Salty Safaris Group Surfing Lessons

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A group surf lesson on Dee Why Beach with Dee Why Salty Surf School, a Surfing NSW registered school whose coaches hold Level 2 coaching and ocean lifeguard awards. Board, wetsuit and sunscreen are supplied, so you just turn up at the beach.

Days

1 to 1.5 hours

Group size

Group lesson

Start / finish

Dee Why Beach / Dee Why Beach

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way to Dee Why Beach

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Salty Safaris Group Surfing Lessons

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Included experiences

Dee Why Beach — ocean safety and reading the surf with your coach
Fundamentals — paddling, positioning and reading the waves
In the water — catch waves with hands-on coaching
Surf school base — rinse off in the showers and change rooms

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MEET YOUR COACH ON THE SAND

Your lesson starts on the sand in front of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club, by the surf school's flag and sign, or the school van in the car park behind the club. Check in 15 minutes early so you don't miss the safety briefing. Your coach, a Level 2 Surfing NSW coach who also holds an ocean lifeguard award, fits you out with a soft board, leash, wetsuit and rash vest, plus sunscreen and zinc. Dee Why Beach is a good place to learn, with a long, patrolled stretch of sand between Dee Why Lagoon at its northern end, a wildlife refuge for waterbirds, and the Long Reef headland to the south.

ON THE BEACH: SAFETY AND THE BASICS

Before anyone gets wet, your coach walks the group through ocean safety: how to spot a rip, where to sit in the line-up and how to fall off without hurting yourself or anyone else. Then come the fundamentals on the sand, lying on the board to paddle, finding the right spot on it, and the pop-up from lying to standing. It is practice that pays off the moment you meet your first wave, and the group setting makes it relaxed and social.

IN THE WATER: CATCHING WAVES

Out in the white water you put it all together: paddling, positioning, reading the waves and timing your take-off, with your coach beside you calling the waves. Beginners work on catching waves and standing up, while intermediate and advanced surfers move on to turning. The session runs one to one and a half hours, depending on the size of the group, which is long enough to feel the progress without wearing yourself out.

AFTER THE SURF

Back on the beach you hand in the gear and can rinse off and change in the showers and change rooms at the school's base, a short walk from the sand. If you've caught the bug, the school sells packs of three or five lessons. The cafés along The Strand, right behind the beach, are the obvious next stop for a coffee.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: On the sand in front of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club, by the surf school's flag and sign (or the school van in the car park behind the club). The school is not inside the club. Check in 15 minutes before your lesson.
Departure time: Lessons run at set times through the week; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on group size.
Fitness: You must be able to swim at least 50 metres unassisted.
Suits: Friends, families and solo surfers, from first-timers to advanced.
Please note: Late arrivals may miss the safety briefing and not be able to join. Lessons are cancelled for unsafe conditions.

What is included

Group surf lesson with a qualified coach
Soft surfboard and leash
Wetsuit and rash vest
Sunscreen and zinc

Not included

Transport to Dee Why Beach

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.