Soul Surf School Surf and Stay 'The Shaka Package'

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The Shaka: two nights in a dorm at Soul Surf School's own beachside hostel in the middle of Byron Bay and two surf lessons of 3 to 4 hours, each building on the last, with board, wetsuit and transport to the beach included.

Days

2 nights, 2 surf lessons

Age

13 and over

Start / finish

Byron Bay / Byron Bay

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Surf lessons with a hostel stay

Accommodation

Hostel dorm at The Surf House, 2 nights

Transport

Transport to the beach for each lesson

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Soul Surf School Surf and Stay 'The Shaka Package'

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Included experiences

Byron Bay beaches — group surf lessons on the day's best beginner waves
Progressive coaching — from standing up to catching your own waves
The Surf House — rooftop terrace a minute from Main Beach

Soul Surf School Surf and Stay 'The Shaka Package'

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BYRON BAY AND YOUR FIRST LESSON

Check in from 2pm at The Surf House on Lawson Street, about a minute's walk from Main Beach. Your bed is in a shared dorm for two nights, with a free locker, wi-fi, a big shared kitchen and a rooftop terrace. Your first surf lesson is usually that same afternoon (arrive late and it moves to the next day). The crew drive you to the best beginner beach of the day, chosen from more than 10 around Byron Bay. No experience is needed: you start on a big soft board in waist-deep water, with no more than 7 surfers to a coach, learning ocean safety and how to stand up.

Overnight: Byron Bay, The Surf House (hostel dorm)

DAY 2: AFTERNOON LESSON

Your mornings are your own. A short walk from the hostel, a track climbs to Cape Byron, the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, where the lighthouse has stood since 1901 and humpback whales pass close in from June to November. Afternoons are lesson time, each 3 to 4 hours from pick-up to drop-off with 1.5 to 2 hours in the water, at a different beach as the swell allows. The lessons build on each other: paddling, catching your own waves, then stance and control as you improve. You can spread them over your stay rather than surfing every day.

Overnight: Byron Bay, The Surf House (hostel dorm)

DAY 3: CHECK-OUT

Check-out is at 10am. The hostel can hold your luggage, so there's time for a last swim at Main Beach, the patrolled beach at the bottom of town, or a coffee on the rooftop before you head on. Byron's surf shops will be glad to rent you a board if you want one more session on your own. If you spread your lessons out and still have one left, talk to the surf school about fitting it in.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Surf House, 23 Lawson Street, Byron Bay. Check-in from 2pm, check-out 10am.
Departure time: Lessons usually start in the afternoon, beginning on your arrival day; times are confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 13 years for group lessons.
Fitness: No surfing experience needed. Lessons are in waist-deep water, so you should be comfortable in the sea.
Suits: Beginners and intermediates.
Accommodation note: Shared dorm with a free locker per guest. Luggage can be stored at the hostel. Secure on-site parking has limited spaces.
Please note: Lessons run in most conditions; if the surf is unsafe, your lesson is moved. Don't bring valuables to lessons.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Water bottle

What is included

2 nights in a hostel dorm at The Surf House, Byron Bay
2 group surf lessons of 3 to 4 hours
Soft learner surfboard, wetsuit and rash vest
Transport between the hostel and the beach for lessons
Surf safety and progressive coaching
Discounts at the hostel bar and café

Not included

Meals
Private room upgrade (optional)
Surf photo package (optional)
Parking at the hostel (limited spaces)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.