Soul Surf School Ultimate Wave Rider

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Three surf lessons on consecutive days in Byron Bay that take you past standing up: paddling and pop-up timing, picking a wave, controlling your speed and making your first turns, plus the etiquette you need to surf on your own.

Days

3 lessons of 3 to 4 hours

Age

13 and over

Start / finish

Byron Bay / Byron Bay

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Group surf course over 3 days, up to 7 per coach

Accommodation

Not included

Transport

Free pick-up from Byron Bay and Lennox Head accommodation

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Soul Surf School Ultimate Wave Rider

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Included experiences

Lesson one — safety, paddling, pop-up and stance
Lesson two — longer rides with speed and weight control
Lesson three — wave selection and frontside and backside turns
Surfer's code — the etiquette to surf on your own

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EACH MORNING: PICK-UP AND THE DAY'S BEACH

Each lesson day starts with a free pick-up from your accommodation in Byron Bay or Lennox Head, around 8:30am from April to October and 9am in the warmer months. The coaches choose the beach on the morning, picking whichever of more than 10 breaks has the safest beginner waves, so you may surf somewhere new each day. Byron's main beaches face north, unusual on this coast, which shelters them from the big southerly swells. On the sand you suit up in a wetsuit or rash vest and get a soft learner board matched to your size and level.

LESSON ONE: PADDLING AND THE POP-UP

Day one starts in waist-deep water with easy waves and a run through ocean safety: how to read a rip, where to stand, how to hold the board. Then it's the foundations, paddling with good timing and a clean pop-up so your feet land in the right place. Each lesson runs 3 to 4 hours from pick-up to drop-off, with 1.5 to 2 hours in the water, and there are never more than 7 surfers to a coach. Every coach is a qualified surf instructor and surf life saver who knows the local breaks.

LESSON TWO: STANCE, SPEED AND FIRST TURNS

With standing up sorted, day two works on your stance and on moving your weight to speed the board up or slow it down. This is where riding a wave starts to feel like surfing. Your coach introduces the frontside turn, towards the face of the wave, and the backside turn, with your back to it, and you practise both in the water. Byron's beaches sit in the lee of Cape Byron, the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, and dolphins often surf the same waves on a good day.

LESSON THREE: CHOOSING YOUR WAVE

The last lesson puts it together. You learn to pick your own wave, reading which ones will break and which will close out, and to ride green (unbroken) waves where conditions allow, turning along the face. Your coach also covers the surfer's code, the etiquette of who goes on which wave, so you can paddle out on your own after the course. After three mornings in a row you're dropped back at your accommodation, ready to hire a board and keep going.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Free pick-up from your accommodation in Byron Bay or Lennox Head; the surf school is at 14 Bay Street, opposite Main Beach.
Departure time: Around 8:30am from April to October and 9am from October to April; your time is confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 13 years. Younger children have their own kids' lessons.
Fitness: Suits complete beginners as well as those who have had a lesson or two. You should be comfortable in waist-deep surf.
Please note: Lessons run in most conditions; if it is unsafe, your lesson is moved. Leave valuables at home or in storage at the shop.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Water bottle

What is included

3 group surf lessons of 3 to 4 hours on consecutive days
Soft learner surfboard suited to your level, wetsuit and rash vest
Free pick-up and drop-off from accommodation in Byron Bay and Lennox Head
Surf safety and ocean awareness coaching
Secure storage for valuables at the surf shop
10% off board and bike hire at the beachfront shop

Not included

Accommodation
Meals
Surf photo package (optional)

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.