Premium wide learner softboard matched to your size and abilityCommercial grade 4/3 full wetsuit built for Canterbury watersRash vest includedFull beach safety and ocean awareness briefingTwo solid hours covering safety, technique and in the water with a qualified instructorMaximum of 6 surfers per instructor. Every person gets coached, not just watched

ISA-qualified instructorsSurf rescue and first aid certified1:6 maximum instructor ratioWaist to chest deep water, supervised throughoutSumner is one of the most reliable beginner breaks on the Canterbury coast Not a confident swimmer?Dont worry, you’ll be in waist to chest deep water with your instructor beside you from start to finish. Ocean confidence is part of what we teach.

2 Hour Surf Lesson, Sumner Beach - From $69

2 hour
surf lessons

Sumner Beach. Expert coaches. Your first wave.

2 hrs

Ages 6+

From $69

Quick DETAILS

When: Daily, 11.00am or 3.00pm
Where: Sumner Beach, Christchurch
Price: $79 Adults | $69 Youth
Group size: Maximum 6 surfers per instructor
Everthing provided: Premium learner board, full 4/3 wetsuit and rash vest

2 HOUR surf lessons

Canterbury’s best two hours on the water. Whether you’ve never touched a surfboard or you’re dusting off some old skills, this is where it starts. Small groups, professional coaching and a beach that was made for learning.

2 HR SURF LESSON FR $69 pp

2hr surf lessons Christchurch surf lessons Sumner New Zealand

What you get

Premium wide learner softboard matched to your size and ability
Commercial grade 4/3 full wetsuit built for Canterbury waters
Rash vest included
Full beach safety and ocean awareness briefing
Two solid hours covering safety, technique and in the water with a qualified instructor
Maximum of 6 surfers per instructor. Every person gets coached, not just watched

Your session

You start on the sand. Your instructor walks you through how the ocean works, what to watch for and exactly what you’re going to do before anyone goes near the water.

Then you’re in. Your instructor is in the water with you the whole time, not watching from the beach.

Haven’t surfed before: You’ll cover ocean safety, how to read the water, paddling technique, pop-up and your first waves. Most first-timers are riding by the end of the session.

Been in the water before: Tell your instructor and the session adjusts. Wave selection, timing, turns and building consistency. Real progression, not a repeat of lesson one.

When it runs

Daily throughout the season at Sumner Beach.

Morning: 11.00am
Afternoon: 3.00pm

Times can vary between week days, weekends & holidays
Check exact times when booking online

Summer and school holidays book out fast. Secure your spot early.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel, water bottle and warm clothes for after. That’s it. Everything in the water is taken care of.

In good hands

ISA-qualified instructors
Surf rescue and first aid certified
1:6 maximum instructor ratio
Waist to chest deep water, supervised throughout
Sumner is one of the most reliable beginner breaks on the Canterbury coast

Not a confident swimmer?

Dont worry, you’ll be in waist to chest deep water with your instructor beside you from start to finish. Ocean confidence is part of what we teach.

Why choose Christchurch Surf Lessons?

We’ve been doing this for a long time. Here’s what makes the difference.

Instructors who actually surf. ISA-qualified, 10+ years of coaching experience and lifelong surfers. They know how to read the water and how to get you on waves fast.
Equipment built for Canterbury. Brand new premium learner boards and commercial grade 4/3 wetsuits designed for the conditions here. Optional booties and hoods available for early and late season.
Lesson plans that work. Our structured, progressive programs are designed around one goal: getting you riding waves. Not theory. Not standing on the sand. Actually surfing.
A school behind you. Operating throughout New Zealand for 25+ years with a dedicated leadership team. Every session is planned, coached and delivered to the same high standard.
More than one lesson. When you’re ready to go further, we have next step programs, school holiday camps and overnight camps to keep your surfing moving. We’re here for the whole journey, not just the first wave.

Your questions answered

Do I need to be able to swim?

No. Every session runs in waist-deep water with your instructor right beside you. We welcome complete beginners and those nervous about the ocean.

What happens if conditions are bad?

We run in most weather. If the ocean is unsafe we’ll reschedule and contact you directly ahead of time.

What if I’ve had a lesson somewhere else before?

Tell your instructor at the start. They’ll assess where you’re at and pitch the session accordingly. You won’t be repeating the basics if you don’t need to.

Is Sumner Beach suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. It’s one of the most consistent learner breaks on the Canterbury coast and our instructors know it inside out. It’s the right beach for this lesson.

Can I bring my own gear?

Absolutely. Your instructor will check it works for the day. If it doesn’t, we have everything you need included in the price.

Can I book multiple lessons?

Yes, and we’d recommend it. Multi lesson options are available at checkout. The progression between sessions is where the real improvement happens.

Hear from oUR SURFERS

Real people, real waves, real Sumner Beach.

Honestly didn't think I'd get up on my first go but I did! Stoked.

★★★★★

Nadia T

My kids are already asking when they can come back. Watching them ride their first waves at Sumner was such a cool moment as a dad. The instructor was great with them, really patient.

★★★★★

Craig Wilson

Great way to spend a Saturday morning. Small group, good vibes and a proper lesson not just someone pointing at waves. Will be back.

★★★★★

Mel

I was pretty nervous about the whole thing honestly. Not a strong swimmer and wasn't sure if it was for me. But the safety briefing settled me and before I knew it I was in the water catching waves. Couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

★★★★★

Anna Fitzgerald