6 x 75-minute coached surf sessions at Sumner BeachPremium learner board, full 4/3 wetsuit and rash vest every sessionSmall group coaching, maximum 6 surfers per instructorA different skill focus each week with live in water feedbackProgressive surf skills tracking across all 6 weeksYouth are grouped by age and ability throughout

The Afterschool Surfing Club runs once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Same time slot, same crew, same beach. That consistency is the whole point. Kids & teens build friendships, build skills, and build genuine ocean confidence.Surfers either join the earlier group for Primary & intermediate aged kids or our later secondary school aged youth classEach 75 minute session follows a simple structure: Arrive and gear up – wetsuits on, boards readyWarm-up and land drills – beach-based skills before hitting the waterSurf session – focused on that week’s skill (pop-up, wave selection, paddling technique, turning)Wrap-up and feedback – what went well, what to work on next week Skills build progressively across the 6 weeks. We track each surfer’s development so no one is left behind and no one gets bored. By the end of the program, most surfers are catching waves independently and asking when they can join another program or camp.

ISA qualified surf instructorsSurf rescue and first aid certifiedMaximum 1:6 instructor to surfer ratio throughoutAll sessions in supervised, waist to chest deep water at Sumner BeachYounger and more vulnerable youth always get extra attentionWe have genuine experience supporting neurodiverse youth and children with learning, behavioral or physical challenges. Don’t worry if your child has specific needs. Get in touch before booking and we’ll work out what’s best for them.

Afterschool Surfing - Christchurch Surf Lessons

Extremely Popular

Afterschool
Surfing

Six weeks of real surfing. Real progression. Right here at Sumner Beach.

6 weeks

Ages 6-18

$199

Quick DETAILS

After School Surfing Program

One session a week, six weeks in a row, the same crew, the same beach. That consistency is what turns a child or young adult who’s tried surfing into one who is surfing. This isn’t a one off lesson. It’s a proper program.

AFTERSCHOOL SURFING $199

After School Surfing Christchurch surf lessons Sumner New Zealand

What you get

6 x 75-minute coached surf sessions at Sumner Beach
Premium learner board, full 4/3 wetsuit and rash vest every session
Small group coaching, maximum 6 surfers per instructor
A different skill focus each week with live in water feedback
Progressive surf skills tracking across all 6 weeks
Youth are grouped by age and ability throughout

How it works

The Afterschool Surfing Club runs once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Same time slot, same crew, same beach. That consistency is the whole point. Kids & teens build friendships, build skills, and build genuine ocean confidence.

Surfers either join the earlier group for Primary & intermediate aged kids or our later secondary school aged youth class

Each 75 minute session follows a simple structure:

Arrive and gear up – wetsuits on, boards ready
Warm-up and land drills – beach-based skills before hitting the water
Surf session – focused on that week’s skill (pop-up, wave selection, paddling technique, turning)
Wrap-up and feedback – what went well, what to work on next week

Skills build progressively across the 6 weeks. We track each surfer’s development so no one is left behind and no one gets bored. By the end of the program, most surfers are catching waves independently and asking when they can join another program or camp.

When it runs

The program runs once a week for 6 consecutive weeks during Terms 1 and 4. Choose your preferred day and time at checkout.

Term 4 2026 and Term 1 2027

Tuesdays: 4.00pm or 5.15pm

Wednesdays: 4.00pm or 5.15pm

Thursdays: 4.00pm or 5.15pm

Saturdays: 9.00am or 10.15am

Generally the 4.00pm and 9.00am sessions are for primary & intermediate ages and the 5.15pm for secondary school ages. However if siblings are joining we understand may be the need to join the same session.

Exact start dates and availability are shown at checkout. Sessions fill quickly so book early to lock in your preferred day and time.

What to bring

Swimwear, towel, water bottle, snacks if needed and warm clothes for after. All surf equipment is provided. If your surfer has their own gear they’re welcome to bring it along.

In good hands

ISA qualified surf instructors
Surf rescue and first aid certified
Maximum 1:6 instructor to surfer ratio throughout
All sessions in supervised, waist to chest deep water at Sumner Beach
Younger and more vulnerable youth always get extra attention

We have genuine experience supporting neurodiverse youth and children with learning, behavioral or physical challenges. Don’t worry if your child has specific needs. Get in touch before booking and we’ll work out what’s best for them.

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 get kids stoked and keep them coming back week after week.
Equipment built for Canterbury. Brand new premium learner boards and quality 4/3 wetsuits designed for the conditions here. Optional booties and hoods available for early and late season.
A program with structure. Each session has a skill focus, each week builds on the last and we track every surfer’s progress across the six weeks. This is coaching, not babysitting.
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.
What comes next. When the six weeks are done, there’s a natural next step. School holiday programs, summer programs and overnight camps keep the progression going year round.

Your questions answered

My child has never surfed before. Is this the right starting point?

It’s one of the best starting points we offer. Six weeks of progressive coaching at the same beach builds the kind of confidence and ability that a single lesson never can. Complete beginners are very welcome.

Does my child need to be able to to swim?

We welcome poor swimmers. Your surfer will be in waist to chest depth water with their feet on the ocean sand.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We surf in almost all conditions and some of the best sessions happen when its raining. If the ocean is genuinely unsafe, we’ll reschedule that session. We’ll always let you know in advance by email.

Can my surfer bring their own surfboard and wetsuit?

Yes, and we encourage it if they have gear. We’ll check it’s right for the conditions and if it’s not suitable that day, we’ve got everything they need. Remember you don’t need the gear, we supply everything.

What’s the instructor to surfer ratio?

Whist NZ regulations is maximum 1 instructor to 8 surfers, we target a maximum of 1 instructor for every 6 surfers. Younger or more vulnerable kids always get extra attention.

What if my child misses a session?

Life happens. If they miss a session we’ll do our best to make sure they don’t fall behind. Our instructors are experienced at bringing kids back up to speed. Its a 6 week program and we cant offer a make up session at another time.

My child is on the older end of the age range. Will they be with much younger kids?

No. We group by age and ability, not just age. The 4pm classes are for primary and intermediate students, The 5.15pm class is for high school students. Older and more experienced youth are coached together and pushed accordingly.

My child has additional learning or physical needs. Can they still join?

Yes, this is something we’re genuinely good at. We’ve worked with a wide range of needs and always adapt our coaching approach. Contact us before booking and we’ll have a chat about what’s best.

Hear from other parents

Best value surf program for local youth.

What I love most is how much the instructors actually know each surfer by the end of the six weeks. It's not just coaching, it's genuine relationship building. My daughter came home happy every single week without fail.👌

★★★★★

Sarah K

My son is 9 and had zero interest in any sport until this. Now he talks about surfing constantly. By week four he was catching waves on his own and by week six he didn't want it to end. Already signed up for next term.

★★★★★

James T

We've tried a few different after school activities and this one just clicked. The combination of being outside, in the ocean and learning something genuinely cool has been amazing for my boys confidence. Highly recommend.

★★★★★

Mike

Booked it thinking it would be a fun term activity. Didn't expect my daughter to fall completely in love with surfing. She's now asking about camps and whether she can surf competitively. Safe to say it worked.

★★★★★

Ngaire