classes and feel confident in the water it will be time to buy your own board and wetsuit. As a student of ours we will be able help guide you on the exact board and wetsuit you should buy.
How can I contact the team at WSL?
Below are ways you can contact us
Cell: 0211764073 (Speak to the manager anytime)
Instagram: Wellington Surf Lesson
I want to improve my surfing as quickly as possible, how many and what classes do you recommend I take?
Please click here to see recommended classes