SurfGroms program at Hungry Head

Joe Rattray from Coffs Coast Surf Tours said the kids who came along to the classes in December started learning on the sand and quickly progressed to the excitement of catching their first wave.

“On the beach, the kids learn how to position themselves on the surfboard and the steps to stand up,” Joe said.

“Then we enter the water and push them onto small wave and we have them up in the first session!

“Seeing their faces light up is amazing, and their excitement spreads to just about everyone on the beach.”

Joe said the kids run around high-fiving each other, stoked by their new capabilities.

 The program has five distinct skill levels to achieve, each level with its own set of objectives and goals.

Joe said that four days is not long enough to learn everything and pass level 5 –  that takes a few more lessons – but as the photographs in the gallery attest, they come a long way in the time available.

The four-day program costs $145 and includes the $25 Surfing Australia administration fee and a Rip Curl pack valued at $160. Booking a subsequent session is $120.

Joe said parents can use the Active Kids Voucher of $100, which every child enrolled in school is eligible for, as part of their payment.

Participants don’t need to be strong swimmers but they do need to be confident in shallow water.

“Ideally they should be able to swim a little, but our coaches are always on hand to look after them,” Joe said.

“We will run more sessions in the Easter Holidays and we would love to see the schools of the Bellinger Valley take this program on as part of their curriculum.

“The ocean awareness and beach safety skills are extremely important, as we are surrounded by beautiful beaches and waterways throughout this region.”

The last SurfGroms courses for these summer holidays start on January 17 and bookings can be made via https://www.surfgroms.com/school/coffs-coast-surf-tours/

Related: Kids learn to surf and stay safe