Great Value

School Holiday
Program

Two surf lessons a day, beach games, and new friends

2 or 4 days
Ages 6-16
$199
Quick DETAILS
School HOLIDAY Program

Two surf sessions every day, beach games, new mates, real progression & fun in the water. Canterbury school holidays don’t get much better than this.

 

Expect engaged youth surfing waves with unparalleled coaching and supervision

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM $199

What you get
  • 4 surf lessons over 2 days, or 8 surf lessons over 4 days, two every day
  • Premium learner boards, full 4/3 wetsuit and rash vest every session
  • Beach games and activities between surf sessions
  • Ocean safety and wave awareness coaching built into every day
  • Kids grouped by age and ability so everyone is challenged at the right level
  • ISA qualified instructors with the kids the whole time
  • Maximum 1:6 instructor ratio throughout

Each day runs from 9am to 1pm and is packed from start to finish. Two proper surf sessions with a lunch break and beach activities in between. There’s always something happening.

 

A typical day at Sumner Beach:

  • 8.30am to 9.00am – Drop off and sign in
  • 9.00am – Welcome and beach safety briefing
  • 9.30am – First surf session
  • 11.00am – Lunch break and beach games
  • 11.30am – Second surf session
  • 1.00pm – Pick up

Skills build progressively across the days. Surfers are grouped by age and ability so no one is bored and no one is left behind. By the end most surfers are catching waves independently and already asking when the next one is.

The School Holiday Program runs during Terms 1, 3 and 4 school holidays at Sumner Beach.

 

Term 3, 2026 28 & 29 September | 1 & 2 October | 5 & 6 October | 8 & 9 October

Term 4, 2026 14 & 15 December | 17 & 18 December | 21 & 22 December | 23 & 24 December

Term 1, 2027 12 & 13 April | 14 & 15 April | 19 & 20 April | 21 & 22 April

 

Programs fill fast. Book early to lock in your preferred dates.

For Christmas holiday surfing, check out the Summer Surf Program.

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

  •  
  • ISA qualified surf instructors
  • Surf rescue and first aid certified
  • Maximum 1:6 instructor to surfer ratio, younger kids get extra attention
  • All sessions in supervised, waist to chest deep water
  • Fully managed drop off program with sign in and sign out at Sumner Beach

 

We have real experience working with neurodiverse kids and children with learning, behavioural or physical challenges. Don’t worry if your child has specific needs. Get in touch before booking and we’ll make sure the program works for them.

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 on waves and keep them coming back.

  • Equipment built for Canterbury. Brand new premium learner boards and top quality 4/3 wetsuits designed for the conditions here. Optional booties and hoods available for early and late season.

  • Dedicated kids programs. This isn’t a one size fits all lesson. Kids are grouped by age and ability, coached progressively and genuinely looked after from drop off to pick up.

  • 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.

  • Keep them going. Afterschool surfing, summer programs and overnight camps mean the progression doesn’t have to stop when the holidays do.
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Does my child need to be able to swim?

No. All surfing is done in waist to chest deep water with an instructor nearby the whole time. We work with kids of all confidence levels in the water.

 

How young is too young?

We take kids from age 6. If your child is confident in or around water and keen to give it a go, they’re ready. Not sure? Give us a call and we’ll talk it through.

 

What actually happens if my kid is nervous on day one?

It happens more than you’d think and our instructors are genuinely good at it. We ease kids in at their own pace, never force anything and by the time they catch their first wave the nerves are long gone.

 

Is the 2 day or 4 day program better?

Both are great but the 4 day program is where you really see the transformation. Two days gets them up and riding. Four days builds real confidence and independent surfing. If budget allows, go the four days.

 

What if my child is already a confident surfer?

Perfect. We group kids by ability so your child won’t be stuck doing beginner drills. They’ll be pushed to the next level with kids at a similar stage.

 

Do I need to stay during the program?

No. This is a fully supervised drop off program. Drop them off at 9am and pick up at 1pm. Our instructors manage everything from arrival through to sign out.

 

What if the weather is bad?

We run rain or shine. Kids are in wetsuits and in the water anyway. If conditions are genuinely unsafe we’ll contact you in advance and offer a reschedule or credit.

 

Can my child bring their own gear?

Yes. We’ll check it suits the conditions and provide our gear if needed, all included in the program price.

 

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

Yes, and this is something we’re experienced with. We’ve worked with a wide range of needs and always adapt our approach. Contact us before booking and we’ll work out what’s best.

 

Hear from LOCAL parents

School holidays sorted at Sumner Beach.

reviews christchurch surf lessons sumner new zealand
Honestly the best money I've spent these school holidays. My daughter went from never having surfed to catching waves on her own by day three. The instructors were incredible with her age group.
★★★★★


Pip T
reviews christchurch surf lessons sumner new zealand
Signed my 8 year old up on a bit of a whim and it was the best decision. He talked about nothing else for the rest of the holidays. Already nagging me to book the next one.
★★★★★


Dan W
reviews christchurch surf lessons sumner new zealand
Three kids, three different ability levels and all three had the time of their lives. The way the instructors manage a mixed group is impressive. Really well run from start to finish.
★★★★★


Steph
reviews christchurch surf lessons sumner new zealand
As a parent you want drop off programs you can actually trust. This is one of them. Professional, safe, genuinely fun and my kids came home exhausted and happy every day. What more do you want.
★★★★★


Mark O

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