90 minute private coaching session at Sumner BeachFully dedicated instructor focused entirely for your or your goupPremium learning board matched to your size and abilityCommercial grade 4/3 full wetsuit built for Canterbury watersRash vest includedPersonalised in water coaching and feedback throughoutStructured around your goals, your ability and your pace

Private lessons start with a proper conversation. Before anyone gets near the water your instructor will talk through your experience, what you want to work on and what you want to get out of the session. Everything from there is built around that. First time in the water:Ocean and beach safety at SumnerPaddling, pop-up technique and riding your first wavesBuilding real confidence from session one Been surfing before:Wave selection, timing and generating speedGetting out the back and catching unbroken wavesTurning technique, positioning and reading conditions Each session follows a clear structure: Beach briefing – safety, technique and a game plan for your sessionIn-water coaching – live feedback while you surf, not from the beachWrap-up – what went well and what to focus on next time

ISA qualified instructorsSurf rescue and first aid certifiedFully dedicated instructor for your group. No split attention, no distractionsWaist to chest deep water with optional out the back coachingSumner is one of the most reliable beginner breaks on the Canterbury coast We have real experience coaching kids from age 4, nervous first timers, families and surfers returning after time away from the water. Don’t worry if you have specific needs or questions before booking. We have you covered

Private Surf Lesson, Sumner - From $99 - Christchurch Surf Lessons

Quick Progression

Private
surf lessons

Your instructor, Your pace at Sumner Beach

90 min

Ages 4+

FR $99

Quick DETAILS

Private surf lessons

The fastest way to improve your surfing. One instructor, entirely focused on you. No group waiting around, no one else’s pace to follow. Just real, targeted coaching from the moment you hit the water

PRIVATE SURF LESSON FR $99

Private Surf lesson Christchurch Surf Lessons Christchurch Sumner New Zealand-

Private Surf lesson Christchurch Surf Lessons Christchurch Sumner New Zealand-Private Surf lesson Christchurch Surf Lessons Christchurch Sumner New Zealand-

What you get

90 minute private coaching session at Sumner Beach
Fully dedicated instructor focused entirely for your or your goup
Premium learning board matched to your size and ability
Commercial grade 4/3 full wetsuit built for Canterbury waters
Rash vest included
Personalised in water coaching and feedback throughout
Structured around your goals, your ability and your pace

Your session

Private lessons start with a proper conversation. Before anyone gets near the water your instructor will talk through your experience, what you want to work on and what you want to get out of the session. Everything from there is built around that.

First time in the water:

Ocean and beach safety at Sumner
Paddling, pop-up technique and riding your first waves
Building real confidence from session one

Been surfing before:

Wave selection, timing and generating speed
Getting out the back and catching unbroken waves
Turning technique, positioning and reading conditions

Each session follows a clear structure:

Beach briefing – safety, technique and a game plan for your session
In-water coaching – live feedback while you surf, not from the beach
Wrap-up – what went well and what to focus on next time

When it runs

Private lessons run daily throughout the season at Sumner Beach. Morning and afternoon sessions available.

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

Sessions book out fast through summer and school holidays. Secure your spot early.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel, hat, water bottle and warm clothes for after. Everything in the water is taken care of.

If you have your own gear, bring it along and your instructor will check it works for the day.

In good hands

ISA qualified instructors
Surf rescue and first aid certified
Fully dedicated instructor for your group. No split attention, no distractions
Waist to chest deep water with optional out the back coaching
Sumner is one of the most reliable beginner breaks on the Canterbury coast

We have real experience coaching kids from age 4, nervous first timers, families and surfers returning after time away from the water. Don’t worry if you have specific needs or questions before booking. We have you covered

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 soft and hard boards including 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

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely. Most of our private lesson bookings are first-timers. Your instructor starts from scratch and will have you riding waves within the session.

Why choose a private lesson over a group lesson?

If you want faster progress, a session built entirely around your ability, or you just prefer not surfing with other people, private is the answer. It costs a fraction more based on 2 people, but the difference in what you get out of it is significant.

Can kids do a private lesson?

Yes. We coach kids from age 4 and run great family sessions. Private lessons are a fantastic option for younger kids who benefit from more focused, one-on-one attention.

How many people can join?

Private lessons work for one person right up to small groups. Pricing is $199 for 1-2 people, $299 for 3 surfers, and $59 for each additional person. For larger groups contact us to talk through options.

Can we choose what we work on during the session?

Yes. Your instructor will have a conversation with you before anyone gets in the water. Come with goals and they’ll build the session around them.

Can I bring my own board or wetsuit?

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

How many people can join a private lesson?

Private lessons work for 1 person right up to small groups. Pricing is $199 for 1-2 people, $299 for 3 surfers, and $59 for each additional person. For larger groups of 8 or more, contact us to discuss a group booking.

How experienced are your instructors?

All ISA certified, first aid trained and surf rescue awarded. They’re experienced surfers with many years instructing and they genuinely love what they do.

Is it worth booking more than one private lesson?

If you’re serious about improving, yes. A single session will get you going but a series of lessons is where real transformation happens. Talk to your instructor at the end of the session about what to focus on next.

Hear from oUR SURFERS

The best private surf lesson on the Canterbury coast

Booked a private lesson for our family of three and it was the highlight of our whole trip. The instructor was brilliant with our 10 year old and made sure all of us caught plenty of waves. Felt completely safe and so much fun. Can't recommend it enough.

★★★★★

The Harris Family
Auckland

Best surf lesson I have had. Turned up not knowing what to expect and left completely stoked. Was next level coaching, was standing and then turning. Proper feedback the whole way through. Well worth it.

★★★★★

Jamie D
Timaru

Called and booked over the phone. Organised a private lesson as a birthday gift for my husband who has always wanted to learn. Our instructor tailored the whole session around him and by the end he was catching waves on his own. He hasn't stopped talking about it. Worth every cent.

★★★★★

Michelle D
Auckland

Ive had lessons at a few different places and this was by far the best experience. The instructor read my level straight away and pushed me in the right direction the whole session. Sumner is a great beach for it too.

★★★★★

Adam K
Christchurch